2008 Boys, Girls soccer previews

Note: Capsule information was supplied by the coaches. Teams not listed did not send back their information by the deadline.

Girls soccer

Bath

Coach: Jack Hartley

Years, career record: 6, n/a

Division: II

Last year's record: 5-12-2

Returning letterwinners: 12

Top returning players: MF Rachael Basinger; MF Storri Basinger; D Kristy Best; F Brittany Brock; MF Alex Cottle; MF Gretchen Hartley; D Emily Spragg; G Meghan Taucher.

Promising newcomers: G Ali Best; F Ali Manley.

Outlook: Bath's strength are on defense and moving and possessing the ball. It needs to improve finishing at the net.

Bluffton

Coach: Dan Lee

Career record: 20-20-10

Division: II

Last year's record: 7-8-2

Returning letterwinners: 11

Top returning players: G Jonica Schmutz; D Amber Shelly; MF-F April Yoakam; MF Katie Little; D Elain McCall; F-D Jenny Steinmetz; D Leah Fett; F Amy Reichenbach; D Breanne Hamilton.

Outlook: The entire defense returns so the Pirates' strength should be on the back line. The key will be filling the forward spots because of graduation.

Defiance

Coach: Jessica Hoeppner

Years, career record: 2, 4-10-1

Division: I

Last year's record: 4-10-3 (2-5-1 WBL)

Returning letterwinners: 10

Top returning players: MF-F Mikaela Tolbert; MF-F Gabby Gonzales; MF-F Lena Herrett; MF-F Cierra Fraley.

Promising newcomers: D-F Ashley Brandon; F-MF Ashley Fogle.

Outlook: The Bulldogs return their top scorers in Tolbert (nine goals) and Gonzales (eight goals). Plenty of returning veterans and good team speed hope to push Defiance closer to .500.

Delphos Jefferson

Coach: Sara Stearns

Years, career record: 5

Division: II

Last year's record: 2-9-2

Returning letterwinners: 10

Top returning players: MF Brittney  Garza; SWP Adrian Kimmett; MF Jeanie Ross; G Jessica Bland; MF Mandi Hullinger; D Ashley Simerly; MF Katie Myers; D Alex Rostorfer; F Megan Moreo.

Promising newcomers: F-MF Liz Schosker; MF Megan Gilden.

Outlook: The Wildcats have speed on defense and will rely on Bland in goal. They need to work on fundamentals.

Elida

Coach: Matt Albright

Years, career record: Third year, 24-9-4

Division: I

Last year's record: 9-7-2

Returning letterwinners: 8

Top returning players: F-MF Erin Thomas; D Amanda Fricke; MF Shelby Troyer; F-MF Amy Koester; D Katelyn Anderson; D Toni Manley; MF Lindsey Peters; MF Jordan Haidle.

Promising newcomers: MF Destiny Lee; MF Kaylin Duffy; D Kayla Smith; MF Jenna Spain.

Outlook: The Bulldogs will be strong in the midfield with all-WBL players Troyer and Thomas. The team looks to improve its passing. Of the eight veterans, only two are seniors.

Indian Lake

Coach: Melissa Rice

Years, career record: First year

Division: II

Last year's record: 9-8-1

Returning letterwinners: 11

Top returning players: D Laura Blust; D Lindsey Ray; MF Kerstin Harmon; MF Katie Harvey; MF Aubrey Arledge; F Ashley Oakley; D Brooke Sheeley; D Jill Wildermuth.

Promising newcomers: MF-F Ashley Layman; G Brittany Roby.

Outlook: A strong nucleus returns to help build on last season. The defense should be solid with four returning starters.

Kalida

Coach: David Kehres

Years, career record: Third year, 14-16-3

Division: II

Last year's record: 11-4-2 (3-1 PCL)

Returning letterwinners: 14

Top returning players: D Brittney Bockrath; F-D Leah Gerding; D-MF Casey Schulte; MF Gina Verhoff; D-MF Kara Kaufman; G-F Stephanie Kortokrax; MF-F Kylie McIntyre; F-G Abby Rampe; MF-D Margaret VonderEmbse; MF Samantha Edwards.

Outlook: With 10 returning starters, Kalida hopes to build on its first winning season in school history. Kalida does have to replace its top scorer from last year.

Lima Central Catholic

Coach: Jim Stover

Years, career record: First year

Division: II

Last year's record: 1-15

Returning letterwinners: 11

Top returning players: F Lexi Brown; D Maria Hoffman; D Julie Baker; D Tess Hoffman; D Kristy Koch; MF Asiah Stewart; F Emily Hawlely; D Kelly Weichart; F Mara Rivera; D Amanda Johnson; MF Megan Baumgartner.

Promising newcomers: G Kelly Mulcahy; MF Kelly Ahman; D Morgan Greeley; F Shayna Niese.

Outlook: The T-Birds have good team speed and a strong midfield. They hope that translates into more goals. Freshman Ahman will trigger the midfield attack.

