Cougars loaded with potential

By Gloria Austin
Staff Writer
    A young team with lots of potential is how Katahdin coach Matt Lindsay describes this year’s Katahdin Cougars.
    “We are looking to replace several key starters from our offense and defense,” he added.
    The Cougars return 11 players and will replace seven veterans from last year’s soccer squad.
    Freshmen stepping up into key roles are goalie Cody Brownlee and Shey Lane, who plays the front line. Other freshmen who will be working hard to help out the team are Tristan Clippinger, Aaron Blakely and Alex Lane.
    Returning to the Cougars are Jesse McNally, Brenden Landry, Sam Vetter, Maverick Elwell, Lucas Anderson, Braden Cunningham, Forest Heath, Pat Knowles and Joel Brimingham, along with female players Megan Merry, Makayla Patterson and newcomer Bailey McNally.
    Katahdin did not have enough girls to field a soccer squad, sitting out their second season.
    Other new players to the squad are Victor Clukey, Coty Hawkins, Kyle McCarthy and Aaron McAvoy.
    “Our goals for the year are pretty simple,” said Katahdin coach Matt Lindsay. “We want to improve our skills and knowledge of the game, hopefully getting some wins.”
    Lindsay said the squad’s schedule is tough from “top to bottom.”
    “We will not have any ‘easy’ wins and due to our lack of experienced players, we are going to have to make the most of every second we are on the field,” he said.
    Lindsay is anticipating a good season.
    “I am looking forward to working with the young men and women on the team,” he said. “They are a great group, with great attitudes. I am looking forward to spending a fun season teaching them the finer aspects of the game.”