Mustangs have youthful soccer squad

Photo by Cheryl Wertman – Medina’s veteran group includes, in front, Trenton Morley, Tyler Kroening, Alex Benz and Luke Duffina. In back are Cam Kenward, Jason Beyer, Brady Christiaansen and Cole Callard.

The accent is on youth for the Medina boys varsity soccer team which has only four seniors on its 20 member roster.

Anchoring the squad is the veteran group of seniors Alex Benz (Midfielder), Jason Beyer (Defender), Henry Winters (Defender); juniors Cole Callard (Midfielder), Brady Christiaansen (Goalie), Cam Kenward (Defender), Tyler Kroening (Forward), Trenton Morley (Defender) and sophomore Luke Duffina (Midfielder).

Callard, who scored 18 goals, earned first team Niagara-Orleans League honors last season while Benz was a second team selection as Christiaansen and Kenward both received Honorable Mention.

“We’re young,” said Coach Steve Luksch. “The key will be how quick our young guys catch up to the speed of the varsity game. Our goal is to play our best at the end of the season.”

The Mustangs lineup also includes senior Richard Keppler; juniors Mason Eick, Austin Seefeldt and Collin White; sophomores Jimmy Dieter, Vinny Gray, Caden Kingsbury, and Ryan Pegelow; freshmen Gavin Dahlhaus, Aidan Papaj and Aleks Seefeldt.

Medina’s graduation losses included N-O All-League first team honoree Josh Hilobuk, second team honorees Bryson Costich and Jackson Moreland and Honorable Mention selection Mason Moreland.

The Mustangs will open the season by hosting Pembroke in a non league contest at 7 p.m. Friday. The N-O opener will be September 7 at Newfane.