New players offer new hope for boys’ soccer

Last year was a rough one for the Waseca High School boys' soccer team.

It's something the Bluejays are ready to put in the past and forget.

Waseca, 1-10 in Big South Conference games last season, figures to improve under the guidance of first-year head coach J.D. Delgado, who brings more than 20 years of experience with the WHS girls' soccer program.

The coach's No. 1 goal is a simple one.

"We would like to create a winning streak," he stated.

Delgado is no stranger to winning streaks, having served as the Waseca girls' soccer coach for 10 years after 10 years in various positions with the program.

Senior co-captains Israel Nelson and Jenaro Delgado Jr., the head coach's son, lead the Bluejays along with junior co-captain Logan Heyer and junior Raul Castaneda.

Nelson, according to Coach Delgado, possesses the ability to collect, control and manipulate the ball with both his feet, legs and chest.

"Israel is very efficient, both with and without the ball, as he must maximize the soccer impact with balance and coordination. His agility, balance and coordination are vital for the team. Israel has the ability to deal with the constant stop and start nature as well as endurance during a game."

Last year, Nelson finished tied for second on the squad with 12 points on four goals and four assists.

Delgado, according to Coach Delgado, has been a blessing to the program after switching from football.

"It was definitely an ovation from his teammates," said Coach Delgado. "We needed a central defender who could match those quick, fast opponents. Jenaro played as a central defender during the summer to maximize his defensive attributes. 'Junior,' as he is called, is able to come out of the first third and move along with the ball through the middle, creating opportunities and spaces that his teammates could use to score. We definitely welcome his addition to the team."

Heyer moves to a new position this fall, playing defense after being one of the best goalkeepers in the conference.

"It is incredibly difficult to pick out one attacking player in a side with so much talent up front and on the center of the field," said Coach Delgado. "What makes this player so special is his ability to understand the field from different soccer position perspectives. His place, kicks, passing, finishing and control are all world class, and he has scored some incredible goals."

Castaneda, a midfielder, brings the Bluejays remarkable speed and quickness.

"He has a quality of acceleration of 95, and his reaction to the ball is at 93," said Delgado. "He is able to create beautiful plays by moving quickly to the ball. Raul moves the strings around the field. He is also at 90 percent when it comes to finishing. This younger player maneuvers around the finishing third looking for an opportunity to score."

Other players to keep your eye on are junior goalie Eduardo Delgado and junior attacker Alex James.

Eduardo (yes, he's related), has proven to be the Bluejays' best player in goal.

James, another welcome new addition to the team, brings the Bluejays even more athletic ability.

"He moves quickly through the field, leaving his opponents behind," said Coach Delgado. "He has the ability to understand the game, which is extremely important. We look for him to be on the front of our attacking line."

The rest of the boys' roster includes seniors Corbin Connors, Eli Nelson and Jorge Ruiz (who tied for second in scoring last year with four goals and four assists), juniors Mason Jes, Dominic Grunzke, Noah Dahle, Eduardo Gallegos and Lucas Vasquez, sophomores Adrian Arreguin, Christopher Badillo Lucas McQuery and Ezra Skains, freshman Isaac Bauleke, eighth-graders Henry Huttemeier, Nolan McQuery and Sunny Mel, and seventh-graders Carlo Driessen, Jacob Harguth and Matthew Nelson.

"The boys have been working very hard trying to find the so-needed team cohesiveness," said Coach Delgado. "The team has received a few new players who, along with experienced players, will maximized their options for a conference title."

Expected to lead the Big South this year are defending champion Worthington and Marshall.

"Our team has had a great preseason," said Delgado. "But I believe with a few more weeks we will have a highly competitive squad."

Another thing the Bluejays have is numbers. A total of 24 boys are out for soccer, ensuring Waseca will field a varsity and junior varsity squad.

"The boys will be playing for sure," said Delgado.

Five coaches are assisting Delgado. Jerry Bauleke, the JV coach with four years' experience; David Vasquez, two-year JV assistant; Jesse Delgado, who coached the Waseca boys' U-16 team this summer; Victor Feeley, long time member of the Waseca Soccer Club and a former Bluejay player; and Salvador Neaves, a six-year assistant making his debut as Delgado's top assistant.