Continuously serving Kosciusko County since 1854
The Warsaw girls soccer program enjoyed three years of success unparallel in recent Tiger sports history.
Three years, three conference championships, three sectional and regional crowns and three semi-state appearances. Last year the Tigers fell to South Bend St. Joseph's in the South Bend Semi-State final 3-1 in overtime.
That team included Ashley Kitchens, Aubrey Evans, Katie Sudoff and Sarah Sisson. All five are now departed from the program, and in the case of Kitchens and Evans, playing college soccer at Indiana Wesleyan and Grace, respectively.
This doesn't mean the cupboard is bare for Warsaw soccer talent.
All-conference players Amy Abbitt, Lindsay Anderson and Amy Duran return. Goalkeeper Kelsey Alcorn returns to mind the net for the Tigers and Abby Rankin, the second leading scorer on Warsaw as a freshman last year looks to add to her offensive output this season.
Those experienced players know what success is like and know what it takes to get there. For head coach Mike Getz, those girls providing guidance to the younger players on how to handle wins and losses will be an intangible that can determine the success of this year's squad.
"We've got a lot of young players and they don't know what it takes to get to where they need to be. (Returning players) understand what it takes to get there and they understand the physical play. If this team plays a team that isn't as physical, the younger players may come off feeling pretty good. The older girls can say, 'Hey, this isn't South Bend St. Joe's or Laporte, they understand the difference."
While this year may be a transitional year for the soccer program Getz knows the added benefits of a successful team. The more success a high school program attains, transitional or rebuilding years become scarce. Especially at a school the size of Warsaw.
"Three years in a row was a good run. Right now we have about 40 to 50 girls signing up in the spring as opposed to a few years ago when we had 27 come out for both JV and varsity. It's also about getting the athletes that have a choice of what sport they want to play but come out because they see the success of this program."
For three years Warsaw ruled the proverbial roost in the area when it came to soccer.
This year in the Northern Lakes Conference, Concord comes in as the prohibitive favorite. The Minutemen tied Warsaw for the regular season NLC crown and return everyone from last year's team.
With Plymouth, Northridge and improving programs like that at Wawasee, the NLC looks to be tougher than ever. For Getz it's all about that tough conference play this year.
"With the girls, it's getting maturity. For non-conference games I want those to be learning experiences. The conference games are where our focus will be."
"We have two non-conference games to start the season." Warsaw travels to South Bend to take on Riley Aug. 17th, and then hosts Elkhart Central on Aug. 19th, "but the Plymouth game is the game I'm really focusing on right now."
The Tigers open up conference play in Plymouth on Aug. 24th.
"Right now we have to build up conditioning. It's not where it needs to be. We've got a lot of young players and they don't know what it takes to get to where they need to be. Our mindset now is to learn and grow. If it's not this year then next year."
Judging by the success of Getz and the program, the smart money is on this year.
MANCHESTER SQUIRES
Head Coach/years - Jennifer Vincent/first
2003 record/postseason - 12-2-1/Lost to Columbia City 1-0 in Columbia City Sectional
Key Losses - N/A
Returning - Amanda Penrod, Cami Naragon, Sarah Purdy, Kristin Lehman
Vincent - "I think we have a great group of girls. They're young and athletic. Right now we're really working on camaraderie. I think we have great team spirit and I think we're going to have a fantastic season."
WARSAW TIGERS
Head Coach/years - Mike Getz/fourth
2003 record/postseason - 14-4-3/Lost to South Bend St. Joseph's 3-1 OT in South Bend Semistate
Key Losses - Ashley Kitchens, Aubrey Evans, Katie Sudhoff, Sarah Sisson.
Returning - Amy Durgan, Amy Abbitt, Lindsay Anderson, Kelsey Alcorn, And Abby Rankin.
Getz - "Obviously it's hard to replace girls who won three straight conference championships, three straight semi-state appearances, one of the best streaks in Warsaw girls sports. It's giving a lot of opportunity to younger girls. Last year we added one girl to varsity. This year we're going to add at least eleven. It's going to be a young team; it's going to be a team that's going to do a lot of learning. We're returning a third of last year's team with a totally different bench. Our defense is going to be totally different but we have a lot of people who can score."
WAWASEE WARRIORS
Head coach/years - Toni Clayton/second
2003 record/postseason - Lost to Westview 10-1 in opening round of Bethany Christian Sectional
Key Losses - Nicole Hymer, Erica Smith, Sue Camire
Returning - Larissa Lemaitre, Megan Walker, Jenna Deneen, Alexa Ganz, Amy Taylor, Katie Owen, Krystalle Johnson, Elixabeth Olson
Clayton - "We're hoping to be competitive. My goal is to work on each girl's personal skills. We don't want to give anyone an easy match. The difference between this year and last is the speed and endurance. They're in a lot better shape coming into this year. I'm lucky to have a lot of athletes, girls who play other sports besides soccer so they are active year round. These girls really love soccer. They're out here because they love the game. For most of these girls soccer is their main sport."
