2009 Preview: Geneva

By Curt Herron

Ryan Estabrook knows that it will be difficult to duplicate last year's memorable campaign.

His Geneva squad went 20-3-1 and were state-ranked before bowing out in sectional competition.

Gone from that group of Vikings are a fine group of seniors, including All-Midwest pick Shawn Sloan and all-stater Kendal Spurgin.

But the sixth-year Geneva mentor has key people back from last year's squad and hopes to mix them with some talented newcomers.

"Graduation really hit us hard," Estabrook said. "It's hard to replace kids like Shawn and Kendal as well as the other seniors.

"So we'll have to play a different style this year and pound the ball around a little more in order for us to be successful."

Although the Vikings only have a few starters back, several other players saw significant playing time on last year's squad.

Helping matters, seniors Ryan Ward and Jeff Williams and juniors Seamus Kaminski and Brady Wahl will all hold down key roles this season.

Ward is back in the net after posting 9.5 shutouts a year ago. It's the first time that Estabrook had the same keeper for two straight years.

Williams was an outside back a year ago but he'll either move over to a central back spot or else play at forward this season.

Wahl was an outside mid in 2008 but this year he'll move to the center mid and Kaminski is back at forward but may also play in the midfield.

"It's good to have Ryan's leadership in the defensive area," Estabrook said. "And Jeff is really passionate in the way that he plays the game.

"Brady will be our field general and hopefully he can fill the void that Kendal left. And Seamus was our third-leading scorer last season."

John Wilger, a senior, played on the varsity as a sophomore but missed last year due to an injury. He'll play defense, perhaps at marking back.

Senior Kevin Hilgart is another forward, junior Craig Hancock will see action in the midfield and junior Robbie Johnson will play on defense.

A pair of talented freshmen, Brandon Sloan and Joshua Poythress, should also see plenty of playing time this season for the Vikings.

Brandon is the latest Sloan brother to don the #11 jersey. Both he and Poythress could play in the midfield but Sloan may also be on defense.

Other senior members on the Vikings' 18-man roster are Michael Edwards, Bradley Maher, Luke Stricker and Anthony Zefron.

"We're not lacking in talent but it will be a case of how well we jell together," Estabrook said. "I'm looking for chemistry on offense and defense.

"Even though we only return four starters, they grew a lot through last season. We'll rely on them this year and I'm sure they'll be up to the task."

2009 Roster

2009 Schedule