Continuously serving Kosciusko County since 1854
To say that the Warsaw girls soccer program had a trying offseason would be a gross understatement. The Tigers lost arguably their best player for the year in a serious car accident and have several other players dealing with nagging injuries.
Sophomore Kaitlin Cunningham was involved in a serious car accident in Fort Wayne that left the talented all-NLC player on crutches for perhaps the entire school year with a broken leg.
"She's one of the top players in the area," said Warsaw head coach Mike Getz of Cunningham. "She plays for the Fort Wayne Fever which is one of the top club teams in the state."
The Tigers are also coping with a foot injury to senior and all-district player Amy Durgin. Getz said he considers Durgin day-to-day because he doesn't want her pushing the injury.
Warsaw has only lost a single came in the Northern Lakes Conference the past three years. That changed this year.
Warsaw already dropped a 2-0 decision to Plymouth at home with conference heavyweight Concord still waiting in the wings.
Playing short-footed and with some young, inexperienced players, Getz isn't necessarily playing for conference.
"I told the girls that we need people in October (for sectional play) not necessarily in August," said Getz.
Besides Cunningham and Durgin, the Tigers also lost senior Hillary Miller to a torn tendon.
Miller has shown her leadership skills despite losing out on her senior season by going to every practice and game along with bringing Cunningham to every practice and game.
The injury bug has also bitten sophomore Hillary Faas and senior Jennifer Weingart.
"It's given other girls chances to develop early in the season," said Getz of Warsaw's rash of injuries.
One of those players is freshman Jocelyn Evans. Evans is the last of a family of soccer players to pass through Warsaw.
"When you look at other sports, kids get used to the high school experience by going through freshmen and junior varsity teams," said Getz of the transition Evans had to make. "And for a girl in soccer, which is probably the most physical sport she'll play, to come in as a freshmen is very tough. You have a 14-year old girl going against an 18-year old woman."
Along with Evans, Getz is pleased with the play of Whitko move-in Brittney Pherigo.
In terms of veteran leadership, Warsaw still has senior Amy Abbitt and junior Abby Rankin, who both have experienced the recent success of the Tigers program.
Rankin scored seven goals last year, while Abbitt had four assists in 17 games.
The Tigers won three straight sectionals in 2001-2003 before being knocked off in last year's sectional at Bethany Christian by eventual regional champ Westview.
WAWASEE
The Warriors enter the year with a new coach and Warrior faithful hope, new results. Dodd Cunningham takes the reigns of the Wawasee program.
Cunningham knows he has to completely overhaul the program from one that has been a doormat to one that can compete in the NLC.
"I look for continuing improvement throughout the season," said Cunningham. "The girls have a lot to learn about field tactics and a lot of work is need on their technical skills."
Wawasee finished with just two wins last year and last in the NLC.
While Wawasee still may be at the bottom of its conference by year's end, Cunningham hopes to see a more competitive squad.
"The team is very young with no seniors and three juniors but they are very willing to learn and work hard. The age of the team will work to our advantage over the next couple of years," said Cunningham.
Leading the way for the Warrior youth movement is sophomore midfielder Kristin Lemaitre.
Lemaitre, junior Megan Walker and sophomore keeper Emile Fleagle are the top returnees for Wawasee.
The Warriors picked up their first win of the season against Culver 3-0 to move their record to 1-2 this season.
AREA PREP GIRLS SOCCER CAPSULES
LCA COUGARS
Head coach -ÊJay Widman
2004 record/postseason result - 6-10
Key losses - n/a
Returning - n/a
Widman -Ê"We have a fair amount of talent spread throught the front, midfield and back, with most starters returning this fall. We are led by a strong junior class, who have played together for many years."
Outlook - With the loss of so many players, including the transfer of Evan Pickens to Warsaw, the Cougars may struggle to challenge the Tigers this year but still should be considered a favorite in the Northern Indiana Soccer Conference.
WARSAW TIGERS
Head Coach - Mike Getz
2004 record/postseason result - 8-6-3; lost in sectional to Westview
Key losses - Kaitlin Cunningham
Returning -ÊAmy Durgin, Amy Abbitt, Abby Rankin
Getz -Ê"We're a very young team with only three seniors."
Outlook - With so many injuries the Tigers won't win the NLC but if health improves could win their fourth sectional in five years.
WAWASEE WARRIORS
Head Coach -ÊDodd Cunningham
2004 record/postseason result -Ê2-14; lost in Westview sectional
Key losses -Ên/a
Returning -ÊMegan Walker, Kristen Lemaitre, Emile Fleagle
Cunningham - "I look for us to be fairly competitive during the last of the season."
Outlook - The Warriors will struggle this year to win matches but could suprise people in the 2006 season.
