Every Tuesday afternoon, it is common to see long lines of cars parked on Rosehill Ave., the street along STLCC – Meramec’s soccer and baseball fields. This is because players from Meramec’s men’s and women’s soccer and men’s baseball are preparing for the upcoming fall season.
Collin Reischman
– Managing Editor –
MEN’S SOCCER
Meramec’s men’s soccer will be seeking their 15th straight winning season this year, led by forwards Almin Sabotic and Steve McMahon, who combined for 20 goals and 7 assists last season. Chris Eason will be returning as the goalie, protected by his defenders Justin Billmeyer, Brett Bozesky and Austin Killian. The team is also joined by Clint Carder, a new signee from DeSoto High School, who had a record-breaking year in ’08, nailing 35 goals with 20 assists. The men’s team will also be joined by Marc Bowron, a Scotland native who joins us from Belhaven College in Jackson, Miss. Finally, a one-two punch joins Meramec from Vianney. Midfielder Tim Scheipeter and forward Zane Smugala arrive off a very impressive 24-5 year with the Griffins. Smugala alone boasts two game-winning scores from that season.
WOMEN’S SOCCER
Meramec’s women’s soccer team are coming off an impressive year, capturing their first-ever Region XVI Championship after a 5-game-winning streak. A few standouts from last year include 3 sophomores: Meghan Thomas, Sarah Sanguinet and Lara Menke, all of whom were named to All-Region XVI first team. The team’s notoriously strong defense returns with many of its starters: Rachel Aubuchon and Kelsey Consiglio will be holding off attackers, and Chelsea Tetrault at the sweeper position. Three additions to the women’s roster will join from Kennedy High School’s strong soccer program. Samantha Herber, Whitley Menner and Kristen Marchetto are all joining with enthusiasm. Transferring from Fontebonne University will be forward Tricia Jokerst, and Mizzou transfer Lauran Moran should add even more depth to an already promising team. The women’s team will look for a stronger offense to compliment an already effective defense.
MEN’S BASEBALL
Men’s baseball won’t be deterred by the loss of one of their top pitchers to an elbow injury. Projected starting pitcher, right-hander David Williams is coming off a strong year, boasting 74 strikeouts in 64 innings in the ’09 season. He’ll be joined by other returning players: Jerry Roam at shortstop, Brett Nelson at first base and Justin Wilson at second base. Nelson batted .344 last season and nailed six home runs. Roam, a Francis Howell North graduate, hit an impressive .421 last season. Freshmen joining the team this year include right hander Mike Bibas of Vianney High School, whose 2.24 ERA and 64 strikeouts over 50 innings make him a nice addition alongside local Kirkwood High School grad, Nate Goeke, a left-hander pitching 51 strikeouts in 30 innings his senior year.
