IAC BOYS SOCCER: NEWARK VALLEY LOOKS TO COMPETE IN IAC, ALONG WITH MOVE UP TO CLASS B (10 PHOTOS) (2019-08-22)
BY TIM TAYLORTioga County Sports ReportNEWARK VALLEY — Newark Valley should be a contender in the IAC South Large School division, but may find the Section IV playoffs to be a greater challenge.
The Cardinals move up to Class B this year after NYSPHSAA adjusted the BEDS numbers. The enrollment numbers are 270-499 with NV coming in at 274. The change will hurt the team in terms of seeding points for the postseason.
"League-wise, we're pretty much the same," Thurston said. "We play pretty much the same schedule, we just move up for sectionals. That's what hurts us. Last year, being a 'C' and playing a bunch of 'B' teams, you get points even if you lose. Now, you lose against a 'B' you get zero, so that's the tough part for us."
Of course, the competition in the South Large School division remains the same. One plus is the fact division champion Notre Dame graduated seven of its eight divisional all-stars from an 8-1-1 team, although the Crusaders usually do a good job of regrouping. SVEC and the Cardinals went 6-4.
The Eagles return four of their five all-stars while NV brings back half of its six. Waverly can't be overlooked either. The Wolverines return two of three from a 1-8 squad that was better than its record.
Newark Valley's graduation losses were big. Gone is three-time first-team pick Dan Cowulich, the division MVP. His brother, goalkeeper Steve, a four-time first-team pick, and first-team midfielder Micah Williams, are also gone.
Back are second-team selections Noah Shiel, a midfielder, forward Nathan Sokol and defender Corey Young, all of whom bring speed and skill to the lineup.
"I've got seven or eight returning starters," Thurston said.
The task of guarding the goal will most likely go to Donavin Beebe, who is tall and quick.
"It's going to be tough to replace Steve," Thurston said. "I've got other players who can play goal. Actually, Noah's played goal and Johnny Simmons played goal and Derrick Kalpokas played goal, but not to the caliber of Steve."
Filling Dan Cowulich's and Williams' shoes will be a challenge as well.
"That's going to be a big key for us," Thurston said. "A couple of the younger players just coming out played modified, so it's not bad, just trying to get the team on the same level. We have three kids that haven't played before, so we're trying to get our practice level all together."
The varsity is up to 15 players, possibly 16, and the enthusiasm is good.
"They showed up the first day with only 12 and they were already talking about the first game," said Thurston.
NV opens the season Sept. 5 at home against Dryden.
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PHOTOS BY TIM TAYLOR
