By Kai Raymer (For OzarksSportsZone.com)
Bolivar loves its soccer, so even when times are tough, you can still find somewhere to play.
“Starting in June, we were able to get back on the field,” said Bolivar coach Steve Fast, referencing COVID-19 restrictions. “We had some practices in early June and then our weekly open field. We also had two friendly scrimmages with Lebanon and Parkview.
“We have a great soccer community in Bolivar and often you can find our guys up at Southwest Baptist University (SBU) working out – on their own, in small groups or with SBU players.”
The Liberators hope that extra work pays off following a frustrating 2019 season.
Close losses hampered the Liberators, who finished 8-12 overall. This year, they return hungry and motivated.
“I am eager to see if this team can get over the hump this year,” Fast said. “We were highly competitive in a lot of games last year, but came up short several times. Our young guys have another year of valuable experience and hopefully that experience will pay off this season.”
The Liberators are a junior-heavy team, but do have several seniors who will fill key roles.
Senior Raif Fullerton continues Bolivar’s recent stretch of strong goalkeeper play. As a sophomore, he replaced all-state goalkeeper Will vanHoornbeek in the starting lineup and has continued to improve.
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Last year, Fullerton posted a 1.6 goals against average (GAA) and four shutouts. He was named district goalkeeper of the year and all-region in Class 3.
“He has the ability to make the outstanding save when needed,” Fast said.
Seniors Trevor Nelson (midfield/forward), Seth Marshall (defender) and Luke Sergent (defender) were valuable reserves who earned more playing time throughout the season.
“Trevor really came on strong late in the season. He can play multiple positions,” Fast said. “Seth gives us solid depth on defense. He has good anticipation and can pass well from the back.
“Luke’s a tough defender with a lot of speed. He was a quality reserve who also started some games last season when we had an injury or absence.”
Bolivar returns five starters in the junior class.
All-district selections Zach Liesen, Noah Tull and Luke Richards lead Bolivar’s backline.
“Zach’s a tough, physical defender who can play all 80 minutes if needed,” Fast said. “He can also press up and get involved on offense when needed.
“Noah’s tough, physical, very smooth and does not get rattled easily. He can also go the full 80 (minutes) when needed.”
Richards usually marks the opponent’s top forward.
“(He) is a speedy defender with excellent foot skills,” Fast said.
Andrew Lewis and River Adams (all-district) return in the midfield. The duo combined for five goals and five assists last season.
“Andrew has great foot skills and passing ability. He loves to play the middle of the field and distribute the ball,” Fast said. “River’s tough, physical and plays hard at outside-mid.”
Sophomore Zach Warwick is Bolivar’s top returning scorer. He cracked the starting lineup as a freshman and tallied six goals and one assist.
“Zach’s very physical and works hard,” Fast said. “He saw a lot of double-teams last season.”
Bolivar brings back extra depth in junior midfielder Lathan Martin (two goals, five assists), sophomore midfielder Colin Ames and sophomore midfielder Colton Rowe. All three were varsity contributors last season.
“Lathan’s an excellent passer who can play both midfield and forward,” Fast said. “Colin’s a dynamic player with multiple strengths. He is healthy and will play a bigger role this year. He can score, pass and can win a lot of 1-v-1 battles.
“Colton came on strong late in the season and will give us more options in the midfield.”
The Liberators were competitive in nearly every match last season. Bolivar had eight one-goal losses, two of which came in PKs.
“We were able to possess very well at times, but lacked consistent finishing in the final third,” Fast said. “(This year), I expect our team to be competitive (again) and hopefully play well in all areas.”
Bolivar’s replacing a senior class that includes midfielders Dylan Rowell and Quenton Hoffman, who combined for 14 goals and six assists.
Also gone are forward Christian Warwick (two goals, two assists) and defender Houston Black (one goal).
Varsity newcomers include seniors Isaac Jenkins, Trey Arnold and Alex Lemmons.
Lemmons (midfielder/forward) is a move-in who brings versatility to the team, Fast said.
“Isaac and Trey are seniors who work very hard and will find a way to make an impact this season,” Fast said. “We’re not sure where (Alex) will play most this year, but he will provide quality depth and can play multiple positions.
The Liberators have many options for their lineup.
“I look forward to watching our seniors lead this team,” Fast said. “We have a lot of depth and should compete well on both the varsity and JV level.”
Also in the mix are juniors Adrian Contreras (forward/midfield) and Nathan McClellan (forward).
“We’re looking forward to watching Adrian and Nathan play a bigger role for the varsity this year,” Fast said.
The sophomore class is deep and promising with the likes of Jacob D’Agostino (midfielder), Jaren Cleveland (defender), Jason Poterbin (forward) and Trenton Arnold (goalkeeper) all contending for minutes.
“Jacob’s a high-endurance player with a lot of speed. Jaren’s tough, very fast and could work his way up the depth chart,” Fast said. “Jason brings speed and great footwork at forward. Trenton has excellent hands and is fearless. He will be a good backup and can fill in easily when needed.”
The Liberators play Branson (host), Camdenton and Lebanon on August 24 in a jamboree. Bolivar’s regular season opener is August 28 at New Covenant Academy in Springfield.
