By Bobby Narang
The Illinois High School Association 2024-2025 calendar season kicks off this week with the start of several sports.
Boys soccer, in particular, is a sport to watch this fall after an exciting 2023 season in which New Trier captured the Class 3A State champion with an impressive 3-1 victory over Lyons. In 2A, Crystal Lake South defeated Peoria Notre Dame 2-1 to win the program’s second State championship.
North Shore Country Day wrapped up a storied season with a storied ending, defeating Normal University 2-0 for the 1A State championship. The 2024 season begins with some mystery, mainly due to an unexpected heat advisory on the first two full days of game action.
Locally, Lyons is aiming to take a step forward by winning the large-class State championship, even though the Lions lost 10 starters from last season’s 20-7-1 team.
“Our team is replacing 10 starters from a team that finished second in State,” Lyons coach Paul Labbato said. “We have a strong mix of returners and newcomers what can have a special year.”
Benet, which finished 14-4-3 last season, is a team full of returnees, including all of their backline and goalie Patrick Stasch.
“Several of our returners saw some time last year during the season or postseason,” Benet coach Matt Klosterman said. “We will look differently defensively but hope to build on the end of last year after allowing just four goals in the final 14 games of the season.”
Glenbard West is a team with numerous talented players on several levels following a 13-9-1 mark last fall.
We are excited to start our season to see what this young group of players can accomplish together,” Glenbard West coach Phil Wicyk said.
Hinsdale Central veteran coach Michael Wiggins is relying on six returning starters in hopes of topping last seasons’ 13 wins.
“This year’s group brings a great mix of younger player and experience,” Wiggins said. “It’s a dynamic we have not seen in a few years, so we’re looking forward to seeing how they come together.”
Once again, Lemont is a team to watch this fall due to the return of eight starters from last season’s eight-win team. Senior midfielder Tyler Chrisman is a elite player with a big upside.
Timothy Christian should be in the hunt for a state championship based on a wealth of returnees.
Senior goalie Peter Buikema is one of the top players in the region, earning nine shutouts last season. Senior forward Owen Wise is back after tallying nine goals and 16 assists last season. Senior midfielder Cooper Rainone, who had six goals and eight assists, and senior midfielder Timothy Nulty, a three-year starter, are back while the entire backline is back.
Under coach Jordan Stopka, York is on the cusp of another banner season. The Dukes, who compiled a 16-5 record last season, bring back several starters.
“This team has had a lot of moving pieces since the end of the 2023 campaign,” Stopka said. “There are going to be at least six new starters on the squad, with a mixture of some coming from club and others being promoted to varsity. The boys have had a very intense start to the season and practice competition is at an all-time high. The season hinges on players playing some new roles and new players stepping up.”