Champaign Central High School Boys Soccer

2008 – Coach Josh Alford and Phil Wilder.   The 2008 Central boys soccer team had a great regular season. Their final record was 12-5-1, winning all but two Big12 conference games. The team started out strong by winning their first four games, and did not lose until their seventh game, in which Urbana won by a penalty kick. A big boost was when the boys kicked it up, beating Bloomington and Normal West.  they played strong through the season and ended up paired with Centennial for the first round of Regionals. In the regular season, the maroons beat the chargers 2-0, but unfortunately in this post season game, they maroons lost 0-2.The team was led by seven seniors: Joel Yambert, Scot Chapman, Christian Alvarez, Kaleb Walker, Will Hagle, Mark Pataky, and team MVP Martin Musuruana. Micah Walker was the only underclassmen to start. Jeeyan Rostam-Abadi, Nathan Chisholm, Clint Miller, and Marc Martindale lead the junior class by taking up four of the ten startiong spots. With such young talent on the team, next season looks to be an exciting one. 

2007 – Coach Josh Alford and Phil Wilder.  Central boys soccer had its ups and downs in 2007. First-year coach Josh Alford had the team working hard, starting out the year with three pre-season weeks of grueling two-a-days. All of that practice combined with an impressive new high-pressure play style to allow Central to come out of the gate strong. This was revealed throughout the season as Central gained numerous lopsided victories and only close losses. Both scoring in the first 30 seconds of a 2-2 tie against Urbana and playing State Qualifying Centennial to a 1-1 standstill showed Central's spirit and ability to play with anybody. When Central came out ready to play, they could not be beaten. By underestimating a few opponents led Central to stumble in the middle of the season with losses. Regardless, Central's strong style of play led them to their first Regional Championship in three years. Unfortunately, Central could not overcome adversity in their first Sectional game and lost 1-0 to Normal U-High on a miscalled PK.That sad end to a season will surely have Central coming out ready for revenge in 2008, and with seven returning starters, Central soccer will continue to improve.

2006 – Coach Ryan Krows and Phil Wilder.  The 2006 boys soccer team started the year out looking very strong. They opened up the season by winning the Charleston tournament, as a result of great teamwork and the willingness to pass the ball which helped the team greatly. Central hit a low point mid-way through the season after losing to Urbana Uni-High. They learned from that experience and never lost a game the rest of the regular season. Central was ready for a re-match against their cross-town rivals Centennial in the Regional Finals after tying 1-1 in the regular season, but the Maroons lost in overtime after having their one goal in regulation dropped by a questionable offsides call. Central ended the season with a strong 14-4-4 record.

2005 –  Coach Ryan Krows.  The 2005 Central boys soccer team had a great year. After working hard to get ready for the season, Central started on a high note, wining all four games of the Charleston Tournament, then three more to start the season at 7-0. Central's team performed well throughout the year, even with a very stressful schedule that included as many as four games a week. The team was led by seniors Mitch Kresca, Alejandro Salgado, Luis Salgado, Liam Slesinski, Aaron Vega, and Rod Musuruana. In the first round of Regionals, the Maroons swept past Rantoul with a score of 10-0, but they fell short when they lost to Centennial. The Maroons played their hardest but lost 2-0. The team ended their season with a record of 13-6-3. Overall, the Maroons had a great season, and with many returning seniors, next year's team wil be a good one. 

2004 – Coach Ryan Krows.  Dedication, strength, and hard work are what the Central boys' soccer team is made of. They had an awesome season and were tough competition for anyone playing them. They started off on a little bit off a down when they lost to two very tough teams in the Charleston tournament; Jacksonville and Charleston. The team then went on to win six of the next seven games. The team also won eight of their nine final games and went into post-season play with a rejuvenated spirit. They beat Kankakee 10-0 in the first round, beat Urbana 3-2, and then beat the undefeated Centennial team 2-0 to win Regionals. It was the first time Central beat Centennial in the past five years and was their first Regional title since 1997.

    The team traveled to Tinley Park Andrew for their first round of Sectionals. Unfortunately, they lost in overtime. The team couldn't quite get it together for the last game, but they played their hearts out. The team was led by four strong players who were also the team captains. Those players included Jeff Yambert, Azeez Yusuf, Mitchell Kresca, and Rodrigo Musuruana. Next year, eight of their starters will return, so they should have an amazing team and season.

2003 – (11-7) Coaches Ryan Krows, and Goelitz. The 2003 boy’s soccer season began with a bang. With a new season, new coach, and new players, they had everything they needed for a great year. . The highlights of the season were winning the Charleston Soccer Tournament, coming back from a 4-0 deficit to beat Bloomington, and tying Centennial 1-1. Against the cross-town rival, David Su had a fantastic goal and Mitchell Kresca had a great save to keep them in the game with only ten seconds left. As Kresca put it, “Our tie against Centennial was a great team effort.” .

