By Denise Tucker (For OzarksSportsZone.com)
The Springfield Catholic Fightin’ Irish were challenged to find their identity early last season. But those struggles paid off by the end of the season with the Irish’s first trip to the final four in Class 3 and first overall since 2014.
“With a tough early schedule and the departure from a large group of seniors in 2022, we had a tough time finding our way,” said Tom Davidson, who is approaching 900 career wins and currently stands at 885-379-72 coaching both boys and girls. “We were 10-7 and struggling to come up with the right chemistry to succeed. Then some movement in our starting lineup turned the page.
“A huge win versus a very good Carthage team helped us gain confidence for the stretch run. We found our scoring touch behind Luke Butler and Tyler Holum. Our defense became solidified with All-Everything and Regional Player of the Year, Rian Mulherin, which propelled us in a very solid district tournament in Jefferson City.
“The boys became the true meaning of a team, as timely goals and selfless play was the calling card for this team.”
The Class 3 District 5 championship was the first district title since 2019 for Catholic, which went on to defeat Springfield Central 4-0 in the quarterfinals before falling to Ladue Horton Watkins 2-0 in the semifinals and Rockwood Summit 4-1 in the third-place game.
Davidson believes that going up against the level of competition at the final four “is a huge motivator for this year’s team.”
“We want to build on our success from last year but understand that the hard work, sacrifice and dedication to the winning culture is earned, not given,” Davidson said. “We like the successful environment we are building at Catholic and hope it carries us through this year.”
The Irish, who finished 19-10 overall, 5-1 in the Big 8 Conference and fourth in Class 3, return just two seniors, but have a great deal of experience returning in 2024.
Caden Hillwick, senior, goalkeeper/defender – Named All-Big 8 Conference honorable mention. “Caden is one of our captains this year, and should provide great leadership for our young team,” Davidson said. “Caden is very versatile as he played both goalkeeper and back for us last year.”
Matthew Gerety, junior, midfielder – All-Big 8 Conference second team. “Matthew is a very technical player who will be one of the catalysts for our team. He is a dynamic player that will be counted on for his playmaking abilities.”
Christian De Silva, junior, midfielder – “Chris will see an increased role at the midfield and forward positions. He will also have to showcase his playmaking abilities this year.”
Luke Butler, junior, forward – Scored 12 goals, with 6 assists; Class 3 All-State second team, Class 3 All-Region 3. “Luke really showed what kind of player he can be in the district tournament last year, scoring five goals. Luke is tough and relentless and should provide lots of offense for us.”
Ethan Moellering, junior, mid/back – “Ethan is a very hard worker and has become one of our most improved players. (With) great speed and strength, he will be very versatile playing both in the back and midfield.”
Taylor Haik, senior, midfielder – “Taylor is another one of our captains and team leaders. A pin-point passer and distributor, he will be relied on to control the midfield.”
Tyler Fischer, junior goalkeeper – 14-4 as a starter with a 1.29 goals-against average; Class 3 All-State second team, Class 3 All-Region 3 Goalkeeper of the Year/first team, All-Big 8 Conference second team. “Tyler is a very accomplished goalkeeper and should be dynamic when called on this year. He finished last season with an incredible run and was one of the many reasons for our success.”
Ben Mulherin, junior defender – 2 goals, 2 assists; All-Big 8 Conference second team. “Ben, like his brother Rian, will be counted on to lead our defense. He is a very composed player with good speed; should be a great leader for us this year.”
Tyler Holum, sophomore forward – 10 goals 7 assists. “Tyler entered the team roughly halfway through the season and was spectacular for us as a freshman. He has had a great offseason and should be a dynamic goal scorer and distributor for us.”
Graham Swisshelm, sophomore back/midfielder – “Graham got some varsity minutes for us last year and should have an increased role this year.”
Lucas Mulherin, sophomore back – “Lucas was a full-time starter for us several games into the year, but should play a pivotal role in the defense for us this year.”
Catholic graduated standouts Kydon Huttenlocher, Rian Mulherin, Eric Fuentes and Noah Meinhardt, and will be challenged to fill that void in 2024.
Kydon Huttenlocher, midfielder – Earned Class 3 All-State first-team, Class 3 All-Region 3 Offensive Player of the Year/first-team and All-Big 8 Conference first-team honors. “Kydon was very dynamic for us last year,” Davidson said. “His technical ability will be hard to match this year.”
Rian Mulherin, defender – Class 3 All-State first team, Class 3 All-Region 3 Player of the Year/first team, All-Big 8 Conference first team; now playing at Drury University. “Rian led a very good defense last year and is somewhat irreplaceable.”
Eric Fuentes, midfielder – Class 3 All-State second team, Class 3 All-Region 3, All-Big 8 Conference first team. “Eric ended his senior year being a great leader both on and off the field and was our emotional leader as well.”
Catholic will participate in a jamboree at Liberty North with Harrisonville and Pembroke Hill before opening the regular season at Springfield Central on Aug. 30.
“This is the kind of team I like to coach,” Davidson said. “(They are) hard-working, respectful of the game, their teammates and coaches, and willing to play for each other.
“This group is selfless and can be very dynamic in the offensive third. Great goalkeeping and very solid defense should keep us successful.”
