Youth served for boys soccer team

In the mid-1960’s, the Who released the smash hit ‘The Kids Are Alright’ which became an anthem for that generation. Nearly six decades later, Sauk Prairie boys soccer coach Drew Kornish believes that hymn holds true for his 2024 Eagles. Sauk Prairie, which began its season Tuesday with a match at Waunakee, will be extremely young. But Kornish believes these Eagles — who won the Badger Small Conference last year — have a chance to grow up quickly and make a lot of noise. “This is a young side, it is the youngest side that I have had here at Sauk, but a side that is full of talent,” Kornish said. “If we can stay together and focus on our overall goals and the growth our team will need to experience this season, we should be hitting our stride as the postseason approaches.” The Eagles enjoyed a sensational 2023 campaign when they went 13-4-1 overall and won the league with a 6-1 mark.  Kornish said while that’s a starting point when it comes to goals, it’s certainly not an ending one. “Conference was a great accomplishment last season,” Kornish said. “We always have that on the board in preseason as a goal for our side. As great as that is for a goal, we have bigger ones as well. We know that if we can win the conference, it puts our side in a good spot to reach our next goals.” Leading the way will be junior midfielder Cris Quezada Godoy, who was a first-team all-conference performer last season. “Cris offers so much dynamic play for us as we get into our attack,” Kornish said.  Forward Zinedine Herrera is the only senior in the program, but should be poised for a big final season. “We will depend on him and his experience to lead this young side,” Kornish said. Junior defender Otis Andres is a three-year starter and will anchor the back line. “Otis is the only returning player to our back line,” Kornish said. “We look forward to seeing Otis step up in the role he has been working hard to fill.” Sauk Prairie has a number of holes to fill, but Kornish likes what he’s seen from his newcomers. Sophomore Ghio Puga steps into the goalkeeping role filled by standout Thiago Viera. “We have lots of confidence in this young player,” Kornish said of Puga. Freshman midfielder Robe Alcantar Ramirez has been sensational in early practices and figures to be a huge addition. “Robe is the only freshman on the varsity team that will come in and we expect to start right away,” Kornish said. “He is a dynamic player that we are excited to see develop.”  Defenders such as Cole Salveson, Carter Kruchten, Lupe Alcantar Ramirez, Diego Estrada Rivera will step into roles previously occupied by 3- and 4-year starters.  Sauk Prairie took some hits in graduation. And the Eagles had a few key players from last season go out for the football team. But Kornish still expects big things, which is why he tested his young group early with games against elite programs such as Waunakee, Platteville, Monona Grove, Stoughton and Totino Grace (Minn.). “This will be a period of growth for us,” Kornish said. If the Eagles grow the way Kornish expects, these kids will indeed be alright.