By Denise Tucker (For OzarksSportsZone.com)
The Rolla Bulldogs will be led by a new but familiar face as Matt Calvert takes the reins for the 2023 season.
Calvert, who starred in the midfield for the Bulldogs, earned Class 2 All-State Honorable Mention honors as a senior in the fall of 2012, leading the team to a 24-5 record and a state quarterfinal appearance. He went on to play at Central Methodist University before an ankle injury ended his playing career.
Since then, Calvert has traded in his cleats for a whistle, spending the past five years coaching Rolla’s junior varsity boys’ and girls’ teams and assisting on varsity.
Calvert, though, has been the Rolla head coach for only about three weeks with one of those being a dead week, so he will have a short time to put his game plans into place. He is hopeful that his style and familiarity with the program will make for an easy transition for the team.
“Being familiar with the players is going to be a big help going into this season,” Calvert said. “There isn’t going to be that weird period where I have to try and familiarize myself with a new team. Instead, I am able to dive right into a group of players I’m very familiar with and pick up right where we need to.
“My coaching style is that I like to work a nice mix of direct and passing play, mixing up some short passes with long through balls to break down the defense.”
Returning for a Rolla team that finished 16-10 overall last season include Beckham Armstrong, Cameron Cooper, Kaleb Dobcinski and Roman Stanislawski.
Beckham Armstrong, senior, midfielder – Earned Class 3 Region 3 first-team, Class 3 All-District 5 honorable mention and All-Ozark Conference first-team honors. “Beckham played on the left wing for us last season and is probably going to find himself in a similar position this year,” Calvert said. “He is a hard worker and stepped into a position that we had a hard time finding someone to play.”
Cameron Cooper, senior, midfielder – Class 3 All-District 5 first team and All-Ozark Conference second team. “Definitely one of our leaders this last season. He does a great job of leading by example. We’re looking forward to having him play a mix of positions, but probably primarily in the center midfield.”
Kaleb Dobcinski, junior, forward – All-Ozark Conference honorable mention. “Kaleb had an injury in the offseason but is looking ready to come back strong as a forward for us this season. His speed and acceleration make him a dangerous forward.”
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Roman Stanislawski, sophomore, center midfielder – Class 3 All-District 5 honorable mention. “His technical skill and game awareness are going to be key for us this season. He is a great passer and creates a lot of opportunities both by dribbling and passing.”
Time will tell where or how the Rolla newcomers will contribute this fall, Calvert said.
“I’m not 100 percent sure where our newcomers are going to fit in this season,” Calvert said. “We have a couple of freshmen coming in with a lot of skill and athleticism, but we’re going to have to do some practicing together to see where they fit best.”
The Bulldogs will have some holes to fill with the graduation of Chance Duncan, Ben Fisher, Amari Terrell, Ali Almusafer and Colin Cahill.
Chance Duncan, defender – Class 3 All-State first team, Class 3 Region 3 Defensive Player of the Year/first team, Class 3 All-District 5 first team and All-Ozark Conference first team. “Big and strong, and had a fantastic long throw that we used to generate some goals last season,” Calvert said.
Ben Fisher, goalkeeper – Class 3 All-District 5 honorable mention and All-Ozark Conference second team. “One of the best goalies I’ve been able to work with; read the game so well and was such a good leader for the boys from the back.”
Amari Terrell, midfielder – Class 3 Region 3 first team and All-Ozark Conference honorable mention. “Our leader in the midfield. His passes and hustle set him apart for us. He worked both offense and defense for us and rarely asked for a sub.”
Ali Almusafer, defender – Class 3 All-District 5 first team. “A strong defender for us. We’re going to miss his 1v1 defensive abilities.”
Colin Cahill, forward – Class 3 All-District 5 honorable mention. “The hardest working player I’ve met. He worked his way into a starting spot during the season and never looked back. Played very well for us and never let up.”
Rolla will participate in a jamboree at Washington High School on Aug. 22 before opening the regular season at home against Hannibal on Aug. 26.
“I have high hopes for our 2023 season,” Calvert said. “We have a lot of skill in the midfield and the boys are very motivated. They’ve been working hard during the club and offseason to get ready, and I think we’re going to have a strong season.”
