By Michael Cignoli (For OzarksSportsZone.com)
The Kickapoo soccer program finds itself in unfamiliar territory this fall.
The Chiefs are coming off a 13-13 finish, which is just the third time since 2009 the program didn’t end the season with a winning record.
But it’ll be easy for the Chiefs to put their first season in the Central Ozark Conference behind them, as graduations and injuries have left them with just three returning starters.
That brings a fresh start for a team that is searching for its third district title in five years.
“Each season is a different season,” Kickapoo coach Phil Hodge said. “Last season is over, and we have a new group to train and coach to get ready for this season. Our approach is always day-to-day. What can we do today to be better than yesterday?”
With turnover at nearly every position, Hodge and his coaching staff are excited to see this year’s team take shape over the course of the season.
“We always take pride in playing hard and approaching each game with a sense of pride to represent our school and community the right way,” Hodge said. “Our expectation is to always compete for a conference and district championship and to have our team ready and prepped for the postseason.”
To make a deep playoff run, the Chiefs will need to rely on some new faces. All-state honoree Keegan Bilbao will miss his junior season with an ACL injury, creating even more turnover in the starting lineup.
“Last season was heavy with upperclassmen and several seniors,” Hodge said. “This season will have several underclassmen that will need to contribute right away.”
However, this year’s group is embracing the challenge.
“We like our culture at this point,” Hodge said. “The guys are positive, working hard and are eager to get better and hold each other accountable and work for the common good of the team.”
The team’s three returning starters – senior Trevor Smith, senior Nathan Clark and junior Mychola Smolin – are being asked to take on some additional responsibilities this fall.
Smith, who was the team’s keeper last season, will move to a new position.
“Our focus with him this season is (to) get him on the field and use his feet,” Hodge said. “One constant with Trevor is his ability to lead and communicate with his peers. He is a great leader and an extremely hard worker.”
Smith, a midfielder/forward, will need to bring a veteran presence.
“Nathan will need to be a vocal leader in the day-to-day grind of our team,” Hodge said. “We will need for him to score some goals for our team to have some success this season. We are excited for him to have a great senior season.”
Smolin, a midfielder, will be one of the team’s primary weapons on offense.
“Had a great season for us last season as a sophomore,” Hodge said. “Had double-digit goals and assists for us. We will need for him to have an even stronger season for us this fall.”
Seniors Jesus Padron and Matt Liehr will also be de facto leaders of a young squad.
Hodge on Padron: “Has a nice soccer IQ and gave us solid minutes off the bench last year. Jesus will need to do the little things this season for us.”
Hodge on Liehr: “Came on strong last season. Matt has been great this summer in his leadership and has stood out and (is) ready to play anywhere to help our team have some success.”
Kickapoo will host Nixa and Glendale for a jamboree on August 26.
The regular season kicks off August 29 with a home game against Rock Bridge.
“Like every season, we are excited to see our growth from the summer to the district tournament,” Hodge said. “How much can this team accomplish? Where can we finish from where we started? I think this will be a fun group to grow with and compete with as the season goes on.”
