Olentangy Braves Varsity kicks off another soccer season, one they hope to win this year. 

Last season, the Braves had a record of 13-1-2. The single loss to rival, Olentangy Berlin. However, once entered into the D1 tournament the Braves lasted two games. They played tough matches against Westland High School and Thomas Worthington. Despite last year’s tournament run, Coach Kyle Hamrick is confident on what the new season will bring. 

“We believe we have the team to bring Olentangy High School its first boys soccer district title since fall 2002,” Hamrick said. 

This will be Hamrick’s fifth year coaching, and he has been to the D1 tournament five times. 

The Braves have been knocked out of the tournament after the second game for four consecutive years. But this season, they are ready to break the streak. The players and parents are excited and ready for the challenges and victories this season will bring. 

The end of August marked the start of the 2022 soccer season. There are 10 returning players and five returning starters. The key players who graduated last year will be missed. They are Danny Leeper, Michael Zenios, John Kibat, Bennet Pinkerton, Daniel Davies and Tommy Chilicki. With the help of the other 17 players, the gap will be filled. 

The new captains will also help take leadership for the team. This year’s leading captains are Anthony Barton ‘23, Brady Smith ‘23 and Ean Encarnacion ‘23. 

“My goal for this year is to lead the team to victory and make the most out of my last year,” Encarnacion said.

All captains agree even though this is their first year assigned the role as team captain, they are ready for the challenge. 

Today, the Braves play against Pickerington North at Pickerington North High School. The next home game is Sept. 16 against rival Berlin. Come support and cheer on the Braves for another win!