After a long, hot summer, it’s every parent’s favorite time of year – BACK TO SCHOOL!

The kids’ first day back was August 29th, and all the high school fall sports teams had their first day of tryouts and practices on August 15th. The BCHS soccer programs have been practicing throughout the summer to be ready for the 2016 soccer season. “Grandpa” Duncan Stark returns as the Head Coach of the Lady Eagles program and is excited about the team he has this year. “I’ve been at the high school for nine years now,” Stark said, “but I just realized the other day, that I’ve been coaching soccer for over forty years! It’s in my blood!”

Stark’s entire back defensive line remains intact: Alexus Pohe, Julia Davidson and Nicole Valle. The forward line has Jessica Coombes and Maggie Clary moving up from the JV squad, with returning goal-scorer Jordyn Trobiani. The goalie duties will be shared by Rebecca Smith and Lily-Ann Osman.

“We’ve had a good turnout at our evening summer practices,” Stark added, “with quite a few returning players. I like all the new faces we have too.”

Some of the other returning players that coach Stark is looking for valuable contributions from this year are: Lizzie Taggard, Malia Davis and Tori Mulheron. The other JV players looking to compete for varsity spots are: Nicholette Meleo, Gina Pfeiffer, Gillian Dunford, Brianna Pickens, Kortney Clayton, Kylee Shamo, Isabel Dixey, Jayme Sileo, Erin Cowley, Hailey Faiola, Kelsey Bacon, Caitlin Crowe and Sam Wagner.

“It should be an exciting season,” Stark said, “because we’ll be faster and stronger than last year, with much more soccer sense and experience.”

The Lady Eagles have their first home games on September 6th with the varsity starting at 3pm and the junior varsity team at 4:30pm.

“We are so much better than last year,” Stark added, “and are really building as a team and a program. With all the new, younger players coming to summer practices, we are in good shape for the future!”

Chad Smith returns as the Head Coach for the mens soccer program for his second season.

“We’re shooting to make the Division Playoffs this year,” Smith said, “because we certainly have the talent. I give them the mental and tactical drills they need, and they develop the rest!”

Smith’s projected starters on defense for the soccer Eagles are: Sebastian Balmer, Cory Bailey, Chandler Johnson and Alex Krausman.

On the offensive side of the field, his starters will be: Hunter Dale, Ben Missel, Caden Mendiola and Robert Leavitt.

Barrett Cowdrey is the primary goalkeeper, and John Oliver is his backup.

Coach Smith is looking forward to Jordan Harris and Patrick Hood developing into future starters, and challenging for playing time.

Other returning players from last year’s varsity squad are: Airan Pohe, Max Krill, John Krausman and Parket Johnson.

“This is a very hard working group of young men,” coach Smith added, “who are dedicated to the sport of soccer. It is evident in their performance, and I’m looking forward to seeing what they can accomplish as the season progresses!”

The boys actually started their practices on August 8th, as new BCHS Athletic Director Alex Moore wanted to have the players become used to the heat with an Acclimation Week.

“Acclimation Week is a great idea,” coach Smith said. “It helps to warm up the boys to the heat during our first games of the season, and what to expect during the practices.”

The varsity team will have their first home game of the 2016 season on September 1st against Adelson at 4:30pm.

“We’re becoming more organized,” coach Smith said, “with every practice. They’re developing well, and a number of the guys have been attending all the inter-murals this summer, and starting to bond as a team.”

Why not come out and support your soccer Eagles teams for all their home games, and fill the stands with lots of cheering and yelling?

Go Eagles!