By Denise Tucker (For OzarksSportsZone.com)
The Bolivar Liberators made an impressive showing in their first year in the Ozark Conference, going 6-4 for a fourth-place finish and 17-6 overall.
In addition, the Liberators made their second-straight appearance in the Class 3 District 6 championship game, where they fell to Neosho. In 2020, Bolivar captured its first district title in 10 years.
Bolivar coach Steve Fast credits last year’s seniors with bringing the team together.
“Our seniors did a good job helping to teach our younger players what it takes to compete at a high level over the course of the season,” said Fast, who is 382-240-27 in 26 years as the Bolivar boys’ head coach. “Our guys learned every game you have to compete at a high level and be ready to go. Not only does the Ozark Conference provide tough competition, but nearly every opponent is formidable, and it is tough to win games.”
CLICK HERE FOR LINKS TO ALL OF OUR FALL PREVIEWS
The Liberators are faced with replacing six starters – three on defense and three in the midfield.
“Defenders Luke Richards, Noah Tull and Zach Liesen started a lot of games over the course of their soccer careers, and their cohesion as a unit was a huge part of their success,” Fast said. “Lathan Martin, River Adams, Andrew Lewis (starting midfielders) also had a lot of starts and playing time during their four years together and were always involved in the play offensively.”
Richards earned all-state honorable mention, first-team all-district and all-conference honors. Lewis, who scored 9 goals with 8 assists, was a first-team all-conference selection and is now playing at Southwest Baptist University, while Martin is playing at John Brown University.
Adams netted 14 goals with 6 assists last season and was named to the first-team all-district and second-team all-conference squads. Liesen added 6 goals and 1 assist and was an all-district selection.
The Liberators have seven seniors and a sophomore returning from last year’s district runner-up.
• Zach Warwick, senior forward – Scored 19 goals with 4 assists. “Strong, aggressive, hard-working forward who is relentless in his attack of the goal,” Fast said.
• Trenton Arnold, senior goalkeeper – Recorded 7 shutouts last year and is a three-year starter, was named all-district, and has been all-region (sophomore year). “Trenton has the ability to make the big-time save and can keep our team in games if needed.”
• Jordan Burke, sophomore forward/midfielder – “A versatile and dynamic player who is relentless all over the field. He wasn’t eligible for the first several games (move-in), but once he was, he made an immediate impact for the Liberators. We are looking forward to a breakout season for him this year.”
• Jason Poterbin, senior forward/midfielder – “Jason has excellent footwork and can play all the positions on the field. He is a true team player and will do what is best for the team.”
• Jacob D’Agostino, senior midfielder – Scored 1 goal with 3 assists. “Jacob is one of our fastest players. He has been asked to play all over the field and even defensively if our opponent has a really fast forward.”
• Colton Rowe, senior midfielder – Scored 3 goals with 8 assists. “Colton provides a fast, strong presence at the left-mid. He is tough offensively and defensively. He provides a lot of assists for our team.”
• Caleb Simpson, senior defender – “Caleb came on the scene strong last year until an ACL tear took him out early in the season. We are looking forward to getting him back on the field and back to form this fall.”
• Jaren Cleveland, senior defender – “An ankle injury limited Jaren to only eight games last season. Jaren is looking to bounce back this fall and get back to the form of his sophomore year when he was a full-time starter.”
In addition to their experienced returnees, the Liberators have another roster full of newcomers looking to make their mark on varsity this season, including:
DOWNLOAD THE O-ZONE APP NOW!
CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD FOR APPLE
CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD FOR ANDROID
• Juniors – Jonathan Peters (defender), Gavin Finnel (forward), Ben Tull (defender), Josh Stimpson (midfielder), Darion Jones (defender) and Cooper Roberts (defender).
“These juniors have been full-time JV and part-time varsity, but they are now primed for their first full varsity season,” Fast said. “They work hard and will be ready to go. They will compete for starting positions and will complement our team well.”
• Sophomores – Kyler Rowe (midfielder), Connor McClellan (midfielder), Nate Clark (midfielder), Cooper Bethell (midfielder) and Micheal Poterbin (defender).
“The sophomores have played a lot of soccer together and are looking to step up and have a larger role for varsity this year,” Fast said. “They are a very versatile group that can play multiple positions on the field.”
• Freshmen – Matt Giglio (forward/midfielder), Brayden Burke (forward/midfielder) and Wyatt Viles (goalkeeper).
“Matt and Brayden have competed well this summer with our older players, and they will have a good chance to make a strong impact on our varsity team,” Fast said. “Wyatt is a solid goalie who will back up starter, Trenton Arnold.”
Fast says that depth, as well as his team’s versatility, will be one of its strengths this season, while also facing the challenge of resetting its defense.
“We have a lot of guys who can play multiple positions,” Fast said. “When injuries, illness or other scenarios hit our team, we have a lot of guys who can fill in and play at a high level. Losing three four-year starters on defense will be a big adjustment for us, but we have some guys ready to step up and fill these roles.
“It will take some time to work out the kinks, but I am confident our guys will compete at a high level and will work hard to defend our goal.”
Bolivar will participate in a jamboree at Camdenton on Aug. 22 with Branson and Lebanon, before opening the season at New Covenant Academy on Aug. 26.
“We expect to play hard and be competitive in every game,” Fast said. “After graduating a lot of seniors, we will have a lot to figure out, but our guys are excited and willing to do whatever is best for the team.”
