No Short-age of desire
Kurt Robbins knew Skylar Short would be his starting goalie some day, he just didn't think that day would come this soon.
Fresh off her 13th birthday, Short will start in goal for the IHC girls varsity soccer team this season as an eighth-grader. The Cavaliers are again expected to be one of the best teams in the Frontier League. They won 16 games last year en route the Section 3 Class B championship, the school's fourth sectional title since 2002. Short describes her feelings on stepping into a major role at such a young age.
"It's nerve-wracking," Short said. "But I am really excited to play with these girls."
Robbins, entering his 11th year as the IHC head coach, shared that nervous feeling at first. But as he explains, her performance thus far is putting his mind at ease.
"Well I wasn't comfortable, but I'm getting there," Robbins said. "We've had four scrimmages now and she's played real well. She was awesome in summer league."
In addition to gaining Robbins' confidence, Short is quickly earning the trust of her teammates.
"She's been accepted and they listen to her," Robbins said. "They're always very positive with her, which has been great."
Short was especially impressive in a series of scrimmages last week in Albany. IHC played three times in two days, finishing up with a 90-minute scoreless draw against Class AA Ballston Spa. Robbins was pleased with the outcome, and the play of his goalie in particular.
"She was phenomenal," Robbins said. "She played great."
Short's smooth transition to the varsity level shouldn't come as too much of a surprise, considering that both of her parents were soccer goalies. Her father, Andy, was a standout at Jefferson Community College, and her mother, Jaime, was a four-year starter at IHC.
Now, Short is eager to make her own mark, and she has one goal in mind that would do just that.
"By the end of my varsity career, I hope I can break the school shutout record," Short said.
Brian Magovney is the current record-holder with 30.
Short taking over in goal isn't the only thing that will look different for the Cavaliers this season. For the first time in five years they will be without last year's Times All-North MVP Emily LaLone. Robbins believes he can rely on a strong core of seniors, led by Katelynn Chamberlain, to fill the void offensively.
"In my view she is one of the best players in the Frontier League," Robbins said of Chamberlain. "She's big, strong and she plays across the country all summer long against good competition."
IHC opens its season at 7 tonight, hosting General Brown. Every Frontier League team is scheduled to open regular season play today.
Here is a look at the rest of the Frontier League:
"A" Division
Outlook: Much like the past two seasons, Watertown and IHC are expected to battle for the "A" Division title. Watertown has won both the regular-season and playoff titles in back-to-back years, and even with the loss of leading scorer Taylor Hughes, the Cyclones should be strong as they return seven starters. A young Carthage team will look to regroup after losing 13 players and is relying on all seven of its underclassmen to contribute. Indian River is very young, but coaches around the league believe they will be one of the most improved teams.
Carthage Comets
Coach: Marty Weaver (18th year).
2009 record: 5-6-2.
Player to watch: Taylor Miller.
Roster: Chrissy Cook (Jr.), Chelsea Hayden (Sr.), McKenzie Jones (Fr.), Alyssa Kidder (Jr.), Mackenzie Kidder (Fr.), Megan Lajoie (Sr.), Rachel Lyons (Sr.), Ravonna Pearson-Martin (Sr.), Valerie McGuire (Jr.), Taylor Miller (Sr.), Keshara Moore (So.), Emma Neibacher (Sr.), Quinn O'Brien (Jr.), Jessica Oliver (So.), Jessica Ryan (Jr.), Chelsea Scott (So.), Meghan Serota (Jr.), Silvia Swanson (Sr.), Haley Upton (So.), Kristy Williams (So.).
IHC Cavaliers
Coach: Kurt Robbins (11th year).
2009 record: 16-2-1.
Players to watch: Katelynn Chamberlain, Adriana Spicer, Christine Wright, Skylar Short.
Roster: Allison Cleaver (Sr.), Briana McClusky (Jr.), Arianna Papayanakos (Jr.), Adriana Spicer (Sr.), McKenzie Nolan (Sr.), Hannah Connolly (Jr.), Gabby Navarra (Sr.), Erin Patenaude (Sr.), Katelynn Chamberlain (Sr.), Christine Wright (Jr.), Caitlin Stone (Sr.), Samantha Alteri (So.), Kayla Miles (So.), Erin McClusky (Jr.), Kristyn Zaremba (Jr.), Rachel Chamberlain (Fr.), Chiara Alteri (Jr.), Lindsay Netto (Jr.), Skylar Short (7th).
Indian River Warriors
Coach: Duane Dusharm (23rd year).
2009 record: 3-9-2.
Players to watch: Chelsea Boshart, Kaitlyn Rajner, Paige Morgia.
