FISHER – According to Robbie Dinkins, Fisher/Gibson City-Melvin-Sibley High School’s head soccer coach, his players wasted little time picking up where they left off last fall.
In 2021, Fisher/GCMS finished its season with a record of 19-1-1.
“We’re excited to see what we can possibly do,” Dinkins said. “I always tell the guys it doesn’t matter what you did the year before. That has no bearings on our season. Things can change rather quickly. We’re excited to put in the work, just like we did last year.”
The Bunnies started their fall practices this week.
“We’ve had a great start so far,” Dinkins said. “The guys have come in really focused. I think they have some high expectations for our season. Our captains have done a great job of leading so, and the rest of them have done a great job of following and executing the things that we’re trying to accomplish.”
However, Dinkins said his team started training for this upcoming season right after its IHSA Class 1A regional final loss last October.
“There were a lot of guys who were putting in a ton of work once that season ended last year. They were in the weight room,” Dinkins said. “They were doing club and indoor soccer. They were putting in the time, and you could definitely see it so far on the field this week. Some of them took tremendous leaps when it comes to their skill level, and we’re excited about it.”
Fisher/GCMS returns seven starters from last season, in which the Bunnies set records for most wins and goals scored while also setting a record-low for goals given up in a regular season with seven and recording 13 shutouts.
“We had a lot of freshmen and sophomores who got a lot of playing time last year, so they’ve got a lot of experience,” Dinkins said.
The Bunnies lost four players – including three starters – from last year, including starting goalkeeper Aaron Kasper. Sophomore Sid Pfoff, who was a midfielder for Fisher/GCMS last year, will play as a goalkeeper, and according to Dinkins, he has some experience as a goalkeeper in club soccer.
“He has really good knowledge of the game, and we’re expecting big things out of him to fill Aaron’s shoes because he did a really good job for us last year,” Dinkins said.
The Bunnies also lost defenseman Ryan Grieser, who played in the right back position along with fellow defenseman Colin Bane, who died last May in an automobile accident.
“We’re trying to put those pieces together on defense,” Dinkins said. “With not having Colin back there, we’re trying to find a voice, and a guy who can bring the energy, along with Connor Ray’s knowledge back there at the center back spot. He’s more of a guy who’s going to be quiet, but he’s going to tell you what you need to do, but we need the other guy who’s going to be the energy guy. We’re hoping to find that in the next few weeks.”
Dinkins said he is also looking to replace Bane’s energetic attitude for this upcoming season.
“Colin was definitely very energetic,” Dinkins said. “I think Caden Walker has done a tremendous job of being vocal, along with Nick Giroux. Those guys have always led by voice, but now they’re being more energetic. Chase Minion and Seth Kollross, along with Zach Barnes, have had a lot of experience over the years. Now they’re our seniors and leading our midfield, and I think they’re going to do a really good job.”
Fisher/GCMS’s season opener will be on Monday, Aug. 22, at Normal Calvary Christian Academy.
“It’s coming up quickly,” Dinkins said. “We’ve still got a lot of work that we need to put in. We’re not, by any means, ready for our first game, but if we continue to do what we’ve done in these practices, I think we will be.”
The Bunnies’ home opener will be against Monticello, who tied with Fisher/GCMS in the last three matchups between the two schools.
“They’re awesome competition,” Dinkins said. “They always show great sportsmanship, but it’s always back and forth.”
Bloomington Central Catholic, which finished third in the IHSA Class 1A state tournament last year, is scheduled to visit Fisher on Sept. 22, although Dinkins said his team might have to change the date or time due to a homecoming parade. “We’re excited to play them,” Dinkins said. “The rest of our opponents are returning a lot of experience. It’s not like we’re the only ones returning seven starters. There’s a lot of other teams that are, too. We’re excited to see what other teams are going to bring to the table, along with what we’re going to do.”
