By Christopher Shaban
Staff Writer
SUNAPEE — It may be just the first week of practice but high expectations are already cheering in the stands for Sunapee’s numerous athletic programs.
With longtime head coaches Jack Iacapino and Myles Cooney at the helms, the soccer program in Sunapee is rich in history as the boys under Iacapino has won the Division 4 Championship two out of the last three years and, well, Cooney’s teams are always in the discussion. With the 40-plus players going through drills and concentrating on different foot skills, Iacapino is constantly emphasizing speed and constant ball control.
“I think we’ll be OK after losing some very good players to graduation,” Iacapino said. “But we’ve added a few kids that will fit in nicely.”
Going back to a full Division 4 schedule will be good and bad according to “Ike.”
“We had some incredible matches last year with the local schools and there are teams that will give us fits this season, all we can do is play the best as we can.”
The new keeper for the Lakers will be Jake Galloway, who takes over for graduated Sean Moynihan will bring his experience in between the pipes this year.
“I think that we have a pretty seasoned team and our summer program really helped get us ready,” Galloway said. “It’s s new season and I know we all want to return to states and do as well as last year.”
Up the hill behind the school on the baseball field, Cooney was putting his girls team into competitive drills right off the bat.
“We have such a positive outlook on this upcoming season,” said Coomney as he is entering his 16th season at Sunapee. “I can’t wait to get started.”
With 70 girls at Sunapee, the 30 players on the field for practice is expected to grow once the vacations end.
“The kids worked really hard this summer and came ready to play,” Cooney said. “There are some tough games on our schedule plus the Stevens game is something everyone looks forward to.”
With four seniors on the team, Vanessa Pollari has high hopes.
“This group works so hard and put in the effort this summer to be ready. I know we all just want to get better and continue the legacy of Sunapee soccer,” added Pollari who has healed just fine after breaking her leg in the playoffs last fall.
The both teams open their season on the road at Hinsdale on Aug. 31 then at Newport on Sept. 2 while the ladies will be entertaining Stevens on Sept. 7 in their home opener.
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