The Wildcats’ soccer team has their first day of practice Monday (November 27). Wildcats Soccer Coach Nicky Wiggins is in his second year as head coach and he says he is looking forward to the first workout. He says 28 players are hoping to make the varsity and 30 are trying out for the JV. Coach Wiggins says he expects to have 23 or 24 players on varsity.
He says about half of those are returners and half are new to varsity. Coach Wiggins says his keeper, senior Rafael Lopez, returns along with back up keeper and defender senior Jonathan Lopez. Other veterans he is counting on include senior defensive midfielder Angel Tavera and senior defender Brandon Diosdado, both who have played since they were sophomores. Senior Julio Robles also returns.
Coach Wiggins says he lost most of his scoring forwards so he’s looking for goalscorers. He is hoping to get goals from senior Jonathan Alvarez, senior Eduardo Ramirez and junior Enrique Arellano, who has been hampered by a dislocated knee. Senior Israel Hernandez is expected to miss the season after suffering a knee injury.
Coach Wiggins is being assisted this year by former Wildcats standout Fernando Arellano. Former assistant Ross Hicks has moved over to help new Lady Cats Soccer Coach Joel Bailey.
The Wildcats have their first scrimmage at home December 28 against Royse City. They open the regular season at a three-day Forney tournament against West Mesquite on January 4.