New coach, new system, same dedication for Pine-Richland boys soccer

By: Kevin Lohman
Friday, August 23, 2019 | 8:28 PM

The Pine-Richland boys soccer team will be guided by first-year coach Jordan Wiegand, and he will lead a roster that has more sophomores than juniors and more juniors than seniors.

But the Rams’ relative youth and lack of in-game experience in a new system is no reason for diminished expectations, Wiegand said. The former Deer Lakes coach said the rawness of the team is leading to palpable levels of excitement and energy as the players are itching to kick off their season.

“We have a very committed and dedicated group that is all bought in to what we’re trying to accomplish,” Wiegand said. “Each and every player is contributing to what we’re trying to build. It’s a great team dynamic.

“You can just tell everyone wants to learn and get better. We’re a very balanced group from seniors down to freshmen. It’s really going to be a team effort. I can tell the guys are anxious to get out there and play some games that count.”

Chief among the Rams’ returning players are seniors Vince Roller and Will Sangpachatanaruk. Both figure to play pivotal roles within the lines, but outside the lines, their status as experienced varsity lettermen is equally significant.

“Vince is probably the most experienced out of our guys,” Wiegand said. “He is a really good voice for the team. He’s a great vocal leader that also leads by example. He’s just a really tough kid.

“And Will Sang had a lot of experience from last year. He’s one, along with Vince, that is contributing to help guide these younger guys on the team into a varsity environment that they haven’t really been placed in to up to this point.”

Roller is one of the team’s captains. Another captain is senior Luke Jones, who will look to buoy his team’s defense as it breaks in a new goalkeeper, sophomore Evan Dougal.

The third and final captain is senior Ryan Jorgensen, whom Wiegand calls an essential piece to what should be a deep and talented midfield group.

Pine-Richland will begin its season at 8:30 p.m. Aug. 30 at home against Mars in a game scheduled as part of the Rams’ tournament.

Tags: Pine-Richland