New coach, same goals for BFHS boys soccer
Photo by MANDI BATEMANPreston McLeish practicing for the 2019 soccer season.
Daniel Walker passes to a teammate during practice.
Photo by MANDI BATEMANDalin Foster practicing for the 2019 soccer season.
Photos by MANDI BATEMAN The BFHS boys soccer team, practicing hard for the upcoming season.
Photo by MANDI BATEMANBlake Copeland practicing for the 2019 soccer season.
Photo by MANDI BATEMANDalin Foster practicing for the 2019 soccer season.
Photo by MANDI BATEMANKeahi Robles practicing for the 2019 soccer season.
Badger soccer players drive the ball during a recent practice.
Photo by MANDI BATEMANMichael Youngwirth practicing for the 2019 soccer season.
Photo by MANDI BATEMANDaniel Walker practicing for the 2019 soccer season.
BONNERS FERRY — The Badger boys soccer team has begun its season with rigorous practices as the Badgers gear up for a successful 2019 campaign.
Returning senior Cody Kerstiens is known as a ball hawk, meaning he is after the ball if he has the chance. Ben Tompkins is known by the team as a workhorse center midfielder.
“He just doesn’t stop,” said coach Brycen Lunger, who is the new BFHS boys soccer coach this season. “He’s like the energizer bunny.”
According to Lunger, Ben Tadlock brings a creative and intelligent look at the games, with Thomas Rivkin being the wild card, leading by example.
“When he does, the underclassmen listen,” said Lunger. “It’s great to have different kinds of leadership throughout our senior class.”
Juniors Dalin Foster and Daniel Walker also have stepped up and have future potential to continue in team leadership.
“Dalin is so smart when he’s on the field, he just sees plays developing before they happen which is just crazy to have on defense as a junior,” said Lunger. “Daniel is our work horse, he just keeps on going and if you are in his way he’s going to beat you to accomplish his goals a great attribute to being a leader.”
Talking about how he thinks the season will pan out, Lunger said, “Not sure, we have a lot of young players that we will be looking for to step up and play some big varsity minutes. We lost 11 or 12 seniors last year.”
With Timberlake a widespread threat throughout the Badger sports, St. Maries and Stillwater Christian are also tough competitors on the soccer schedule.
And in the Intermountain League, Coeur d’Alene Charter will field a boys soccer team for the first time this season.
Lunger first began playing soccer at a young age and continued to love the sport as he grew up.
“I really enjoy trying to bring some creativeness to the sport and making it fun,” said Lunger about what prompted him to begin coaching.
Stepping up to the role of main coach, Lunger pointed out that he is not new to coaching and mentoring the kids on the field.
“I coached with Wayne and Derek the past four years, so the goals will stay the same,” said Lunger about any possible changes. “Win one game at a time. Work towards the big goals — league champions then state tournament.”
With the team going the extra miles and working hard in the offseason to fine tune their individual skills, the team continues to work together toward a common goal — to win games.
“We have a great group of kids; this soccer team will be fun to coach and see them develop. They have great work ethic and bring great attitudes to the team day in and day out,” said Lunger. “I am excited for players to step up into big roles for our team.”
For scheduling information, visit bgbadgers.com and keep an eye out for the Bonners Ferry Herald’s fall sports poster.