Lima Senior

Coach: Morgan Lashaway

Years, career record: First year

Division: I

Last year's record: 4-11-1

Returning letterwinners: 10

Top returning players: Nykel Simpson; Brittany Sterling; Tierra Washington; Melissa Kleman; Lindsay Evans; Courtney Wicker; Jennifer Kemper; Aspen Sybert; Julie Foster; Rachael Fisher.

Outlook: The Spartans' strength is their defense, but they must work on finishing shots.

Kenton

Coach: Mark Schwemer

Years, career record: Fifth year, 13-66-7

Division: II

Last year's record: 4-12-2 (0-8 WBL)

Returning letterwinners: 10

Top returning players: SWP Katie Conkle; D Jessica Lonyo; MF Tascha Collins; G Sam Erter; F Jordan Hurst; MF Mandy McCullough; MF Hannah Martell; D Randi Jo Long.

Promising newcomers: MF Kylie Perkins; MF Hannah Cooper; G-D Amanda Comstock; MF Clair Long.

Outlook: Kenton has plenty of experience returning, but needs more players to score. It also is aiming for consistency in goal.

Miller City

Coach: Nick Pittman

Years, career record: First year

Division: II

Last year's record: 7-11

Returning letterwinners: 9

Top returning players: MF Carrie Griggs; MF Leah Lammers; MF Erica Huerman; D Emily Schroeder; MF Ashley Kohls; D Lauren Hermiller; D Sarah Warnimont; MFTrisha Niese; F Kayla Schroeder.

Outlook: First-year coach Nick Pittman will put a new system in place. He'll rely on the upper classmen and the Wildcats' team speed.

Ottawa-Glandorf

Coach: Bob Huth

Years, career record: Fifth year

Division: II

Last year's record: 9-5-3

Returning letterwinners: 8

Top returning players: G Robyn Verhoff; MF Amy Inkrott; MF Kaylee Borer; D Melissa Deters; D Kim Bingley; MF Abby Recker; D Jessica Bice; MF Emily Maag.

Outlook: The Titans have good team speed and the keys will be possessing and moving the ball through the midfield.

St. Marys

Coach: Paul Dingeldine

Years, career record: Fifth year, 43-24-8

Division: II

Last year's record: 18-2 (7-1 WBL) (district runner-up)

Returning letterwinners: 13

Top returning players: MF-F Katie Heitkamp; MF Sara Wolfe; D Brittney Lauth; D Megan Schlater;  F Kaysha Dietz; G Macy Ferrall; MF Katie Burke.

Promising newcomers: D Jamie James; D Kristen Vehorn.

Outlook: The Roughriders are good passers and are very unselfish with the ball. Playing strong defense in the midfield will be a key in contending for the WBL title and making another strong tournament run.

Shawnee

Coach: Caroline O'Brien

Career record: 105-62-27

Division: I

Last year's record: 4-10-3

Returning letterwinners: 7

Top returning players: D Andia Shisler; MF-F Sarah Silone; MF Katy Jo Waltz; D Jane Virdin; MF McKenzie Courtney; MF Lauren Diglia; D Stephanie Mills.

Promising newcomers: F Emily Wolery; MF-F Liz Aller.

Outlook: Shawnee needs to work on finishing in the attacking zone. The Indians hope the veterans and a solid passing game will return the Indians to their winning ways.

Boys soccer

Bath

Coach: Britt Munson

Years, career record: First year

Division: II

Last year's record: 0-16 (0-9 WBL)

Returning letterwinners: 16

Top returning players: MF Ryan Cunningham; F Dylan Wireman; D Drew Loudon; D Nate Shepler; MF Aaron Long; MF Shane Naylor; D Alex Louf; F Jerry Kindig; G Brad Brock; F Allen Schiele.

Outlook: Bath returns plenty and it hopes that translates into a few victories this season.

Continental

Coach: Steve Deken

Years, career record: Eighth year, 73-50-15

Division: III

Last year's record: 8-9

Returning letterwinners: 10

Top returning players: D Gene Swager; F Dustin Geckle; MF Sam Jones; MF Eli Hovest; MF Damon Schmidt; MF Chris Baden; D Ben Schwarzman; G Scott Deken; F Dylan Geckle; MF Jacob Fry.

Promising newcomers: D Ryan Bowers; D Jacob Recker; D Tom Darby; D Michael Recker; F Rex Louiselle; D Adrian Slattman; F Austin Sharp.

Outlook: The Pirates have good team speed and do a good job controlling the ball. Scoring will be the team's top priority.

Elida

Coach: Tom Thomas

Years, career record: Fifth year, 44-22-8

Division: II

Last year's record: 3-12-2 (3-5-1 WBL)

Returning letterwinners: 11

Top returning players: F Jim Warner; F Cody Warris; D Shane Troyer; D Colby Ramsey; MF Rishon Lee; D Cory Stewart; MF Cody Sanderson; MF Jared Stump; G Brandon Good; D Matt Thompson.

Promising newcomers: MF Dustin Turner; F Ryan Musgrave.

Outlook: Elida had a rare losing season last year as it played a lineup of youngsters. Ten starters return, including goalie Brandon Good, and hope to build on last year's experience.

