Fairbanks’ boys varsity soccer squad is pictured from left, front row, Paul Tossey, Neil Kohls, Daniel Montgomery, Pierce Powell, Max Morse, Eli Thrush, Dylan Tobe, Sam Keller, Jeremy Ziegler, Wyatt Rausch and Diego Shaw; second row, assistant coaches Lance Barnett and Nick Bowsher, Joey Ziegler, Kaleb Bosworth, Cade Feller, Brendan Baker, Greg Dean, Cade Ziegler, Josh Underhill, Bryce Bosworth, Gage Wilson and coach Matt Humphry. (Journal-Tribune photo by Sam Dillon)
Fairbanks’ boys soccer squad had a runner-up type of season in 2019.
The Panthers (9-9-2) finished second in the Ohio Heritage Conference and in the Division III district tournament.
Head coach Matt Humphrey has a number of veterans returning from that team.
They include defenders Brendan Baker, Sam Keller, Cade Feller and Joey Ziegler; keeper Greg Dean; midfielders Diego Shaw, Gage Wilson and Jeremy Ziegler; forwards Dylan Tobe and Cade Ziegler; and winger Pierce Powell.
Baker, Dean, Shaw, Wilson, Jeremy Ziegler and Keller are among the 11 seniors on the roster.
“This team is composed of 11 seniors, which is the largest senior class we’ve had in my time at Fairbanks,” said Humphrey. “In addition to our returning letter winners, we are looking for contributions from senior defenders Wyatt Rausch and Paul Tossey and senior forwards Bryce Bosworth, Jordan Ergino and Max Morse.”
The biggest strength of the team is experience and cohesion.
The seniors and juniors have played games against top-level competition across all divisions, according to Humphrey.
“We have had some incredible highs and lows over the last few years,” said the coach. “That has brought this team closer as individuals, not just teammates.”
Humphrey said Greenon, the defending OHC champion, will be among the top teams once again in the circuit.
Greenon and West Liberty Salem reached the district finals in 2019.
“Those teams return experienced players for this season,” said Humphrey.
“Our goals each year are to win league and district titles,” he said.
“Last year, we were close in achieving both of those goals.”