By Tanner Mauk and Matt Smith

On March 3, the Atlantic soccer team will take their home field for the first time in 2014, in less than perfect conditions, with a forecast calling for rain and highs in the 40s.  Such weather has become familiar throughout the past few years.  The Trojans will start their season against eighth ranked Underwood. Starting practice this year without six starters from the year before, the Trojans have been looking for people to step up and fill the positions.

Even with losing a good group of seniors, the team still has high hopes for this season. Sophomore and second-year starter for the Trojans, David Thomsen, said he wants to have a better record than last season and he wants the team to make it to the state tournament. He said, “It’s going to take hard work, commitment, and determination from everybody.” Sophomore Ryan Hawkins didn’t talk about how far he wanted to make it, but he did talk about improvement. “I want us to bond well together while making big improvements on the field,” said Hawkins, mostly thinking about the team and bonding before thinking about the record and his own personal goals.

Coach Justin Williams makes it clear what he is looking for when he talks to his team. He is not as interested with the people who have the most experience or the people with the most talent. He’s looking for someone who plays well with the other teammates and someone that will work hard for their team. He’s said many times before that he needs his seniors to step up and take their position, because no spot is set in stone.

While losing six seniors from last season is saddening, the fact that the soccer team gained 10 freshmen and a senior brings hope to the people that know of last year’s seniors impact on the team. Dillon Cox is the team’s new senior. He played his freshman year, then took two years off to focus on other sports. But now he’s back and he is contributing to the team, playing just about anything, including goalie.

When the team figures out its starting situation and it takes the field for the first time in the 2014 season, make sure you’re in the stands–with a coat, hat and gloves–cheering them on!

Slideshow from Atlantic-Glenwood game 2013 season:
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