When Greencastle boy's soccer coach J.D. Sims looks back on the 2022 season, he does so with positive, happy feelings as the Tiger Cubs finished 16-3-1 and were a perfect 8-0 in the Western Indiana Conference. 

"It is easy to say I am happy when I look back at last season with all we accomplished and the amount of goals we scored," Sims told The Puntam County Post. 

The Tiger Cubs fell 4-1 to Providence in the playoffs and much of the success had to do with the play of Seth Kallem, who scored 62 goals and had 23 assists and has since graduated. 

"Losing Seth, our 62 goals and 23 assists seems harsh, but I think there is a silver lining. We relied too heavily on him. With him graduating, it gives other boys a chance to step up and show what they bring to the table. I think we will have a more rounded, complete team this year," Sims said. 

Also gone is Boyd Ensley, who scored two goals and had 16 assists and was Greencastle's captain, providing a "large voice."

"His left foot, work ethic and leadership will be hard to replace this year. I don't know if Seth Kallem could ever be replaced. He blew past every record the school had for soccer. He will forever be cemented as one of, if not the best player in GHS boy's soccer history. Jonah Kaiser and Logan Peters were rotation players who brought us the energy when we needed it. Collin Short didn't see much varsity time but had a personality that will be missed by our coaching staff. There are a lot of hungry, young men on this team looking to get as much playing time as possible," Sims said. 

Greencastle has a large senior class this season, according to Sims. 

Sims mentioned Dylan Olsen, Clay Glessner and Sam White as players who did a "great job" holding down the back line last year. 

"I only see that improving this year," Sims said. 

Also back is keeper Harris Weltz, who Sims said is a "pivotal part of the team."

"He is a great shot stopper and provides attack from the back a lot of teams will not expect," Sims said. 

The Tiger Cubs also bring back center mid Henry Cox and winger Jalen Hardmen, who worked hard over the years to solidify their positions, according to Sims. 

In addition, Dylan Barcus and Josh Rimple return this fall. 

"Dylan was a manager for us but has decided to get out on the field. He is showing a lot of promise for his first year, and Josh is learning all he can from Harris in the goal department. Josh has been our number two goalie under Harris and has grown exponentially over the past few years," Sims said. 

This year's sophomore class has "bulked up," Sims said, adding he is looking forward to seeing increased output this year from that class. 

"Micah Foss netted 33 goals and 25 assists for us last year. He will be our spearhead this season. Milyn Tucker, who had three goals and 11 assists, found his groove the second half of our season, cutting through defenses with his passing and awareness along with providing an offensive threat from outside the perimeter. Jayce Spidel gave us more control and attacking depth with the role he played as fullback last year. Anthony Peters, Jackson Rodgers, who played more of a rotation role will see more game time this year. Travis Overshiner, Cooper Grable and Sam Hanlon will spend more time on the varsity roster this year. We have a large group of freshmen hungry to play and put a mark on the team," Sims said. 

Sims admitted he is "extremely excited" for this year's squad. 

"I think this team has more depth than any of the teams I have coached over the near decade of coaching I have. We have a great group of starting players and an even better group of boys hungry to take their spots. Competition for field time will only lead to players working harder and help reinforce our style from a coaching perspective. We have a wonderful culture in the team that will only push us towards our goals. We want to beat everyone in our season this year. Win conference, win sectional, compete in regionals and take it as far as we can. Most of all, we want to play attractive, team soccer," Sims said.

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