RESPECT...is what Bethel coach Bob Hamlin gives and receives around the league.

Story by Dale Barger
Two of the perennial soccer teams in the conference found themselves in a familiar position squaring off against one another once again for a league title. Here is a recap on how both teams got to this point.

Bethel entered the contest with an overall record of 11-3 and 6-0 in the CCC. After losing their first match of season they reeled off eight straight wins. After defeating Newton in a physical contest they lost several starters due to injuries which led to 3 or 4 starters unable to play and in this span dropped a couple of matches.

According to Coach Bob Hamlin veteran players were able to help the younger players adjust and get ready for high school soccer. “Our team had seven starters this year that did not start last year, including two freshmen and a sophomore,” added Coach Hamlin.

“Two senior captains have had standouts seasons Andrew Stephenson and Tyler Stidham providing the bulk of the offense and leadership. Andrew has 29 goals to date and just recorded his 70th goal of his career. The amazing thing about Drew is his anticipation and getting himself in a dangerous position. Over the last two years starting at striker there have only been three games that Drew has not scored in. That is pretty amazing considering how watched he is during the matches. Tyler has played very well and at the moment have 16 goals and 18 assists. He has his sights on breaking the school record of 21 assists in a season. He has worked hard this year and has had a great season so far,” said Coach Hamlin

Going into the game against F-M should be a good one, said Coach Hamlin. “Danny has done a great at F-M and I am sure he will have them ready. To be successful against F-M we must out work them. I feel our players will be up for the challenge… we have rebounded to full strength since the National Trail game along the way some of the younger players have grown up too.”

It should be noted that Bob Hamlin reached a major milestone this year recording his 250th career victory as Head Coach verses another conference power the Newton Indians 2-1.

When I asked Coach Diceanu what he thought he had this to say, “Bob has done a great job with his players, he is a class act and a good coach... that is why he has been so successful over the years... I enjoy playing his teams and have nothing but respect for him and his kids.”

Congratulations Coach Hamlin!

As for the Franklin Monroe Jets their highlights of the season include staying healthy, and getting off to a hot start… winning and winning big has given them confidence,” said Coach Danny Diceanu.

“Our biggest win was against Dayton Christian at home...2-0.  We then started to believe all the good stuff being said about our potential and proceeded to go into Botkins expecting to win just by showing up.   We got beat 2-1 and did not play well at all… but I always believe that winning spoils you and losing teaches you, it brings things back into perspective,” added Diceanu

Leading the team this year is Lane Lucas he has been the most productive player scoring 19 goals and adding 21 assists.  He is a balanced player...as dangerous to score, as he is to set someone else up.  

Ethan Nealeigh has registered 15 goals and 7 assists while Bill Taylor has added 15 goals and 12 assists both of them having very good years. Brett Robison has 7 goals and 5 assists.  

On the defensive side of the ball, Noah Welbaum in goal has 8 shutouts while only giving up 4 goals. Zach Boston - the back up keeper has played well giving up 2 goals while playing in several Varsity matches.  

Scott Neeley and Justin Cox - the marking back specialist, Tyler Brehm and Ty French anchor a solid defensive unit that prides itself in not giving up goals.  
Jared Grable, a midfielder, has stepped us this season and has been a solid player helping on both ends of the field.   The team added from Norway, exchange student, Erik Iversen who is a deceiving forward that can shoot and score un-orthodox shots.    

Coming off the bench is Landon Bundenthal - he has been playing better and better each game, Reed Johnson - also coming on strong here at the end of the season scoring goals, also Alex Staton, Tyler King, Jordan Paden, Dustin Fourman, have been giving us strong minutes at mid-field / forward spot.  

Franklin Monroe sports an unblemished conference mark 6-0 and an overall 12-2 record after falling to State ranked Yellow Springs Tuesday night which surely will help to prepare them for post season play.