BRANDT – Bethel coach Bob Hamlin has built an extremely respected soccer program over his 38 years of coaching where he has compiled a career record of 442 wins, 201 losses and 60 ties.
Last season the Bees put together a memorable season with a 17-2-2 record and a league championship in the first season of the Three Rivers Conference. Plus, the Bees won a district title.
And despite losing some talented players from a year ago, Bethel returns plenty of talent to keep the tradition of success rolling along in 2022.
Here are a list of key returning players:
Top Forwards:
- Jace Houck- Senior 27 goals 15 assists (POY TRC, All District, 1st Team All State, All Region)
- David Kasimov- Sophomore 2 goals 4 assists
- Ethan Tallmadge- Junior 6 goals 3 assists
Kamden Etmans- Freshman
Top Midfielders:
- Kyle Brueckman- Senior 8 goals 19 assists (All TRC, 1st, All-District, 2nd Team All State)
- Grant Bean- Junior 2 goals 1 assists
- Nathan Lutz- Sophomore
- Azius Villa- Senior 1 goal 1 assist
- Matt Smith- Senior 4 goals 2 assists
Kason Etmans- Freshman
Ethan Wishon- Freshman
Top Defenders:
- Elijah Rios- Senior
- Colby Keiser- Senior
- Austin Black- Senior
Logan Newell- Freshman
Luke Arnold- Senior
Justin Jergens- Senior
Evan Goodman- Sophomore
Goalkeepers:
Noah McCann- Junior
- Indicates Returning Letterman
COACH HAMLIN’S COMMENTS:
“I am very excited about the year ahead. We graduated a dozen seniors, were TRC and District Champions, but we have some talented returning players and a good group of new players. Making the jump to Division II this year will just give us a new challenge and paint a different landscape for us. But we are excited about the opportunities that lie ahead.
I feel as though we have had a summer of soccer. Everyday someone looks better than the day before. We have liked what we have seen so far. We have some very talented offensive performers and should be more dangerous on the attack. When we are composed and make good decisions on the ball, we could have a very dangerous offensive attack. At times this summer we have just gotten into too much of a rush and were impatient. Defensively is where we must improve the quickest. We only have one returning starter in the back and we are breaking in new keeper, after losing a four-year starter in the net. They have been working hard and I love the lunch pail mentality they bring to each and every practice. So, I am eagerly awaiting the regular season to begin!
As I said before, in the TRC, it is going to be a battle every night. Playing everyone twice is brutal but if you survive, it definitely prepares you for the post season. It is going to be fun!”
