By Jon Gulliver
Special to the Aroostook Republican
CARIBOU — After missing the playoffs for the first time in nine years the Caribou Vikings soccer team is anxious to improve and compete according to first-year coach Scott Hunter.
Aroostook Republican photo/Jon Gulliver
Caribou’s Chad Caverhill makes a long pass to a teammate, as Matt Milliard observes the play, in the opening round match of the Presque Isle Preseason Invitational Soccer Tournament.
The 2010 Vikings posted a 3-8-3 record in Class B, but have eight players returning, all of who saw significant minutes. The team’s leading scorer, Chad Caverhill, is back for his senior year. In 2010 he tallied seven goals and four assists and according to coach Hunter, “is one of the toughest players in the conference.”
Caribou also returns starting sweeper Breen Blackstone, backs Sean Barbosa and Lucien Caverhill and midfielders Dean Walker and Nolan McDuffie. Up front sophomore Matt Milliard returns after scoring four goals his freshman year. Freshman Dayne Savage should also get some scoring opportunities this year. Sophomore Matt Manter is set to take over as keeper.
“We have a strong group of sophomores who had a successful junior varsity season last year who will be asked to contribute immediately,” said Hunter.
Getting back to the postseason won’t be an easy task with the loss of 10 players to graduation, including the starting keeper, several defensive and midfield players and forwards. Some of the key players who graduated include Nate Rossignol, Roland Thibodeau, Steven St. Peter, Garrett Jordan, Matt Till and Ben Blackstone.
Hunter is taking over coaching duties for Mark Shea who stepped down earlier this year. Although this is Hunter’s inaugural season, he is no stranger to athletics in Caribou having been a multi-sport athlete at the high school and Colby College.
Aroostook Republican photo/Jon Gulliver
Matt Manter is taking over in goal this year for the Caribou Vikings.
“My coaching style has been influenced by my Colby College soccer and basketball coaches, Mark Serdjenian and Dick Whitmore, both long tenured and well-respected coaches; as well as my father, longtime Caribou High School coach and AD, Dwight Hunter, from whom I learned that sports is an opportunity for every participant to experience success and learn life lessons that endure,” said Hunter. “I also inherited his ‘competitive fire.’ I expect our teams to compete hard every minute and to work together as a team. I expect our players to play without fear, but with respect for the game, their teammates, and their opponent.”
Caribou once again plays a difficult schedule facing perennial powers Ellsworth, Presque Isle and MDI. The Vikings also have the defending Class C State Champion Fort Kent Warriors on the schedule, as well as the always-strong Madawaska Owls.
“We are a young team, with very good athletes who I expect will work hard for 80 minutes. In order to be successful, we will have to play strong defensively, get good goaltending, take advantage of our scoring opportunities (be efficient) and, given our youth, keep our poise, particularly in tight games,” said Hunter.
Aroostook Republican photo/Jon Gulliver
Dean Walker makes a play on the ball during the Vikings’ opening round match of the Presque Isle Preseason Invitational Soccer Tournament.
