New coaches take over soccer teams
Boys eager for another shot at state title
After one week on the job, first-year coach Charlie Webster believes the Libby boys soccer team can go places again this season.
The Loggers last year advanced all the way to the Class A championship game before falling in a thriller to Whitefish. Five starters return from that team.
“The strength I see right now – and we’ve only practiced for a week – is that we’re very athletic and have played together for a long time,” said Webster, who his coaching soccer at the high school level for the first time.
But could the Loggers reach the heights of last season, and perhaps even take the title?
“They have a lot of confidence that they have the ability to do that,” Webster said.
All five returning starters are seniors – defensemen Scott Harlow and Dustin Morningstar, forward Kyle Berke, forward/midfielder Evan May and midfielder Cyrus Maloney.
James Schnackenberg, who suffered an injury to his right leg below the knee when hit by a train, will be in uniform this season.
“We have about three holes to fill and we have some very skilled players,” said Webster, who replaced Mike Wickstrom as head coach. “We will probably have some depth Š there are some real bubble players.”
In the net, Lewis Brossman takes over as goalkeeper.
As preseason drills got under way, Webster saw commitment from the team’s returning players.
“Half came in excellent, the other could use a little work,” Webster said in reference to his player conditioning. “The ones who were ready to go were the varsity players that were here last year and want to win the state championship. They will provide leadership on what to expect.”
The Loggers will get into conference play right from the beginning with a game on Sunday in Troy against Polson. The two teams will hook up at noon – one hour later than published schedules.
Libby will then hit the road for three straight before playing in Libby on Sept. 13 against Stevensville. The red-letter date will be Sept. 27 when Whitefish – the same team that beat the Loggers for the state title – plays in Libby.
Girls come at opponents with speed, skill
With 15 returning letterwinners from a team that reached the Class A state semifinals a year ago, the Libby High School girls soccer team believes it can turn heads again this season.
Matt Warner enters the picture as the program’s new head coach. Warner is switching things up a bit so the Loggers can better absorb injuries – a particular concern that surfaced last season.
“Last year, a few injuries changed the lineup,” Warner said. “We’re hoping for a healthy season because I think they’ve got a chance at a state championship berth.”
Junior forward Anna Valentine and sophomore midfielder Jamie Gilden are back to anchor a Libby lineup oozing with speed and skill. Seniors on the roster include Nickole Lapka, Brittany Martin and Rachael Sweedman.
“We’ve got some great speed. We’ve got some girls with awesome ball-handling skills that can move the ball around the field,” Warner said. “We’ve got some very experienced girls, it’s just figuring it all out.”
One facet of the team that Warner is trying to figure out is with the defense. For example, junior Audra Poppen started in goal last season but Warner is bringing her out to play defense. Junior Christina Shilling is in the role of netminder as the season gets ready to begin.
Libby will have to be on top of its game right from the start with Saturday’s season opener coming against conference foe Polson. The game, which will be played in Troy, is scheduled for a 2 p.m. start. After trips to Belgrade, Livingston and Columbia Falls, the Loggers will come home on Sept. 13 to face Stevensville.