With the loss of a talented senior class, the Helias Crusaders will feature a new look this soccer season.
But the expectation for success remains.
"Sometimes you have to start over, but I think with the returning talent we have to go along with a talented group of younger players, this has the chance to be an exciting and interesting season for us," Helias coach Chuck Register said as the Crusaders prepare for this afternoon's season opener at Kirksville.
The Crusaders return four starters - seniors Dane Haugen, Ian Luebbert and Nate Mercurio, along with junior Braden Remmert - from a 19-6 squad that went to the Class 2 quarterfinals.
"It will be fun to see how this team develops and grows together," Register said.
All four of the returners either play in the midfield or at forward. That means the Crusaders have spent much of the preseason working toward solidifying what is an inexperienced group on defense.
"Our experience is up front, but we have to make sure people have trouble scoring against us, so we're really concentrating on the defense right now," Register said.
Ben Mitan will start in goal. The junior played on the junior varsity last season as well as some time with the varsity. Sam Verry, a sophomore, is the reserve.
Sam Heckart, a sophomore, will get the nod at sweeper.
"He's one of our better athletes and he'll be good back there," Register said.
Brad Kemna, a junior, and sophomore Jack Schrimpf will start at the wings.
This is Kemna's first year with the soccer team, while Schrimpf missed much of last season with a broken ankle.
Blake Steinmetz, a senior, will start at stopper.
Among the reserves on the defensive side are juniors Anthony Fairchild and John Kerr and sophomore Sam Ferrier.
"Things could change as the season goes on, there could be some position moves back there," Register said.
Remmert and Haugen will start at center-mid spots. The starting outside midfielders will be sophomore Grant Stokes and freshman Jack Rundle.
Midfield reserves include seniors Zach Simon, Wyatt Loethen and Nick Hafner.
Mercurio and Luebbert will start at forwards. Matt Schulte, a freshman, is among the reserves.
Numbers are up for the Crusaders this season for Register, who is entering his 17th season as Helias' head coach. There are 40 players out for the team, including 16 freshmen, after having just 29 total players last season.
The recent burst of hot weather has slowed preparations for the season.
"The first couple of weeks were the best weeks of preseason practice we've ever had weather-wise," Register said. "But the last few days have been tough to get a lot accomplished because you have to make sure kids aren't getting sick."
Register said the Crusaders used the recent Jamboree and the Blue and Gold Game as a chance to grow.
"That gave us a chance to see some problems that we needed to work on and solve," Register said. "Most of the problems were easy things to solve and we've gotten that done."
There are a handful of changes to the schedule. A game against Father Tolton is new, as well as a trip to the Quincy (Ill.) Tournament.
Helias will also host a Shootout on Homecoming weekend. Other teams participating include Springfield Catholic, Carthage and Smithville.
"We're hoping that fans and friends and kids take the opportunity on Homecoming weekend to come out and see us," Register said.
In a schedule oddity, the Crusaders will play their first eight games on the road before the slate takes on a home flavor. Helias will not play at the 179 Soccer Park until it hosts Washington on Saturday, Sept. 13.
There are 16 games left in the season starting with the action against Washington. Only three will not be at the 179 Soccer Park - two trips to Columbia to meet Battle and Hickman, and another to Ashland to face Southern Boone.