The Nugget Newspaper - News and Opinion from Sisters, Oregon

Sisters High School boys soccer team is getting fired up as they prepare for the upcoming season, which will be shortened to just nine games.

Despite the loss of games, coaches and players are excited simply for the opportunity to compete. Their goals this year are to be competitive in all of their matches, improve with every practice, and establish a winning, positive culture within the program.

Numerous players return to the squad, including seniors Simon Rhett, Connor Martin, Connor Linn, and Nathaniel Alvarez. Rhett understands the game extremely well, works hard, and will be a leader on the team. Martin is a very coachable player who leads by example and is incredibly fast. Linn is athletic and speedy, and a physical, versatile player. Alvarez will continue his role as the Outlaws’ outstanding goalkeeper. He’s a balanced player who always plays with a positive attitude.

“These four seniors lead by example and seem to know the fine balance of challenging and coaching the younger players,” said Coach Jeff Husmann. “Each brings a unique set of skills to the team and together have helped establish a supportive and proud culture on this team.”

Also back for another season are juniors AJ Scholl, Oscar Rhett, Noah Pittman, Ricky Huffman, Galvin Christian, and Sean Alvarez. Scholl is a tough defender who always gives 100 percent. Rhett has shown tremendous growth as a defender and is also a versatile player. Pittman worked extremely hard in the off season to improve his skills and is also very coachable. Huffman plays with high energy, is hard working, and will be an offensive threat for the Outlaws. Christian has a scrappy, aggressive style of play, and understands the game well. Alvarez is highly skilled, and is a tough-minded defender who creates many plays for the team.

Husmann said, “The juniors include many who were starters last year. Several of them worked to improve their skills in the off-season. We will lean heavily on them as the season unfolds.”

Sophomore players include Gus Patton, Zenas Ortega, Tate Kaczmarek, Aiden Eckert, and Brody Duey.

“This year the sophomores are going to get their chance to really make their mark as to the character of this team,” said Husmann. “With such a young team last year, many of them have a lot of varsity experience and will certainty contribute this year.”

Freshmen Austin Dean and Vincent Christian will also play on varsity, and several other freshmen will vie for the final spots on the squad.

“The coaches are quite excited about the incoming group of freshmen,” said Husmann. “They are athletic and physical and up for the challenge of stepping up to the varsity level.

“This team is characterized by cohesiveness, a desire to work together to improve, and to have fun along the way,” said Husmann. “The team really is a close-knit group of young men who enjoy the company of each other on and off the pitch. The team only graduated one senior last year, so we are poised to grow as a more experienced, competitive, and unified team.”

The Outlaws first game of the season will be against Crook County on Thursday, March 4, with a 6 p.m. start time.