While numbers are low for the Warrenton soccer team, the Warriors return a core group of experienced players.

“We’re pretty young,” said Coach John Schulte. “We’ve got some freshmen who are looking really promising.”

Schulte is hopeful more players will join the program once school starts, but as of the second week of practice, the Warriors had three seniors, two juniors, five sophomores and four freshmen.

The underclassmen seem to be catching on quickly, as Schulte expects them to mesh into the program as contributors early on.

“They’re picking up our offense and understand our defensive philosophy,” said Schulte. “Skill wise they’re ahead of the game. They came in with intensity and hustle and it’s what we’ll be looking to build our program off of for next few years.”

This season the Warriors will be looking to Wesley Arndt for leadership on the defensive end.

“He’s played the last two years at varsity level and is really an anchor for us,” said Schulte. “We’re looking for good things from him.”

Josiah Hodgson will be shifting to more of a defensive role this season as well.

“We’re still just trying to see where we need to put people and where they need to be based upon their skill sets and our needs,” said Schulte.

Will Nordstrom returns experience for the Warriors at goalie and defensively.

“We’re expecting for those same contributions from him as last year,” said Schulte.

Freshman Bryan Guerrero has been showing potential as well, along with sophomore Davin Cox.

“As far as goals, it’s kind of a rebuilding year for us with the number of kids we have,” said Schulte. “We’re trying to give kids playing time and build for next year.”

With only around 15 athletes out for the team prior to the start of school, Schulte is optimistic numbers will increase.

“I’m hoping we’ll be right around that 20 mark once they all get back and into school mode,” said Schulte. “These are not the numbers we want, but I think the quality we have is really good.”