Wildcat boys soccer building chemistry

Louisburg’s Herman Knipp takes a shot on goal during the Wildcats’ team camp Thursday at Louisburg High School. The Wildcats have been busy this summer with workouts twice-a-week to go along with the week-long camp.

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When it comes to getting better in the offseason, working on fundamentals, conditioning and getting stronger are always at the top of several coach’s checklists.

Ben York’s list is much of the same, but there is one thing he is trying to check off before the season officially begins in August.

“What I really wanted to see was for the guys to spend time together and really build that chemistry,” York said. “I thought we had a really nice week at camp and I saw that chemistry grow a little bit. Our chemistry hasn’t been the best in the past and I think that is important to having a successful season.”

York and his Wildcat soccer team completed their five-day camp last week that ended with a scrimmage Friday, and he saw some growth from his players. The Wildcats are coming off an 8-9 season that saw them fall in the first round of the playoffs in a tough loss to Ottawa.

The Louisburg coach came into this year knowing he was going to have to fill some spots from some departing seniors and he feels things are starting to work their way out.

“Coming in I knew we had to fill about four holes from kids that graduated and I have seen things during workouts and during camp that really have me encouraged,” York said. “We have some young kids stepping up and I am starting to get a feel for what our lineup is going to look like. We had a lot of kids play varsity last year that might not have been quite ready at the time, but I really think that is going to help them and the team this year to have that varsity experience.”

Along with the camp, the Wildcat players have also worked out two days a week over the summer improving their conditioning and fundamentals.

Experience isn’t something the Wildcats will lack this season as they return several players that will play in the midfield and up top. York thinks he will have at least three seniors at the midfield or forward spot.

However, it will be junior Noah Juarez that many of the team will look to. Juarez, an all-state player, will lead the attack in the midfield and will start for the third straight season. So far York has seen him blossom on and off the field.

“Absolutely he has become a better leader for us,” York said. “He has become more vocal and he also leads by example on the field along with (senior) Cale (Schneider). Both of those guys do a great job for us and work well on the field together. We also have a couple other seniors that do a great job for us like Michael Minster who really ended last season well in goal.”

Louisburg will sport a different look on the sideline as it will have a new assistant coach. Tanner O’Hara replaced long-time assistant Tony Juarez, who resigned his spot.

O’Hara is a 2011 Louisburg High School graduate and played under York all four years in the program and was a part of several regional championship teams.

“I will definitely miss having Tony on the sidelines with me,” York said. “He is a great coach and I thought we worked very well together. Not having him there will be different, but at the same time I feel very fortunate to have Tanner as my assistant coach. Being a part of the program for several years, he knows what to expect from me and what I am looking for, so that is very nice to have.

“Tanner really relates well to the kids and that really is another plus. He still has a lot to learn about coaching, game management and stuff like that, but I think he will pick that up just fine. I am really happy to have him as my assistant.”

As far as what the season holds, York knows it is going to be tough with many stiff tests on the schedule, but he knows his team is capable of doing a lot of good things this year.

“Our league is so tough,” York said. “Three of the top five teams in the state were in the Frontier League last year so we had some really tough games. We played really well at times, but we just couldn’t get that big signature win that would give these guys confidence moving forward.

“A year ago we just lacked that killer instinct and we didn’t put teams away when we were ahead or we didn’t have the confidence that we could beat a De Soto or a Baldwin. Once we get that win, I think it will be a big boost for these guys and hopefully we can get off to a good start this season and gain some confidence because that would be huge for us.”