Roster: Kimberly Ruiz (Jr.), Destiny Hull (Jr.), Chelsea Boshart (Sr.), Morgan Nabywaniec (So.), Kaitlyn Rajner (Jr.), Paige Morgia (Jr.), Diantha Santiago (Jr.), Emily Kuba (So.), Sarah Cruse (Jr.), Angela Petrus (Jr.), Elena Shepherd (Jr.), Maccie Baldwin (Sr.), Jayme Segovis (Sr.), Savannah Gabrielle (Jr.), Kelsey Marnell (Jr.), Heather Green (Jr.), Helene Rojas (Jr.), Kayla Brown (Jr.), Paige Fayette (So.), Megan Canell (Jr.), Jenna Frey (Sr.), Sierra Gabrielle (Jr.), Erin Hesse (Fr.), McKenna Honeywell (Fr.), Abby Lynch (So.), Lakeisha Barnes (So.).
Watertown Cyclones
Coach: Michael Van Nostrand (3rd year).
2009 record: 14-2-2.
Players to watch: Maureen Keggins, Sophia Capone, Kathleen Bacsik.
Roster: Brianne Arthur (So.), Kathleen Bacsik (Sr.), Katie Bresko (Sr.), Morgan Cadwell (So.), Mia Capone (Jr.), Sophia Capone (Sr.), Erin Conklin (Sr.), Gisela Cornejo (Sr.), Ashley Flick (Fr.), Erica Gardner (Sr.), Alex Hoffman (Jr.), Hannah Keggins (So.), Maureen Keggins (Sr.), Michelle Lago (Jr.), Ditte Lange (Sr.), Emily Martin (Sr.), Shannon Nevin (Jr.), Cierra Recor (Sr.), Sarah VanEenenaam (Jr.), Jillian VanNostrand (Jr.), Jenna Watson (Sr.), Randy Wray (So.).
"B" Division
Outlook: Lowville is likely to repeat as champions of the "B" Division. They return most of the key contributors from a team that made it to the Section 3 Class B final last season, including junior scoring machineTaylor Haenlin. South Jefferson returns three Frontier League all-stars inNicole LaLone,Liz AlgieandColleen Hathaway, and should give Lowville some trouble. General Brown, who only lost four players from last year's team, believes it has a lot of potential to challenge for the division. They possess a deep, quick midfield and a fast front line with seniorsNichole EamerandJenna Flath, who both know how to score.
Altmar-Parish-Williamstown Rebels
Coach: Doug Meredith (5th year).
2009 record: 4-12.
Roster: Shanise Hoffman (Sr.), Heather Stone (Sr.), Megan Stever (Sr.), Courtney Umbehend (Sr.), Tricia Walker (Sr.), Tessila Abbott (Jr.), Maggie Allardice (Jr.), Brook Benadetto (Jr.), Sabrina Johnson (Jr.), Kami Perkins (Jr.), Megan Phillips (Jr.), Morgan Sobotka (Jr.), Victoria Stevens (Jr.), Abby Waldron (Jr.), Courtney Cefaratti (So.), Alexis Stevens (Fr.), Erin Stever (Fr.), Kylee Bartlett (8th).
General Brown Lions
Coach: Stephanie Doney (2nd year).
2009 record: 4-10-1.
Players to watch: Jenna Flath, Nichole Eamer, Caitlin Bero.
Roster: Nichole Eamer (Sr.), Jenna Flath (Sr.), Sarah Maryhugh (Sr.), Christen Hawthorne (Sr.), Brittany Shannon (Sr.), Shannon Frikken (Sr.), Caitlin Bero (Jr.), Mckenzie Lytle (Jr.), Larissa Lustik (Jr.), Allison Maryhugh (Jr.), Cortney Skinner (Jr.), Cody Kucharski (Jr.), Jaci Devine (Jr.), Kayla O'Riley (Jr.), Laura Powell (Jr.), Stacy Bourne (Jr.), Monika Makuch (So.), Danielle Meraz (Fr.).
Lowville Red Raiders
Coach: Leo Sammon (23rd year).
2009 record: 15-3-1.
Players to watch: Taylor Haenlin, Olivia Hanno, Morgan Lampson.
Roster: Shauna Beller (Jr.), Heidi Bush (Jr.), Ashley Capone (Jr.), Lahni Duffer (Sr.), Elizabeth Elboth (Jr.), Chelsea Finn (Jr.), Taylor Haenlin (Jr.), Olivia Hanno (Jr.), Sarah Hanno (Sr.), Morgan Lampson (Sr.), Porcha Leggett (Jr.), Madison Lyndaker (Jr.), Brooke Marshall (Jr.), Kylie McGrath (Jr.), Courtlyn Morse (Sr.), Jordan Myers (Sr.), Dana Roes (Sr.), Chelsie Ross (Sr.), Taylor Sterner (Sr.), Anna Teal (Jr.), Alex Virga (Sr.), Morgan Widrick (Sr.).
