2009 Preview: Barrington

By Curt Herron

Sometimes it's best for a coach to get a few games in before he's able to realize what his team possesses.

That's definitely the approach that 11th-year Barrington boss Scott Steib will take into the 2009 season.

The Broncos suffered significant graduation losses from a year ago, including All-Midwest selection Ata Ozbay.

Other key departures from last season's 19-6 sectional squad were Tom Unak, Ryan Mangone and Frank Ingraffia.

To further complicate matters, this year's leader Tim Rudnicki was lost after suffering a knee injury during the offseason.

Although unable to play this year, senior Rudnicki will be with the squad and do his part to be supportive of his teammates.

So things are clearly still very much up in the air for a program that captured the state championship just two seasons ago.

"This will be kind of a rebuilding year for us," Steib said. "We'll have to use August and September to get better for October."

While he uses the next few weeks to sort things out, Steib is keeping things in perspective.

"Hopefully by the end of the year I'll have six or seven more kids who have stepped up for us.

"I think if we can end up being competitive in the Mid-Suburban League than that will be good."

One important piece of the puzzle that the Bronco coach does have back is a three-year starter, senior Will Farrell.

Much will be expected from the holdover from the state team as he gets things going from his midfield position.

Junior Taylor Williams started almost half of the games a year ago and figures to lead the attack at forward.

Goalkeeping duties are up in the air between juniors Will Cotopolis and Steve Polasik and sophomore Jacob Dreiling.

The 20-man team even features a pair of freshmen, Craig Zahour and Mike Moynahan, who figure to be in the mix.

Other senior members on the squad are Marc Drouin, Ryan Foley, Andrew Krissinger, Greg Navitsky and Tony Shin.

Juniors Dan Barber, Mason Gott, Nikko Maher, Joe Micci, Max Mohr and David Pacheco and sophomore Grant McAndrew complete the team.

"We're going to be really green," Steib said. "We'll have some things to prove since we're so inexperienced.

"But in terms of hard work, these kids are busting their tails, so I'm real encouraged about seeing that."

2009 Schedule