By Chris Parker
Crocker soccer has a new head coach in Rich Heenan this season. Heenan, a 2013 graduate of Crocker, was head coach at Laquey in 2020 and 2021.
He takes over a program coming off a six-win season and seeking its first winning season since 2018.
Eight starters return from the 2022 team with six additional lettermen back.
Things will start with the senior class.
“This season our team will look to our senior class to fill our leadership roles, Heenan said. “Specifically, we will look to the likes of Payton Ament who has occupied the starting keeper position since his freshman year, along with senior midfielder Seth Strutton and senior forward Sean Faulkner.”
Faulkner will key the offense after earning second-team all-state honors at forward last season. Sophomores Chase Sharpensteen and Kaiden Routh are expected to see significant time at forward as well.
Strutton and classmate Noah Jones as well as sophomore Tristen Resch will be in the midfield.
Seniors Jeffery Danielson and Jackson Shiverdecker will be key defenders.
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Amet earned all-region honors at goalkeeper last season. Sophomore Daniel Orr will also look to be a contender for varsity minutes in goal.
“The strength of our team this season will revolve around our work ethic and positive attitudes. The boys have come out all summer and shown how hard they are willing to work to improve this season and we are hopeful that the time they have put in will show when we take the field,” Heenan said. “Tightening up defensively and putting up consistent performances on the defensive end will be our focus for this season if we are going to find success. After the team gave up around four goals per game last year we will have to find a way to be more organized and to defend as a unit when we are out of possession.”
Heenan has also upgraded the schedule this season.
“We have really diversified the schedule this season and it looks to be one of the tougher schedules that the boys have had in recent years,” Heenan said. “We hope to play with a high level of confidence all season long, and that by strengthening our schedule we will be better prepared to compete when district time rolls around.”
Crocker opens the season on Aug. 25 at Iberia.
“Overall I am expecting to have this team showcase a growth of their soccer IQ and to be competitive in every game we play this year, no matter who the opponent is,” Heenan said.
