By Denise Tucker (For OzarksSportsZone.com)
Even with a new coach leading the way, the Springfield Catholic Fightin’ Irish did not miss a beat in 2022.
To be fair, that new coach was hall-of-famer Tom Davidson, but the players still had to adjust.
“I’m very proud of the way our team responded to the transition of having a new coach,” said Davidson, who picked up his 500th career boys’ win last fall and owns an 866-369-72 career record coaching both boys and girls. “We played very well under the circumstances.”
Coming off a 16-6 season in 2021, the Irish finished 15-9-1 overall and 8-0 in the Big 8 Conference but suffered a season-ending loss to Glendale in the Class 3 District 5 championship for the second straight year.
“Many of our kids were able to contribute to our success last year, which will benefit us moving forward,” said the Class 3 Region 3 (Private School) and Big 8 Conference Coach of the Year, who enters his 31st year in coaching. “Improving our depth is key to another successful season.”
And that starts with a talented trio of seniors in Kydon Huttenlocher, Rian Mulherin and Erick Fuentes.
Kydon Huttenlocher, senior, midfielder – Scored 12 goals with 12 assists and earned Class 3 All-Region 3 first-team, Class 3 All-District 5 first-team and All-Big 8 Conference first-team honors last season. “We will count on Kydon for his leadership and goal/assist production this year,” Davidson said. “Kydon is a very special player and person.”
Rian Mulherin, senior, defender – 11 goals, 8 assists. Named Class 3 All-State second team, Class 3 All-Region 3 first team, Class 3 All-District 5 first team and All-Big 8 Conference first team. “Rian will be the heart and soul of our defense, but because of his versatility, he will be counted on to contribute in many areas.”
Erick Fuentes, senior, midfielder – Class 3 All-District 5 honorable mention and All-Big 8 Conference second team. “Erick has had a great summer. He is our vocal leader and will be needed to step up scoring production this year.”
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Davidson said that senior Noah Meinhardt, junior Caden Hillwick, and sophomores Matthew Gerety, Christian De Silva and Luke Butler will be major contributors this season, and that newcomers Ethan Moellering and Taylor Haik should also make a huge impact this fall.
“We are young but hungry to make a mark,” Davidson said of the 2023 Irish. “We are hopeful our hard work will pay off this season. We are very unselfish, so we should be able to move the ball well and transition quickly.”
Catholic will need to find a way to replace the offensive production and stout defense lost to graduation of the Class of 2023.
Kaden Kellerman, defender – Class 3 All-District 5 first team, All-Big 8 Conference first team. “Kaden led our defense and helped lead our team,” Davidson said.
Gage Vehr, midfielder – 19 goals with 6 assists; Class 3 All-State first team, Class 3 All-Region 3 co-Offensive Player of the Year/first team, Class 3 All-District 5 first team and All-Big 8 Conference Player of the Year/first team. “Gage was a very good leader for us. He did so many things well and will be hard to replace.”
Braedon Fritz, goalkeeper – Class 3 All-District 5 first team, All-Big 8 Conference honorable mention. “Braeden was rock solid in goal for us last year.”
Drew Stufflebam, midfielder – Class 3 All-District 5 honorable mention and All-Big 8 Conference second team.” Drew was an incredible role model with his leadership and work ethic.”
Zach Rogge, defender – Class 3 All-District 5 honorable mention and All-Big 8 Conference honorable mention. “Zach was a hard-working back that shored up the defense.”
This fall, Catholic will travel to Harrisonville for a jamboree with Pembroke Hill and Liberty North on Aug. 18 before opening the regular season at home against Springfield Central on Aug. 25.
“All our conference foes (will be notable matchups), and the large schools including Glendale, Ozark, Nixa and Carthage will be big challenges for us,” Davidson said. “Our schedule should help us be a better team for the postseason.”