Indian Lake

Coach: Jon Shoffstall

Years, career record: First year

Division: II

Last year's record: 3-12-1

Returning letterwinners: 14

Top returning players: F Alex Contner; Mf Lanie McPherson; MF Eric Phelps; MF Cody Kelly; F Justin Fry; D Lee Gibson; D Damon Mallon; G Lance Minnich.

Promising newcomers: D Stanley Beatty.

Outlook: The Lakers have plenty of veterans and depth. They'll concentrate on passing through the midfield and getting quality shots on goal.

Kalida

Coach: Mark Czubik

Years, career record: 20th year, 255-67-43

Division: III

Last year's record: 12-2-4 (tied for first in PCL)

Returning letterwinners: 14

Top returning players: MF Jason Horstman; MF-F Justin Kahle; D Kyle Kahle; D-MF-F Ryan Kleman; MF-F Doug McIntyre; D Scott Schnipke; MF-F Jordan Basinger; MF Brant Kahle; MF-F Brandon Kahle.

Promising newcomers: MF-F Kevin Roehrig; D-MF-F Derek Birkemeier; G Michael Bockrath.

Outlook: Kalida should be solid on defense and also has plenty of goal-scoring potential. A strong nucleus returns from last year's 12-2-4 team. It looks like another strong year for the Wildcats.

Lima Central Catholic

Coach: Bryan Burkholder

Years, career record: Third year, 15-17-4

Division: III

Last year's record: 6-9-2

Returning letterwinners: 16

Top returning players: F-MF A.J. Lamoreou; G Mark Hawk; D Jeremy McNamara; F-MF Shawn Ritchie; F-MF Mac Stanford.

Promising newcomers: MF Nolan Burkholder; D Ryan Terry; F-MF Austin Bugnter; F-MF Michael Kahle; G John Davis.

Outlook: The T-Birds are strong in the midfield. They need to work on finishing shots and building a new defense.

Lima Senior

Coach: Mitchell Monfort

Years, career record: First year

Division: I

Last year's record: 6-9-1

Returning letterwinners: 5

Top returning players: Evan Poe; Stephen Hire; Sir Hamby; Matthew Stockhouse; John Willowmoski.

Outlook: The Spartans look to be strong on defense and in the goal. The young squad needs to work on the offensive end.

Ottawa-Glandorf

Coach: Mike Weihrauch

Years, career record: 12th year, 145-41-28

Division: II

Last year's record: 12-4-2 (7-1-1 WBL)

Returning letterwinners: 11

Top returning players: Eric Brickner; Jordan Alt; Andrew Trenkamp; Corey Myers; Kyle Rosebrock; Steve Dickman; Devin Doud, Brent Vorst; Brad Durliat; Justin Duling; Jeremy Duling.

Promising newcomers: Corey Ellerbrock; Cory Hosler; Zack Klausing; Brooke Fortman; Jay Inkrott.

Outlook: The Titans need to replace most of their defense and goalkeeper from last year. On the plus side, O-G returns most of their offense and should be in contention for the WBL crown.

Ottoville

Coach: Eric Gerker

Years, career record: Third year, 25-10-1

Division: III

Last year's record: 15-3-1 (district runner-up)

Returning letterwinners: 15

Top returning players: F Andrew Koch; F Derek Miller; MF Jacob Landin; D Brad Turnwald; D Colin Rue; D Matt Niemeyer; G Garrett Rayman; F Matt Honingford; F-FM Logan Kaverman; F-MF Nate Turnwald.

Promising newcomers: MF Josh Schroeder; F Sam Beining; G Kyle Kroeger; F Logan Klima; D-MF Scottie Pohlman.

Outlook: The Big Green return the core of players from last year's 15-3-1 district runner-up team. Ottoville should compete for the PCL title and look to have another strong tournament.

Shawnee

Coach: Dick Hagen

Years, career record: 22nd year, 249-113-52

Division: II

Last year's record: 12-4-3 (district runner-up; WBL champions)

Returning letterwinners: 13

Top returning players: F Adam Khalaf; D Kyler Washam; D Jacob Myers; MF Chris Hefner; MF Garrett Black; MF Jason Violet; D Christian Loayza; G Austin Howard.

Outlook: The Indians are loaded. They return their entire defense and goalie from a team that had a goals-against average of 0.63 last year for the Western Buckeye League champions. Shawnee will work on its offensive production in hopes of defending its WBL title and making another strong tournament run.

Temple Christian

Coach: Dave Shannon

Years, career record: Second year, 11-4-1

Division: III

Last year's record: 11-4-1 (sectional finals)

Returning letterwinners: 15

Top returning players: MF Marcus Craig; D Kenton Gibson; MF Brandon High; STP Micah Lanning; F Josh Link; MF Elisha Shannon; MF Tyler Sutton; G Josh Weiss; SWP Jonathon Winkleman; MF Jeremy Young.

Promising newcomers: F Zach White; MF Dylan Pritchett.

Outlook: The Pioneers are young, but experienced. It's a very good finishing team around the box. Temple needs its youngsters to build strength. The Pioneers expect another good season.