Sports
After Championship Season, Staples Soccer Hopes to Repeat
After Staples boys' soccer won its first championship since 1993, the team now has a target on their back according to Coach Dan Woog.
In recent years, the Staples High School boys' soccer program has surged back to its one-time legendary status.
With 26 FCIAC championships and 12 state titles, the Wreckers boast one of the most storied programs in the state. Prior to last season, however, Staples hadn't won a state crown since 1993, which was troubling to many in the school's large
soccer alumni fan base.
The Wreckers, who were 22-2 in 2009, ended the drought with a 4-0 victory over Glastonbury in the Class LL title game. The victory was a source of great pride and relief for all those involved in the program, but also puts pressure - fairly or not - on this year's team to repeat.
"Last year was special," long-time Staples coach Dan Woog said, "[but] this year's team cannot try to replicate last year's success. It has to forge its own identity and make its own mark."
The Wreckers, who were ranked sixth in the country last season, now have won a soccer state championship in every decade since the program's inception in the late 1950s. The team certainly is looking to add another league and state title, but neither task will be easy.
"We'll definitely have targets on our back," Woog said.
Staples will get no favors from teams throughout the county and state who will be aiming to knock off the Wreckers this fall. The Wreckers began preseason training on August 28 with the usual high expectations.
"Our expectations are to repeat as FCIAC and state champs," said returning varsity starter Mike Scott, who likely will play midfield this season.
"I think as a team, we are holding ourselves to such high expectations that if we don't bring home another state title and FCIAC title we will be disappointed," forward Greg Gudis added.
To do this, Gudis cites the need to stay focused and for the team members to play their best every game. Woog acknowledges the pressure, but feels his team is prepared for the challenge.
"There is always pressure at Staples to win," Woog said. "It comes from alumni, parents, our many fans, the media -all around. If [the team] feels they have to win because the pressure is on -- then that's the wrong reason to play."
Staples has to confront another issue - the loss of many seniors, including six starters. The holes left by the graduated seniors will not be easy to fill, but Staples soccer is known for its depth.
Though the losses are significant, they are by no means catastrophic. In fact, Woog feels they can reload with as much - if not more - firepower than last year. There will be 14 returning underclassmen this year, including five starters.
"Losing seniors is part of high school sports, [but with new players] who are poised for excellent years, we're excited to put the pieces together," Woog added.
"We have some pretty large holes to fill," Scott acknowledged. "[Forward] Mike White and [goalie] Michael McCarthy's presence will be especially missed, but it just means that younger kids will have to step up."
One rising senior who will make a big impact as a defender this season is Steven Denowitz, who is confident the younger players will step up and help make the transition easy.
"We have enough talent to beat any team in the state," Denowitz said, "but there is a lot more than talent that goes into every game.'
The Wreckers, who generally reload instead of rebuilding, should once again be in position to challenge for FCIAC and state titles. However, they will have to handle the pressure, work hard and stick together as a team if they are to
overcome each obstacle in their path.
"Nothing short of winning back-to-back FCIAC and state championships will be acceptable," Scott said
The season starts on 4 p.m., Sept. 14 at Fairfield Warde High School.