2002 – (5-5) Coaches Kirby Crawford & Chris Harward. The 2002 boys’ soccer team had a lot of talented players this year. Sophomore Jeff Yambert had many outstanding achievements, including making the News-Gazette All Area Team, All Conference Player, and All Sectional Player. The team finished 5 and 5 in the Big 12. A highlight of the season for the boys was beating Danville in a penalty kick shoot-out to advance to their Sectional. Captains Jeff Bohlmann, Emmerson Duo, and Ernest Tarnue provided leadership for the team. The boys look forward to the great potential for nest year’s team.

2001 – (12-5-5/4-4-2) Coaches Kirby Crawford, and Chris Harward. Captains: Kip McDaniel, Nick Stirrett, and Scott Morgan. MVP: Nick Stirrett. Most Improved = Nick Clegg. The Maroons finished 2^nd in the Charleston Tournament to kick off an overall season finish of 12-5-5, and 4-4-2 in the Big 12. The boys won Regionals, beating Mahomet (1-0) to advance to the semifinals against Urbana. The Maroons played a hard fought game that went into triple overtime and ended in a 4-5 penalty kick loss. Goal keeper, Nick Stirrett, was named All-State.

2000 – (16-4-2) Coach Adam Jenkins, best start in school history, 9 consecutive wins, many seniors, 2^nd in Big 12 with a record (8-1-2) and received 2^nd seed at sectionals, reached sectional semifinals, led by Ross McAuley, Matt Scheitlin, and Jon Whitmer

1999 - Coaches Amy, Adam Jenkins and Jim McGowan. Team Captains: Nick and Wally Musumeci and Bryan Malloch. Most Improved: Alex Schroeder. MVP: Bryan Malloch. Champaign Central’s soccer team was proud of its accomplishments this year. They placed 1^st in the Charleston tournament, won the Regional and Twin City titles and were 2^nd in the Big 12. “This season was very successful and it’s too bad we had to lose to Urbana in a shoot-out. We accomplished all our goals by finishing 2^nd in the Big 12 and making it to Sectionals.” Bryan Malloch.

1998 – (9-10-3) Coaches Adam Jenkins and Freeman Yordi. Captains Ross McAuley, Nich Musumeci, and Jon Bryan. MVP: Wally Musumeci. Most Improved: John Martinie. Wally Musumeci was the #1 All Sectional goalie. Ross McAuley, Nick Musumeci, and john Whitmer were All Sectional players. Brian Malloch was honorable mention for All Sectional. Ross McAuley, Nick Musumeci, and Wally Musumeci were Regional players and Jon Whitmer received honorable mention. They were one of the top two youngest teams in the Big 12 this year. The soccer team had five players that received All-Sectional recognition.

1997 – (14-4-5) Coaches Garry Laidlaw and Adam Jenkins. Captains Tavis Bones, Adam Crawford, and Jim Pellum. MVP’s: Tavis Bones and Adam Crawford. All Sectional and State Team Member: Tavis Bones. All Conference Award: Tavis Bones, Adam Crawford, Paulo Afonso, and Mark Sinder. They started off the season by winning the Charleston Tournment. Central continued this success throughout the season, achieving a long time goal of becoming Conference Champions. In the play-offs they went where no Central soccer team had gone before, Super Sectionals. After defeating a quality Normal U-High, Central was narrowly defeated by Mt. Zion.

1996 – (6-6-5) Coach Garry Laidlaw. Asst. Coach Mike Malone. Captains Tavis Bones and Jeff Wilhelm. MVP: Tavis Bones. Most Improved Payers: Mike Thurston. Individual Awards: Tavis Bones was All-State, All-Sectional, and All-Conference. The team started out well with a record of 2-0. Then injuries, losses in key games, and inexperience took over. The rest of the season was up and down, with a five game unbeaten streak going into play-offs.

1995 – (17-3-2) Coaches were Gary Laidlaw and Mike Malone. Team Captain: Shawn Donnelly. MVP: Shawn Donnelly. Shawn Donnelly scored 4 consecutive goals in 3 games. All Conference = Aaron Washburn, Birk Walton, Nate Smith, Shawn Donnelly, Eltan Gauchman. All Sectional = Matt Burge, Shawn Donnelly, Nate Smith. All State = Shawn Donnelly, Nate Smith. 1995 was a season of First: Ever Big 12 Championship; Time ever scored # 1 in Sectional tournament; Regional Championship and Sectional Game; All State players; and Coaches Awards.

1994 – (11-5-5) Coaches: Gary Laidlaw, Lavin, and Mike Malone. Captains = David Wong, Aaron Alumbaugh, and Andy Valbert. This great season included wins over three of the top four seeded teams in Sectionals. All Big 12 conference Soccer Team selections included David Wong and Andy Valbert. Conference honorable mention awards went to Eltan Gauchman, Birk Walton, and Shawn Donnelly. The hiring of a new head coach, Mr. Laidlaw, also helped the team’s progress this past year. With senior leaders and outstanding underclassmen performers, the soccer season was impressive.

