The grass has been cut, the lines chalked and the players trained. With the soccer season is underway, the Foresters are ready to show what they have to offer this year.
The game starts and ends with a whistle, but that is not where the work is put in. The Foresters practice each day to work up to game day. The season hasn’t started the way they hoped, but they have ample opportunity to turn it around.
Currently at 1-5- 1 on the year, there is room for improvement. Being at the helm for 17 years, Russ Lawson knows that.
Last season the Foresters finished 9-9 overall and 4-5 in conference play. That was the first season since the 2009 season in which they capped off the season above .500. The team had several statement wins against Grace, Taylor, Goshen and Saint Francis last season and are looking to repeat a few of those feats in 2016.
They will look to build on the recent success with an outstanding freshmen class the includes Luke Unger, Ihsan Basaran and Brady Gerke to name a few.
“I knew we had some good players returning that were a key to the team and had talent,” said Gerke. “I didn’t experience a big change, it’s a more physical game here where you play with more one touches then in high school.”
As Gerke is just starting his college career, captain Isaac Wust is looking to end on a good note.
“I want to end my career with no regrets and lead my teammates,” said Wust.
He returns as the leading goal scorer from last year’s team but said he doesn’t let that get to his head.
Wust, with nearly four years of collegiate soccer under his belt, said he’s managed to have fun while maintaining a high level of play.
“I love the challenge within each game.” he said. “You look within yourself to see if you gave it your all. That is a great satisfaction.”
The Foresters will host Saint Francis Sept. 28 at 4:00 p.m.
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