South Jefferson Spartans
Coach: Terry Burgess (32nd year).
2009 record: 9-7-2.
Players to watch: Nicole LaLone, Liz Algie, Colleen Hathaway, Melissa Abbate.
Roster: Melissa Abbate (Sr.), Liz Algie (Sr.), Ashleigh Empsall (Sr.), Colleen Hathaway (Sr.), Nicole LaLone (Sr.), Whitley Perry (Sr.), Emily Pfeil (Sr.), Mary Cramer (Jr.), Bailey Graves (Jr.), Danielle Kealy (Jr.), Kerri Keegan (Jr.), Paula Morse (Jr.), Kristen Stewart (Jr.), Mallory Davis (So.), Mikaela Rutter (Fr.), Alyssa Nappi (8th).
"C" Division
Outlook: South Lewis is considered the favorite to repeat as "C" Division champions. The Falcons return three league all-stars (Jenna Kraeger,Morgan Baslow,Jennifer Strigle), which is more than any other team in the division. Thousand Islands believes it is ready to take over after qualifying for sectionals the last three seasons. The Vikings will look to senior goalkeeperAmber Dibble, a Section 3 all-star last season, to give them a chance in every game. Last year's runner-up Beaver River lost nine starters from last year's team, but returning seniorsSloane ZehrandAshley Cobbshould keep the Beavers in the conversation.
Beaver River Beavers
Coach: Jim Hall (22nd year).
2009 record: 8-6-4.
Players to watch: Ashley Cobb, Sloane Zehr.
Roster: Casey Lee (Sr.), Amanda Knollman (Sr.), Mackenzie Meyer (Sr.), Kelsey Ortlieb (Sr.), Jen Schermerhorn (Sr.), Tara Yost (Sr.), Sloane Zehr (Sr.), Megan Bush (Jr.), Cristen Davis (Jr.), Brionna Farney (Jr.), Tamara Fidler (Jr.), Samatha Hawksley (Jr.), Alyssa Hulbert (Jr.), Rachel Updike (Jr.), Madison Compton (Fr.), Malori Mattimore (Fr.).
Sandy Creek Comets
Coach: Jonn Stoker (3rd year).
2009 record: 3-13.
Players to watch: Chelsea Claflin, Marie Mason, Kylie Hanni.
Roster: Vicki White (Fr.), Olivia Ivison (So.), Kylie Hanni (8th), Chelsea Claflin (Fr.), Shaina Johnson (Jr.), Marie Mason (Jr.), Shannon Garvin (Jr.), Bree Warner (Jr.), Rachel Pretory (Jr.), Chelsea Elliot (Jr.), Korintha Myslivecek (So.), Brooke Thomas (Jr.), Izzie Bray (So.), Toni Gray (So.), Sami Densmore (So.), Kaylin Switzer (Jr.).
South Lewis Falcons
Coach: Ed Collins (14th year).
2009 record: 13-5.
Players to watch: Morgan Baslow, Jenna Kraeger, Nancy Newell.
Roster: Jayne Strigle (Fr.), Ronni Ehlers (So.), Brooke Pominville (Jr.), Stephanie Bush (Jr.), Amelia Campbell (Jr.), Ashtin Doviak (Jr.), Stephanie Johnson (Jr.), Jennifer Strigle (Jr.), Ashtin Tripp (Jr.), Sara Young (Jr.), Morgan Baslow (Sr.), Emily Cole (Sr.), Jenna Kraeger (Sr.), Nancy Newell (Sr.).
Thousand Islands Vikings
Coach: Tim Filiatrault (5th year).
2009 record: 4-7-5.
Player to watch: Amber Dibble.
Roster: Megan Elsbury (Sr.), Mariah Calhoun (Jr.), Emily Gould (Sr.), Allie Barton (So.), Moria Swartz (Sr.), Brigette Ascough (Sr.), Alicia Schafer (Sr.), Bridget Swartz (Jr.), Kristin Farmer (Jr.), Miriam Ferguson (Sr.), Rendi Merchant (Jr.), Kristin Glass (So.), Dana Flanders (Jr.), Makayla Hirst (Jr.), Allison Westcott (Jr.), Missy Fulton (So.), Brook Garrett (So.), Amber Dibble (Sr.), Anola Stage (Sr.), Brittney Irvin (Jr.), Gabi Rios (Jr.), Kuylena Robinson (Jr.), Erin Blodgett (Sr.).
"D" Division
Oulook: Defending "D" Division champion Copenhagen could be even stronger this year after losing only two starters. With four league all-stars returning, the Golden Knights have their sights set on an extended postseason run. Lyme will haveAlexandra Westonback, but lost nine seniors and three of their four starting defenders. LaFargeville will lean heavily onRachel Klockand goalkeeperTamara Ivesagain this year, whileAli Maasis back for a fourth and final season to lead Sackets Harbor.
