Columbus soccer looks toward continued success

By Kris Leonhardt

MARSHFIELD – As Columbus Catholic soccer begins the 2018 season, the team looks to continue on the established success of the high school sports program.

The Columbus soccer program began in 1995. Since then, Columbus has won its conference in 1999, 2000, 2006, 2014, 2016 and 2017 and snagged regional  championships in 2005, 2006, 2007, 2011, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, and 2017.

Columbus was in the sectional finals in 2006, 2011, 2014, and 2017 and qualified for state in 2006, where they lost the state semi-final.

Columbus is one of five teams in the conference with a co-ed team.

“The ratio varies from year-to-year, with an average being a ratio of five boys to one girl,” said Coach Jeff Edwards. “Four other teams in our conference also have girls on the team, but our ratio is consistently the lowest with more girls playing and contributing as starters.”

Edwards is one of just five coaches that have managed the program since its inception. He is assisted by Dennis Keffer.

The team currently holds a five year regional winning streak. In addition, Columbus has made it to regional competition four of the five years prior to that run.

Edwards said that success is due to the dedication and leadership that is nurtured in the program.

“What makes this team successful is their dedication all year long,” he said. “These student/athletes practice together all summer and that carries over to the season.

“Over the years, we have been very fortunate to have upperclassman take on leadership roles during  the summer practices and throughout the season.  This helps tremendously with preparing incoming freshman for what is expected of them playing varsity soccer at Columbus Catholic.”

As the season kicks off, Edwards said that leadership should continue to pay dividends in securing success for the team.

“I’m excited for this upcoming season and expect to compete for the top of our conference and a deep playoff run again,” he said. “We have a great group of seniors and juniors returning that know what we are about and how to lead.

“The sophomores and freshman we have will fill in where needed and will have to earn their playing time which some have already. Watching our upperclassmen lead by example is how we have been successful in years past. This season should be no different.”

A win against Northern Lutheran, Aug. 27, got the team off to a great start. During the rain-shortened, 82-minute game at Griese Park, the team pulled off a 3-1 win, giving them to 3-1 for the season, 1-0 conference.