Natalie Dillon Sports Editor
The Crookston Pirate boys’ soccer team collected just one win last year against East Grand Forks, and that left a bitter taste in their mouths. This summer, they went to work, improving their skills and strength.
“It’s nice to see that a lot of people have been lifting more and getting stronger,” said captain Caden Boike. “I think that’s going to help us out.”
Boike was one of five Pirates to score last season. Two other scorers return in Jack Everett and Thor Harbott. Additionally, Jackson Reese returns with one assist from last year.
The team will have to replace two impactful seniors—Jack Garmen and Evan Christensen—who earned team and All-Conference awards. Luckily, they have a youthful core that has had varsity experience for the last couple of years.
“We have an experienced group of players with great attitudes, a hard work ethic and varsity experience from their 8th and 9th grade years,” said head coach Lon Boike.
Another key player of the Pirates’ team this season will be goalie Blake Melsa, who earned Most Improved last season. He stopped 127 of 199 opponents’ shots and looked sharp in the first practice.
With their first match on Thursday, August 25, the team is excited to be back on the pitch playing.
“The team spirit is really good,” Boike said. “There’s a lot of us that have been really excited to play since last spring. It shows that people are motivated.”
Boys’ High School Soccer Roster 2022
Gavin Winger Sr.
Elliot Bartrum Sr.
Thor Harbot Sr.
Nathan Kelly Sr.
Brannon Tangquist Jr.
Lucas Miller Jr.
David Threatt Jr.
Kadin Edwards Jr.
Caden Boike Jr.
Carter Trudeau Jr.
Ashton Shockman Jr.
Blake Melsa Jr.
Matthew Owens Jr.
Jackson Reese Jr.
Dalen Kornyta Jr.
Wyatt Walker Jr.
Jack Everett So.
Isaiah Olivares So.
Brandon Colborn So.
Michael Bochow So.
Tim Brule So.
Jayden Mulvey So.
Jack Buhler So.
Lincoln Walden So.
Evan Shockman Fr.
Reggie Winjum Fr.
Jay Reese Fr.
Zach Plante Fr.
Peter Wiersma Fr.
Caden Sanders Fr.
Kahnen Hanson Fr.
Ryker Arnold Fr.
Makoti Weber Fr.