Hickman soccer ready even with loss of seniors

COLUMBIA - The Hickman boys soccer team lost 10 seniors last season and now eagerly waits the start of the season with fresh legs.

With such a large senior class in 2009, head coach Adam Taylor prepares to bounce back after losing half of his team. Last year, the Kewpies had a successful season, making it as far as the state semifinals before coming up short to Christian Brothers College High School losing 6-2.

Taylor’s main focus is on districts, which begin Oct. 30.

“Right now we’re just trying to get comfortable," said Taylor. "We’re not making goals till mid-season. The season gets so long that we want to prepare at the right time."

Even though the varsity team roster differs from last year’s, the team still plans for a successful season. Taylor plans to utilize how well rounded his team is since the talent spreads so deep in the roster.

When it comes to players to watch for the 2010 season, Taylor stressed how much of a team effort this season will be.

“There isn’t one specific player to watch, not one player overshadows another,” Taylor said.

This years captains are Erik Pekkala, Andy Atkins and Brian Willcox. Returning players with varsity experience include Atkins, Willcox, Cody Gordon, Connor Hollrah and Alex Holliday.

“I have a team that a coach would want," said Taylor. "We have individual talent but we play better as a group. Any coach wants competitive players and equal level of play and that’s what I have. They’re very consistent."

The Kewpies had their Purple and Gold scrimmage Thursday and the season officially starts next Friday, Sept. 3. The Kewpies will face Maine South in the Quincy Tournament in Quincy, Illinois. They won the tournament in 2009.