By Denise Tucker (For OzarksSportsZone.com)
The start to the 2020 season was a rough one for the Republic boys’ soccer team.
The Tigers started 0-5, but rattled off five-straight victories and ended the season with a winning record. The team was hit hard by the COVID-19 pandemic with multiple players in multiple quarantines throughout the season.
“We faced a lot of adversity through the season,” said Tigers head coach Kevin Hauck, who is in his sixth season at Republic. “We had a lot of players get quarantined throughout the season. It was a tough challenge to face. However, we just looked at it as one person or another has to step up and compete for us. We had good attitudes all season and battled for each other. We worked hard and were ready when it came to districts. We just came up short.”
Republic finished the season 12-11 overall and 3-6 in the Central Ozark Conference (seventh place.) The Tigers upset second-seeded Carthage, 3-2 in PKs, in the Class 4 District 12 semifinals before falling to No. 1 seed Nixa, 2-1, in the championship.
From that squad, the Tigers lost eight players to graduation, including: Philip Mason, a midfielder, scored nine goals and is now playing at Evangel University. He was named to the all-district second team; Kalem Murray, defender, was named to the Class 4 All-Region 3 team, all-district and all-conference first team; Luke McDonnell (2 goals); Luke Willis; Cole Wells; Josh Gallardo; Scott Parker; and Noah Tatershall.
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“They worked really hard for each other and had fun,” Hauck said of the group. “Philip was a great player in the midfield and brought a lot to our set pieces. Kalem was in charge of our defense and a big piece back there.”
The Tigers have 11 players returning, including five seniors, who will be key to the team’s success in 2021.
Will Fronabarger, senior, forward, scored nine goals with 15 assists and was named to the all-district second team – “Playmaker – he is creative and even stronger on the ball this year than last,” Hauck said.
Marco Donjuan, senior, midfielder, 10 goals, 6 assists, earned all-district first-team and co-offensive player of the year honors – “Marco is a smart soccer player. He knows how to attack at teams and can control the ball well for us.”
Ethan Meyer, junior midfielder (likely defender this year), 7 goals – “Will work hard and do the little things a team needs to have success.”
Jabali Wanekaya, senior, midfielder, 4 goals – “I hope he is breaking out of his shell this year. Has tons of potential and just needs the confidence to go with it.”
Brayden Tharp, sophomore, midfielder – “Solid role player. Can help win the ball in the middle of the field for us and is a good distributor.”
Markus Mitchell, senior, defender, all-district second team – “Will be our leader of defense. He is smart and knows the game.”
Jaymen Fields, junior, defender – “Gives us speed and strength on the outside of our defense.”
Drake Lightfoot, senior, goalkeeper, 194 saves, all-district first team and all-conference second team – “He is our rock. He is such a solid goalkeeper – one of the best in this area. I am excited to see him perform this year.”
Gage Fisher, junior, defender – “Will look to take on a big role this year as center back next to Markus. He is strong and can be a good distributor.”
Caleb Hicks, junior, midfielder – “Brings us knowledge to the game on the outside. A solid player with good technique.”
Mason Cole, sophomore, midfielder – “Potential to hit good speed and great ball control. Excited to see him get out there this year.”
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Hauck also has some talented newcomers who he is looking to make an impact.
“Freshman Diego Zuniga has a chance to really impact the game for us as a wing player,” Hauck said. “He brings good foot skill, speed and knowledge of the game.
“Sophomore Tales Schrieber could see impactful minutes on the back line for us. He brings good ball skill and speed to the back line.
“Sophomore Santino Sticlianese, midfield, has improved a bunch from last year. He has had a good summer and put in some hard work. He has a chance to be an impact player off the bench or a starter. He is smart with a good touch.”
Hauck said the Tigers have had a good summer with consistent attendance and work ethic.
Republic will be hosting a jamboree on its grass field with Ozark, Catholic and Parkview before opening the regular season at home against Waynesville on Aug. 27.
“Our outlook is to compete in the COC and for a district title; play hard and represent our school in the best way possible,” Hauck said. “I think we will be a much better team on possessing the ball and creating more goal scoring opportunities this year.
“We will have some learning on our defensive line. Markus returning will be key but losing Kalem will hurt. It will take some time for Gage to adjust and learn the spot along with two new outside backs. But, being ready for districts is key.”
