Sparta Boys' Soccer Team

By: Kala Lindley

The 2010 Sparta Boys’ Soccer team is off to a good start. So far, they are 5-8-1. The varsity team has a lot of experience, especially since there is eight seniors, six juniors, and two sophomores on the team. The boys are coached by Ben Crenshaw and Ed Hoskin. As for captains, the team is led by Zach Koger (Senior), Dalton Woodworth (Junior), and Seth Wright (Senior).

In Mississippi Valley Conference play, the Spartans ended up 4-2, securing a second place tie with Aquinas Blugolds in the MVC race. Sparta’s two leading scorers are Cody Livangood and Nick Loeffelholz. When asked if they have a good chance at appearing at state again for a second time, Avery Hanson (Midfielder) added, “I think it can be done, but our team needs to work for it.” The boys have faced several Division One schools, which will help them in the long run, especially since post season play begins with regionals on October 5.

The team is hoping to get off to a good start with post season play like last year. The Spartans advanced to state during the 2009 season, after knocking off the Osceola Chieftains. As for this year, the Spartans are going to have to work extra hard, after loosing a strong senior class of ten. When asked what improvements will need to be made to advance to state play, Hanson offered, “We need to pass more, communicate, and take more shots.”

One key element to the Spartans success is their coaching. The boys have been under direction of Crenshaw and Hoskin for the past four years. Danny Huber, senior defender, adds, “I think they bring a lot of knowledge and experience to the team. They have high standards set that they expect us to play at.”

The boys finished conference play on September 21 as they beat LaCrosse Central 5-0. Huber stated, “We played well as a team. Our defense was solid.” Scorers for Sparta included Mitchel Pauley (Junior) with three goals, Zach Latour (Senior) with one, and Nick Loeffelholz (Senior) with one also. Four of their five goals were added in the first half, and solid defense kept the Red Raiders scoreless.

The Spartans are back in action on Thursday September 23, as they host LaCrosse Central for their first round of the MVC tournament. On Saturday October 2, the boys are back on the field for a non-conference game at Hudson, followed by Baraboo on the fourth. Pauley adds, “They both are going to be solid teams, but the way we have been playing together we can compete with basically anyone. We just need to play our game and communicate with each other and we should be coming out with two wins.”

The Sparta Boys’ Soccer team has great potential. “We definitely have what it takes to make it to state again. We just need to play the game to our level and continue to improve on our weaknesses.” adds Huber. It will take a lot of hard work and dedication, but I have no doubt state is not out of reach for our boys!