Alder’s boys varsity soccer squad is pictured from left, front row, Camden Herring, Anderson Wilson, Johnathan Tater and Kent Gingerich; second row, Dominic Toler, Cam LaFayette, Noah Allen, Michael Cooper, Sam Stage and Zach Huggins; third row, Lucas Shelley, Alan Santos, William Moore, Nicholas Christopher and Garrett Ferguson; fourth row, coach David Lanka, Mason Smith, Zachery Chuhe, Matt Stock, Matt Schertzer and coach Ryan Schertzer.
(Journal-Tribune photo by Sam Dillon)
Success has been nothing new for the Jonathan Alder boys soccer team under head coach David Lanka.
The Pioneers have had post-season success in the past and the goal is to get back to that this fall.
JA had a little bump in the road by posting a 7-7-3 record last year, including a 4-4-2 slate in the Central Buckeye Conference.
That was good for third place in the Kenton Trail Division behind Bellefontaine and Tecumseh.
Alder slipped up against Hamilton Township and lost 4-1 in the second round of the Division II sectional tournament.
Lanka feels this year’s team can erase those memories.
“I wholeheartedly believe that, if we continue to grow as we have done throughout the off-season, we can and will compete for the CBC championship, as well as a district title,” he said.
The Pioneers will be led by 11 returning lettermen.
They include midfielders Camden Herring, Matt Schertzer and Will Moore; forwards Alan Santos, Lucas Shelley and Cam LaFayette; defenders Dominic Toler, Kent Gingerich, Zach Chuha and Mason Smith; and goal keeper Matt Stock.
Varsity newcomers include midfielders Nicky Christopher and Garrett Ferguson; defenders Anderson Wilson and Zach Huggins; forwards Noah Allen and Johnathan Taber; and keeper Michael Cooper.
“Our team consists of players who are coachable, hard-working, and team-oriented,” said Lanka. “They want to play the game the right way.
“The coaches have been extremely pleased with the progress we have made throughout the summer.
“Throughout the season, our goal is to improve each and every day,” said Lanka. “We want to be playing our best soccer at the end of the season.”