The Crested Butte News Serving the Gunnison Valley since 1999
“The boys are aware that they’ve got a massive target on their backs, but this squad is all business”
By Than Acuff
In what was meant to be a rebuilding year last year, the Crested Butte Titans boys soccer team exceeded all expectations to win the 2A Colorado state title.
They got back to it with their annual Midnight Madness practice at 12:01 a.m. Monday, August 12 and have been working through their typical slate of two-a-day practices through the first week and a half and appear to be right in step from the outset.
“Overall, the energy from the group has been amazing,” says coach Matt Wilson. “It feels like we’ve picked up right where we left off, even with the addition of a huge incoming freshmen class.”
The incoming freshmen class is 12 strong. That, mixed with three sophomores, 11 juniors and nine seniors means the program has reached numbers not seen in years with 35 total. And while it’s a number nearing critical mass, the coaching staff that includes both Bradley Davies and Drew Canale has kept the players plenty busy through the preseason with an emphasis on the team’s identity.
“Out of the gate, we’ve primarily focused on work rate and effort to set the tone for the season,” says Wilson. “The players have responded better than what we expected. Even with a large freshman class, it feels like we’re reloading instead of rebuilding.”
They got their first true test last weekend with scrimmages against 4A stronghold Montrose and 3A school Bayfield and came away with mixed results.
“I’d say the scrimmages were about 50/50,” says Wilson. “We played some great soccer overall, but in the end, the scrimmages showed that we have a lot of work to do if we want to make a deep run in the state tournament this year.”
The season kicks off Friday and Saturday, August 23-24, with non-league matchups against 3A schools Roaring Fork and Basalt on the road, both of which should be tough contests. So, Wilson and the coaching staff are looking for more than just what can be found on the scoreboard.
“We are nursing a few injuries in key positions,” says Wilson. “As long as we’re seeing the boys put in the effort and apply what we’ve worked on for the last two weeks, then in our eyes that’s a step in the right direction.”
Wilson is aware of the pressure of playing as the defending state champion but believes the team has the right mindset for what will be a tough road ahead.
“The boys are aware that they’ve got a massive target on their backs, but this squad is all business,” says Wilson. “They know to keep their heads down and put in the work if they want to make it to the show.”
