By Chris Parker
Crocker soccer went 18-7 last season claiming the program’s first district title since 2017 in the process.
The Lions will look for even more this season with eight starters and 14 lettermen returning.
“The success we enjoyed last year with winning the program’s first district title in seven seasons and reaching that quarterfinal has really lit a fire in their bellies,” Crocker head coach Rich Heenan said. “They have come out very hungry this summer in hopes of reaching that level again and going even further this season. We are going to use that hunger for success and work ethic to work hard and battle in every game we play this year.”
The offense will be keyed by senior Chase Sharpensteen at forward. The all-district and all-region selection scored 19 goals and added 10 assists last season. Fellow seniors Kaiden Routh and Avery Newton are also likely to see time at striker. Routh had 13 goals and 3 assists on his way to second-team all-district honors. Newton contributed 9 goals and 7 assists and also earned second-team all-district honors.
Junior Johnny Carriger will be key in the midfield coming off a first-team all-state and region offensive player of the year honors after he scored 30 goals and had 16 assists as a sophomore. Senior Tristen Resch earned all-district honors in the midfield with five goals and four assists.
Sophomores Cole Shattuck and Aiden Resch and freshman Matthew Mathus will also look for time in the midfield.
Senior Blake Williams, junior Ryan Mathus and sophomore Jayden Bodkins return to anchor an experienced back line at defender. Sophomore Randall Moore and freshman Chris Parker are candidates to fill out the remaining starting spot on the defense.
Senior Daniel Orr returns at keeper after missing all of last season due to injury. Moore could also see rotational minutes in the goal.
Sharpensteen and Routh are both being looked to for leadership.
“I am looking for our senior Chase Sharpensteen to step up again this year, after being named team captain in his junior season. He has been consistent through the summer workouts we have held and continues to push his teammates,” Heenan said. “I’ve also seen a lot of leadership on display this summer from senior Kaiden Routh, and I’m hoping to see him really grow into that role as one of the older guys on the team.”
Heenan will look for his team to be better possessing the ball this season.
“Our team will need to improve on retention of possession this season to find success,” Heenan said. “We have been focusing heavily on the defensive side of the game over the past two seasons and that has shown in our game. Now the boys need sharpen their ability to retain the ball and use possession to open things up and make life easier on the attacking side of the ball.”
Crocker opens the season Aug. 29-30 at the Marshfield Tournament.
“This team’s identity will be rooted in grit, accountability, and discipline. We will dig in, dig deep, and work hard every day,” Heenan said. “I have high expectations this season for the boys. We are returning a really strong core group from last year’s team that went 18-7. We are expecting to find ourselves back in a position to play for a chance at a Final Four berth.”
