By Denise Tucker (For OzarksSportsZone.com)
The Willard Tigers bounced back in 2022 and 2023 looks just as promising.
After going 11-15-1 in 2021, the Tigers turned their fortunes around by finishing 15-11, winning four straight games heading into the Class 3 District 6 Tournament before a season-ending loss to Belton (5-2) in the semifinals.
And the Tigers look to continue the upward trek the program is on.
“Our biggest takeaway from last year is that we return nine starters,” said Jamie Waddell, who enters his third year as Willard’s head coach. “Our varsity experience is very high, as are our expectations of the upcoming season.”
Key pieces of the Tigers’ experience include Jonathan Lupescu, Caleb Thompson, Kendrik Troutt, Josh Hemingway, Barrett Jarvis and Marseli Popesku.
Jonathan Lupescu, senior, defender – Earned Class 3 All-District 6 second-team honors. “Jon is a hard-nosed player that will sacrifice everything he has for the team,” Waddell said. “He has a tremendous heart and work ethic.”
Caleb Thompson, senior, defender – Class 3 All-District 6 honorable mention. “Caleb has the skills to be able to play any position on the field. He has great size and attitude to play all spots. He will be asked to move all over the field, to help with whatever we need.”
Kendrik Troutt, junior, midfielder – Class 3 All-District 6 first team. “Troutt has amazing ball skills and vision of the field. He sees the game develop at a rapid pace. He will be asked to control the middle of the field and be asked to put us in the best position possible to win.”
Josh Hemingway, junior, defender – Class 3 All-District 6 honorable mention. “Josh proved last year to be a force to be reckoned with. He is extremely physical and is highly trusted by his teammates.”
Barrett Jarvis, sophomore, forward – “Barrett really came into his own last season. This season, he will be asked to provide more of an offensive role for us. He is one of the most coachable players I have had the pleasure of coaching. He leaves everything on the field; we as a staff never have to question that.”
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Marseli Popesku, senior, forward – “Marseli has stepped up this season to become a true leader of the program. He has tremendous ability with the ball at his feet and does an excellent job of finding the net. He will be relied on heavily to score this season.”
Waddell also will be looking to newcomers Levi Spirk and Israel Martinez to make an impact this season.
Levi Spirk, sophomore, forward/midfield – “Levi has great speed and will be asked to stretch the defense out and help put goals on the board,” Waddell said.
Israel Martinez, junior, midfield/forward – “Izzy has put in a great deal of time working on his touch with the ball. He has a strong foot and ability to score from all parts of the field.”
The Tigers will need some offensive firepower after the graduation of all-state forward Caleb Kuchta, as well as in goal with the loss of all-district goalkeeper Chris Massey to graduation.
Caleb Kuchta, forward – Scored a career 115 goals, including 42 in 2022, and is in the top 15 in the state for goals scored. Named to the Class 3 All-State second team, Class 3 All-Region 3 team, Class 3 All-District 6 Offensive Player of the Year/first team and All-Central Ozark Conference first team. Now playing at Evangel University.
Chris Massey, goalkeeper – Earned Class 3 All-District 6 second-team and All-Central Ozark Conference second-team honors. Has the most career saves in school history and the most shutouts. Now playing baseball in college.
The Tigers will be hosting a jamboree with Hillcrest, Laquey and Fair Grove on Aug. 21, before opening the regular season in the Lebanon Kickoff Tournament on Aug. 25-26.
“Our team has a lot of varsity experience,” Waddell said. “Most of them have been starting varsity for two years, and our knowledge and speed of the game is a positive factor.”