1993 – (8-8-3) Coaches: Lavin, Smiricky, and Morellion. Captains: Josh May, Jan Lo, and Caleb Washburn. MVP: David Wong. The Maroons finished at 8-8-3 and .500 in the conference. The Maroons also won the Twin City tournament which featured both cross-town rivals Urbana and Centennial. Seniors Josh May, Cory Overstreet, Jason Helms, Caleb Washburn, and Jan Lo helped create a great team this year and will be missed greatly.

1992 – (7-7-2) Coaches: Smiricky, Brenen Roberts, and Tony Morellion. Captains: Travis Nelson, Tad McDaniel, Shawn Biddle, and Garenne Bigby. The ’92 soccer team had high expectations for the season but fell short of their goal. The team was lead by four All Big 12 Conference team members Scott Shermer, Travis Nelson, Jason Helms, and Jan Lo and their captains .

“We had our hopes set on a near perfect season, but we were plagued with injuries at the end,” said Caleb Washington, and indeed he was correct, They lost defensive standouts Derick Aikman and David wong, while also being cut on the offensive side when Sean Biddle went out. Though they hit a slump at the end of the season, they were still able to pull off a 5^th place finish in the Big 12.

1991 – (7-6-3) – Coaches: Anthony Moreillon and Mike Smiricky. Captains : Chad Rakers, Andy Hatch, and Sean Biddle. MVP :Chad Rakers. The 1991 soccer team was one to be remembered. The team had an exciting season. To start it all off, they began summer practice sessions in August. They trained 3 times a day, each practice consisting of a lot of running. This set the precedent of hard work for the players, and it continued throughout the season. With the captains as role models, a winning attitude and improved teamwork was achieved at CHS soccer. Team spirit was at its peak. Team members described it as being fun, exciting, and extravagant season, complete with many best records. Senior Andy Hatch exclaimed, “I Think it was definitely the best season of my four years.

1990 – (3-11) Coaches Smiricky & Moreillon. Captains:Matt Bazzani, Dave Konisky, and Scott Burten. . The team also gives much of the credit to MVP, Dave Konisky, whose athletic skills lifted the team over the other 11. Because this ever-so-memorable season was the result of an incredible team effort, every varsity player received a letter. Besides talent, this unrivaled squad also boasted great character. It surpassed any other team in Central soccer history in the most penalty cards received!

1989 – (2-13) Coach: Tony Morreilion. Despite compiling a 2-13 record, the Central Varsity Soccer Team built a good foundation for the years to come. The Maroons had a lot of talent and showed improvement with the return of senior co-captain Zach Hoover. Senior co-captains, Eric Paci and Jude Nolen both had good seasons. Senior Alex Tabeling’s goal keeping helped keep things in perspective. With 1^st year coach, Tony Morreilion, and a new playing field, this relatively young team had a building season. The leadership of this year’s seniors will not be forgotten.

1988 – (3-10-2) Coaches Jerry Butler and Scott Wilson. Expectations were high for the Central soccer team this year, but after a tough loss to Urbana in the Regional tournament, the Maroons ended with a disappointing 3-10-2 record. Despite Central’s lackluster performance, there were a few bright spots. Seniors Ed Dyson and Marco Nieto were selected to the All-Conference team and several underclassmen showed promise for the future.

1987 – (9-5-2) Coaches John Reis and Scott Wilson. There was some concern at the beginning of the school year as to whether or not Central would have a soccer team because there was no coach available. Luckily for the skilled players of Central, Mr. John Reis stepped in as head coach with Scott Wilson as the assistant coach. Although they were disappointed with their performance during the state tournament, the Central Maroons had a successful season. They finished 9-5-2, considerable better than last year’s record of 6-5-2. Two key varsity players senior Dan Shoemaker and junior Eddie Dyson, were chosen to play for the All Big 12 post-season team. Central’s soccer has improved every year since it was introduced as a varsity sport in 1985.

1986 – (6-5-2) Coach Tom Daughtery. Under the direction of 1^st year head coach, Tom Daughtery, the soccer team posted a 6-5-2 record. Led by senior Erik Andersen’s 15 goals, the Maroons had a potent scoring attack. Those players receiving post season Big 12 All Conference honors were Bob Gilmore, right wing, Erik Andersen, Center halfback, and Matt Pothast, goalkeeper. Eddie Dyson also received honorable mention.

1985 – (4-4) - Coaches Phelps and Dietz. The 1985 fall sports, brought a new sport to Champaign Central High School. This was soccer. It was the first Central Varsity Soccer team. With Coach Phelps and Coach Dietz coaching, and the team’s performance, the team had an impressive 4-4 record, and 10 lettermen.