By Michael Cignoli (For OzarksSportsZone.com)
The Logan-Rogersville boys soccer program is fresh off its two most successful seasons in school history — finishing as state runner-up in 2023, then placing fourth last fall.
It’s been a rapid rise for a program that only won its first district title in 2021.
But as the milestones and trophies pile up, head coach Brett Wubbena is quick to remind his players that getting to the top is one thing — staying there is another.
“I think going into last year — having made it to our first Final Four with a group of young players — it was hard to get them to realize that having a successful season takes a lot of hard work and it rarely just happens,” Wubbena said. “This past off season, we have been preaching hard work and a gritty mentality. It’s not enough to be the better team, you also have to show it on the field.”
That message now defines the team’s approach to 2025: nothing from the past two years guarantees a third straight trip to the Final Four.
“So often we feel that showing up is enough to have success or because we have had success in previous years we’ll have it again,” Wubbena said. “It is my goal to compete the same all season whether we are favored to win or not. Get better in every practice and every game. Don’t fear failure, but let it fuel you to be better. As coaches we can talk about it until we are blue in the face and it won’t matter unless the players believe that it is the struggle that makes us better. It is really the only way that we can overcome going through the motions so that we don’t allow our previous successes to make us lazy.”
Early indications are the Wildcats have bought in.
“I have seen a different attitude this off season that is more about being better,” Wubbena said. “The majority of the players feel they had more to give than what they showed last year, and they have been working hard this offseason.”
The Wildcats will have to find a way to replace some key contributors from last fall’s squad – namely Zane Willow and Conner Stewart. Both were all-state honorees.
In addition, Mathias Nothum is expected to miss his senior season with an injury.
But the Wildcats will return two seniors who earned postseason honors last fall, all-state honoree Riley Hensley and all-region selection Easton Hampton
Wubbena on Hensley: “Outstanding defender and midfielder if I can get him up the field. He will control the defensive side of the game.”
Wubbena on Hampton: “Strong leader and strong on the ball.”
Fellow senior Cole Stennett spent last year on the junior varsity after transferring from New Covenant Academy, but he’s poised to play a big role on the top team this fall.
“He has an engine that won’t quit and will definitely add intensity to the field this year,” Wubbena said.
The coach is also expecting a big year from Sharif Galal.
“Sharif is a kid that everyone in southwest Missouri knows,” Wubbena said. “He is a really athletic kid that can play many positions. I will love to have his versatility this year.”
The Wildcats will rely on a collection of returning juniors – Levi Standefer, midfielders Carsen Callen, Finley Smith and Jason Bevzyuk, midfielder/defender Dustin Stewart, goalkeeper Keaton Essary and forward Malcolm Jones.
Wubbena on Standefer: “Levi ended up starting most of the games last year and was exactly what we needed. He is very instinctive and fast and has a confidence about him that is hard to match.”
Wubbena on Callen: “Controls the middle of the field. Great defending and going forward.”
Wubbena on Smith: “In my mind, he is a top winger in the area. I’m looking for a breakout year from him, especially in the more meaningful games.”
Wubbena on Bevzyuk: “Jason was our Mr. Clutch last year down the stretch. He will be one to watch.”
Wubbena on Stewart: “Not sure exactly where he will play this year, but he will play. He is the guy that was able to step in the defensive midfield position when we needed it. Great player.”
Wubbena on Essary: “Keaton played his first year of soccer last year as a goalkeeper. Last year he struggled mainly because of lack of field experience, but this year he has a lot more games under his belt and I’m looking for a solid year from him.”
Wubbena on Jones: “No one works harder than Malcolm. He knows what he wants and will work till he gets it.”
While that group provides a solid foundation, potential newcomers leave the Wildcats with some unanswered questions ahead of the season.
“Not sure about the depth that we will have,” Wubbena said. “I know that we have some good new players coming in but until we get everyone together, it’s hard to say.”
The Wildcats will travel to Greenwood for an August 22 jamboree against the hosts, Marshfield and New Covenant Academy. They will host Willard for their regular season opener one week later.
“I really enjoy watching these guys play,” Wubbena said. “They play hard and fast and love to play with each other which adds so much to the team.”