Alexandria Purple Ghosts
Coach: Diane Bush (5th year).
2009 record: 3-10-1.
Players to watch: Jordan Bush, Amanda Lingenfelter.
Roster: Ciara VanCour (Sr.), Melissa Carrasquillo (Sr.), Jenna Stine (Sr.), Jordan Bush (Jr.), Lauren VanCour (Jr.), Dakota Kernehan (Jr.), Jordan Papin (Jr.), Catlin Russell (Jr.), Geneva Wagoner (So.), Kristen Swart (So.), Rachel Calhoun (So.), Sari Rufa (So.), Gabrielle Slate (So.), Amanda Lingenfelter (Fr.), Mikala Benny (8th), Molly Aznoe (8th).
Belleville Henderson Panthers
Coach: Ann Colby (7th year).
2009 record: 5-9-1.
Players to watch: Kelsea Taylor, Caitlin Grimshaw, Kari Gehrke.
Roster: Kari Gehrke (Sr.), Caitlin Grimshaw (Sr.), Sophie Young (Sr.), Shelby Contryman (Jr.), Morgan Denehy (Jr.), Rachel Douglas (Jr.), Kate Gehrke (Jr.), Elizabeth O'Rourke (Jr.), Amanda Rhodes (Jr.), Taylor Stockwell (Jr.), Kelsea Taylor (Jr.), Taylor Brown (So.), Lelani Herman (So.), Whitney Maitland (So.).
Copenhagen Golden Knights
Coach: Nancy Henry (12th year).
2009 record: 13-4-1.
Players to watch: Sara Hovendon, Morgan Kiernan, Harley Montalvo, Danielle Eisel.
Roster: Sara Hovendon (Sr.), Morgan Kiernan (Sr.), Randi Montalvo (Sr.), Danielle Eisel (Sr.), Taylor Church (Sr.), Victoria Kunert (Sr.), Katrina Freeman (Sr.), Harley Montalvo (Jr.), Alex La Barge (Jr.), Taylor Murtha (Jr.), Morgan Carroll (Jr.), Lindsay Fitzpatrick (So.), Logan Wheeler (So.), Cassidy O'Donnell (So.), Morgan Herbert (So.), Elizabeth Martin (So.), Rachel Muncy (So.), Alicia Evans (Fr.).
LaFargeville Red Knights
Coach: Alex Finley (2nd year).
2009 record: 3-11.
Players to watch: Rachel Klock, Tamara Ives, Sam Smith.
Roster: Rachel Klock (Sr.), Alison Taylor (Sr.), Cassidy Davis (Sr.), Brooke Levely (Sr.), Tamara Ives (Sr.), Alicia Smith (Jr.), Hayley Reff (Jr.), Kady Dominee (Jr.), Gabi Donnelly (Jr.), Molly Ryan (Jr.), Sam Smith (Jr.), Breanna Nutting (So.), Jarika Nuffer (So.), Lauren Veeles (So.), Jackie Seguin (So.), Shanelle Savage (So.), Bridget Davis (So.), Jessica Jones (So.), Jessica Wills (So.), Chelsea Steele (So.), Michaele Wells (So.), Amber Klock (Fr.).
Lyme Indians
Coach: Kristin Robbins (3rd year).
2009 record: 11-5-1.
Players to watch: Alexandra Weston, Tiffany Brown, Ariana Mattraw.
Roster: Alexandra Weston (Sr.), Tiffany Brown (Sr.), Ariana Mattraw (Sr.), Lindsey Barber (Sr.), Bethany Collins (Sr.), Nicole Mushtare (Sr.), Brianna Sharlow (Jr.), Sierra Walker (Jr.), Audrey Schwind (Jr.), Hannah Gamel (Jr.), Shayna Brown (Jr.), Sarah Rust (Jr.), Deana Ososkalo (Jr.), Haley Tarwater (Jr.), Sara Strader (Jr.), Shayla Fulmer (So.), Amanda Goutremout (Fr.), Yanna Ososkalo (Fr.).
Sackets Harbor Patriots
Coach: Dan Green (12th year).
2009 record: 4-10-1.
Player to watch: Ali Maas.
Roster: Sutton Bailey (Sr.), Ali Maas (Sr.), Taylor Rousseau (Sr.), Paige Lehman (Sr.), Emily Mercante (Sr.), Amanda Rogers (Sr.), Alyssa Simmons (Sr.), Taylor Wisner (Sr.), Olivia Kolb (Jr.), Caroline Greene (Jr.), Emily Plante (Jr.), Marissa Williams (Jr.), Emilee Hutson (So.), Caitlyn Graves (So.), Olivia Martin (So.), Nicole Menapace (So.), Jordan Gonseth (So.).
