Springfield, Mo. (ozarkssportszone.com)  -- A first-year head coach is often afforded an adjustment period of a few seasons before they are expected to produce optimal results. Fightin’ Irish coach Tom Guinn decided to pass on this option last November when his team captured it's first ever state championship to cap off a phenomenal 23-1 season. 

Making the victory even sweeter was that the Irish had made it to the championship game in both 2009 and 2010, falling to Whitfield 1-0 on both occasions. 

“It felt great to finally exorcise the demons and get over the top for the win” said Guinn. “All credit goes to the players and the supporters of our team for being so resilient and faithful all along”.

The Irish hope to repeat their 2011 campaign this year with the leadership of a small but talented senior class. Evan Craig and Mitch Moncada will be leading the offensive attack as they look to build on a season during which each of them scored over 30 goals and were named all-state. Moncada was also named Class 1 Co-Offensive Player of the Year. Speaking of his dynamic scoring duo, Guinn notes that Craig “creates havoc for the other team” and Moncada “can create something out of nothing…he really has a nose for the goal."

Backing up the stellar offensive attack is an equally impressive defense led by goalkeeper James Straus and Danny Renner. Straus only allowed nine goals in 30 games last year. Guinn praises his ability to be excellent with both his hands and his feet.

Renner’s size and physicality are huge factors in his ability to win balls out of the air. He also has proven himself to be an excellent leader, something that Coach Guinn views as an invaluable asset for working with an otherwise young backfield.  

The Irish also hope to see Blake Weber, the only freshman to start on last year’s team, continue his progress. His maturity, leadership and experience will certainly benefit his game this season.

Looking ahead on this season’s schedule, Coach Guinn notes that the Kickapoo Shootout (Oct. 5-6) will be a very important event for his team.  While it is not yet determined who will play who, there is a chance that the Irish will be matched up against one of the area “big dogs” such as Glendale or Kickapoo. 

Another important date comes on Oct. 20 when the Irish travel to play a talented Nixa squad. Guinn notes the benefits of having these important games late in the year so that his team can gauge themselves and realize what they need to do in order to be ready for postseason play.

Last season will certainly be a difficult one to top, but look for Guinn and his team to produce a very impressive campaign in 2012.