Fresh off a 2-0 Heart ‘O North Conference win against a strong and emerging Washburn Castle Guards girls soccer team, the still undefeated WIAA D3 eighth ranked Ashland Oredockers appear to be picking up where they left off last spring when the team made it to state for its third time in four seasons. That wildly talented team largely returns with a bevy of seniors who are accustomed to playing in and winning big games, but who also have yet to gain a berth in a state championship game. This season’s ‘Dockers are eager to nudge the needle one more notch, and the Ashland Daily Press ran down Ashland Oredockers Head Coach Jonny BeBeau to discuss his team and what may await them this spring.
Question: You’ve played some good games so far — beat up a competitive Stevens Point team which is one of the largest high schools in the state. What are your takeaways so far?
Answer: We have looked pretty sharp in most games to start the season. When our movement is good, we look very tough. I always try to get as many WIAA D1 (where Stevens Point resides, with an enrollment of nearly 1,500 students from grades 10-12) and WIAA D2 teams that are willing to play us in order to prepare us for the postseason. We are entering a stretch of the season where we are going to be seriously tested by some D1 and D2 opponents. New Richmond, Pulaski, Holmen, and DC Everest will challenge us and expose areas that need tightening up.
Q: Let’s talk about tightening up, and what it’s like to coach an elite team so familiar with your lesson plan?
A: We have many skilled players all over the field, and lots of players who can find the back of the net; versatile athletes who can play many different positions. The speed and experience on our back line is fantastic. We also have players who can come in off the bench and make an impact. That makes us hard for other teams to handle. We need to continue to grow in areas of quick passing and movement. There have been games where we have looked untouchable with the ball, and others where we have been frantic with our decision making. Consistency in these areas will make us very dangerous. My strategy with this team is simple: Trust each player to do what they do best. Most have played their whole lives but they all remain very coachable and listen when I tell them little changes to make. We have a mutual respect and trust for one another. I am honest with them and they are honest with me. I do not micromanage their movements on the field or overcomplicate the game for them, but rather trust them to do what they do best and remind them to enjoy it. Soccer is fun and coaching this team is extremely fun.
Q: Who are you counting on this season with such a large cast of leaders?
A: Really, my senior class are all girls I am counting on. They each have their own strengths and have loads of experience in big games and the state tournament. They have been wonderful leaders this season. Everyone at the varsity level has contributed with strong showings against capable opponents. The JV squad is having a lot of success right now as well and there are many on that team who will be huge contributors in the future.
Q: Expectations? Yes … this is a trap question!
A: Soccer is highly unpredictable and sometimes games don’t go the way we think they should, but I expect us to make it to sectionals and compete for another state berth. If we continue to improve on areas that need growth … I will count it as progress. Success will be measured in effort and the results that come from that. With this team, if the effort is there, we will be hard to beat. We have a good chance to make it back to state, but that takes perfection in the playoffs. For now, we will take things one game at a time and try to be better each game.
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