Spartans kick off season

By news@superiortelegram.com

August 22, 2006 at 11:00 PM

After losing 16 players through graduation after one of its best seasons in school history, it may seem as through the 2006 season will be a rebuilding year for the Superior High School boys soccer team.

But don't tell Spartan head coach Aaron Ashley that.

"On paper we appear decimated by graduation, but I feel our strength as a team was having an ensemble cast and not relying on one or two breakaway players," Ashley said.

Among the 16 players lost through graduation were captains Dustin James and Ian Mattson. Other key seniors lost will be the goalkeeping tandem of Scott Williams and Evan Nelson, scoring leader Bryan Dalbec and solid play by Robbie Brown, Jesse Nelson and Billy Ledin.

"We're really going to miss some of those guys," Ashley said. "Most programs would call this year a rebuilding year, but thanks to a continued increase in numbers, and the few returning varsity players, the team can improve this year."

In 2004 the Spartans had about 25 boys in the program and this year they're carrying around 44 between the varsity and JV.

Superior was 14-9-2 overall last season, 3-4-1 in the Lake Superior Conference and pulled off an upset overtime win over No. 3 seed Hudson in the WIAA playoffs.

Key returning seniors will be felt most at the midfield position filled by captains Logan Carpenter, Nils Bergman and Noah Therrien. Returning defenders include Jake Albrecht and Andrew Mattson, both juniors, and goalkeeping duties will be carried by senior Leo Bezrokov, who waited behind last year's seniors on JV.

The big question this year will be the impact of two players new to varsity action. Junior Matt Bouvine will be moving up from JV, where he tallied an average of one or more goals per game last year. Also new will be Tomohito Kondo, an exchange player from Japan.

"Matty's goal this year will be to perform at half his numbers from last year, which would even then make him a scoring leader in the area," Ashley said. "Tomohito has been great to watch in the first week of practice. His background in playing soccer outside the U.S. will not only be felt in games, but also in practice."

Team goals for the year include improving on last year's overall record by adding a few more wins in the LSC, continuing dominance over northwest Wisconsin teams (10-3-1 since 2004) and becoming a contender in the Big Rivers Conference playoffs.

SPARTAN SPIN: The Spartans begin the 2006 season at 5 p.m. Thursday at Rice Lake. Their home opener is at 5 p.m. Tuesday against Cloquet. ... Joining Ashley on the coaching staff is junior varsity coach Sam Buchs.

Superior Spartans

Boys Soccer 2006

Thur., Aug. 24 at Rice Lake, 5 p.m.

Tue., Aug. 29 vs. Cloquet, 5 p.m.

Thur., Aug. 31 vs. Spooner, 5 p.m.

Sat., Sept. 2 at Hibbing, 1 p.m.

Tue., Sept. 5 vs. Hermantown, 5 p.m.

Thur., Sept. 7 at Marshall, 4:30 p.m.

Sat., Sept. 9 at Lakeland Tournament, 10 a.m.

Mon., Sept. 11 at Proctor, 7 p.m.

Thur., Sept. 14 vs. Two Harbors, 5 p.m.

Sat., Sept. 16 vs. Washburn, 11 a.m.