Sisters Outlaws boys soccer squad gets a new coach

Rob Jensen will take the reins as the boys varsity soccer coach this season.

Jensen, 26, and his wife Stephanie moved to Sisters this summer when Jensen secured a job at Sisters Middle School as a sixth grade science teacher. Jensen was told about the opening at Sisters High School for the boys soccer coach, applied and got the job.

Jensen made the move from Madras where he'd coached youth soccer for one year. Jensen brings years of player experience to the coaching position. He played at the midfield and forward positions from seven years of age through junior high and then specialized as a sweeper in high school. In college, Jensen chose to play basketball over soccer but still found the time to scrimmage and get in some intramural soccer time.

Jensen said he's thrilled about the opportunity to coach soccer in Sisters.

"It's such an exciting game to coach," said Jensen. "There are so many dynamics to the game. I just love the soccer community, the players, the coaches and the parents. It seems very close-knit."

Jensen enjoys all aspects of soccer but admits there is one area that hits the top of his list.

"I do enjoy teams scoring lots of goals in a game, so I'm likely going to run a more offensive type of game, especially considering our athletes." said Jensen.

Despite the fact that the boys soccer team lost 10 varsity players and only returns five varsity players, Coach Jensen says his young squad is strong and will be tough to beat.

Returning for the Outlaws will be Slater Smith, Kanoa James, Joey Farruggia, Evan Sims and Charlie Phillips.

Smith is hardworking and a leader who leads by example.

"Slater has very good soccer skills, and as our sweeper I'm expecting him to protect the goalie," said Jensen. "He can't let any balls get by. The sweeper and the goalie are the two most significant players in that they see the entire field and communicate to the rest of the team."

James will be back in action in the goal.

"Kanoa is a very good goalkeeper," said Jensen. "He judges the ball well, had good hands and communicates well. He's one of the better goalkeepers I've seen at the high school level."

Farruggia will also see some time in the box.

"Joey's also a very good goalie," said Jensen. "On a lot of teams he would start, but we just happen to be blessed with a great core of keepers, and unfortunately they can't all start at the same time."

Sims will be back at midfield and Phillips at forward.

Jensen said, "Evan has great field vision, a good touch for the ball, sees players and makes plays. He's also got a good foot. I'm expecting good ball control from Evan, and I'm expecting him to score some goals. Charlie's going to be a guy who makes good crosses and scores goals. I have expectations that he's going to be a great skill player."

Joining the team will be Max Gruettner, an exchange student from Germany, who will be an impact player for the Outlaws at the midfield position.

"He's (Gruettner) a great athlete," said Jensen. "He's over six feet tall, long and athletic. His dribbling, passing and shooting skills are everything you'd want in a midfielder. He's way above average."

New at the forward position will be Max Quinn, Sam Orwig, Lee Elder and Will Newport and Jensen feels these players will contribute much of the offensive fire power for the team. They all have a great feel for the game and are able to put the ball in the back of the net.

David Liming and Levi Rowe will step into the role as midfielders. Jensen told The Nugget that these two players both have great footwork, ball control and athletic ability.

Handling the defensive role will be Shyama Ellis, Tanner Smith (freshman), Gaelen DeLeon, Gracin Gould and Jake Laskin. They are the guts and backbone of the team.

"These guys never get the glory," said Jensen. "They're hard nosed, hardworking, don't-get-any-credit-but-should kind of guys."

Scott Everson (freshman) will be the one who could be placed in any position at any given time.

Jensen told The Nugget he'd like to keep the tradition of a winning program and will work to that end.

"The boys have won the league championship the past two years, and I'd like to continue that success, make it to State and win a few games there. I'd also like to lead the league in scoring," Jensen said.

The boys soccer squad will compete in a jamboree at Philomath on Friday, August 31.