Six Wildcats named to all-state soccer team

After a season that ended with a Frontier League championship and a spot in the regional championship game, some members of the Louisburg boys soccer team were recognized for their special season.

First came the all-league honors, but more recently, six Wildcats were named to the Class 4-1A all-state team by the Kansas High School Soccer Coaches Association.

Seniors Braden Yows, Michael Seuferling and junior Cade Gassman were first team selections, while senior Isaac Guetterman and juniors Mack Newell and Colin McManigal earned second team honors.

“I was really excited to see these young men selected,” Louisburg coach Kyle Conley said. “These six boys have worked incredibly hard and they all earned that right. Our team had a lot of success this season and these six young men as well as the rest of the team had great influence on that.”

Yows, a UMKC signee, ended his final season as a Wildcat with a team-high 17 goals, 11 assists and 48 shots on goal. 

Gassman, who started out at forward, moved to the midfield halfway through the season. He finished with 11 goals, nine assists and had 34 shots on goal.

Seuferling is considered one of the top outside backs on defense in the Frontier League and in the state and helped anchor the Wildcat back line.

“Braden was the best player on the field each and every night we played,” Conley said. “He was great for us over the last three years. He will go on to do great things at UMKC next year.

“Cade was a player who played all over the field for us this season. He is one of the most dynamic players and his soccer knowledge is incredible. He excelled in every position in which he played this season.

“Michael has started ever since his first game at Louisburg High School. He was one of the best outside backs I ever coached. His work ethic and never back down attitude was always shown each and every night.”

Despite missing a few games, Newell was one of the top goalkeepers in the league with 68 saves and gave up just 13 goals.

McManigal was also among the top scorers on the team as he tied Gassman for second on the team with 11 goals and he also had two assists.

Guetterman was also key piece in the Wildcats’ midfield/defense and won several 50-50 battles.

“Mack had another fantastic year in only his second season ever playing soccer,” Conley said. “He has excelled and has been the best goalkeeper in the east for the second year in a row. In only his second season, he is becoming the most decorated goalkeeper in our program’s history. 

“Colin also had a fantastic season. He is constantly pressing and pressuring all over. His work ethic is second to none. He created so many chances and forced so many turnovers. 

“Isaac played so hard for us in a role that might not have been the most glory-led. He did the dirty work defensively. He battled and never backed down from a tackle. He took away the other team’s transition and did it so well.”