By Denise Tucker (For OzarksSportsZone.com)
Moving up two classes in competition didn’t seem to slow down the Springfield Catholic boys’ soccer team in 2020.
Based on the Missouri State High School Activities Association’s “Championship Factor,” the Fightin’ Irish were bumped up from Class 1 to Class 3 in postseason competition, which matched them up with large-school Glendale in the Class 3 District 10 title match.
The Fightin’ Irish took Glendale to overtime, but the Falcons came out on top with a 1-0 victory, advancing all the way to the Class 3 final four.
The district championship appearance was Catholic’s 11th over the last 12 seasons, which has seen the Fightin’ Irish win 10 championships during that time.
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“Last season, Springfield Catholic lost three seniors,” said Fightin’ Irish head coach Mike Hines. “Joey Beecher, Ty Rogge and Zach Olsen all contributed at a high level with varsity starts and important minutes coming off the sideline. It will be great to watch to see who steps into these roles.”
Hines said that returning 11 varsity players with starting roles from his 2020 squad has “generated a lot of energy this summer.”
“The excitement surrounding the team has only continued to grow after starting their season with a tournament championship at the B. White Classic on July 16-17 in Overland Park (Kan.),” Hines said.
Back to lead Catholic in 2021 include seniors Carson Morgan, Ashton Vinton, Jack Gerety, Keanu Baguio and Brayden Henley; juniors Zac Rogge, Gage Vehr, Drew Stufflebaum and Brayen Fritz; and sophomores Kydon Huttenlocher, Erick Fuentz and Rian Mulherin.
2020 postseason honors for the Fightin’ Irish included:
Carson Morgan – Class 3 All-State second team; Class 3 All-Region 3; Class 3 District 10 first team; Big 8 All-Conference first team
Keanu Baguio – All-state honorable mention; all-region; all-district first team; all-conference first team
Gage Vehr – All-district first team; all-conference first team
Ashton Vinton – All-district first team; all-conference first team
Erick Fuentes – All-district second team
Rian Mulherin – All-district second team
Zach Rogge – All-district second team
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Hines said to also watch out for Kayden Kellerman, who “has shown a tremendous amount of growth since last year and is looking to break into the starting rotation.”
Catholic will participate in a jamboree at Republic with Ozark and Parkview on Aug. 20 before opening the regular season at home against Springfield Central on Aug. 27.
“Moving forward, COVID will continue to be handled based on MSHSAA, Greene County and Springfield Catholic School guidelines,” Hines said. “COVID is just something we have to navigate. Players, coaches and administrators are tired of the circumstances but are willing to do what is needed to play this season.
“At this time, we think we will be in Class 2 but will not find out until Aug. 27. Whether we are in Class 2 or Class 3 our goals are always the same: be competitive in every game and compete for a district title. If both goals are accomplished, then it is a successful season.”
