PREP SOCCER: Central boys getting used to new coach (8/7)

By CHUCK JONES cjones@thenewsenterprise.com CECILIA — Every new coach has a different way of doing things, and the Central Hardin boys’ soccer team is finding that out during preseason practices. Mike Wiersema is teaching the Bruins his way after they had been accustomed to Derek Willis, who led the team for five years. “We’re playing soccer, but it’s a lot different,” said Central Hardin senior Ryan Ortiz, one of only two returning senior starters. “We’re doing different type of drills and we’re learning a new way of doing things. We focus more on the little things. The fundamentals are stressed a lot more.” While the drills and the system Wiersema has implemented are new to players, it’s not the only new things. Wiersema has started a weight lifting program, which Ortiz said has made a difference. The biggest change might be Wiersema’s rapport with his players. “When you made a mistake, Derek would tell you and everybody knew it,” Ortiz said. “Sometimes he would make us run in the middle of practice. Coach Wiersema stops practice, but he talks to you. He handles it differently. Coach Wiersema is an easy-going guy as long as you’re doing what you’re supposed to do.” Through all the changes, though, one thing has remained the same for the Bruins, who are coming off a 5-7-6 season. “We’re playing a new system and we’re still learning what he wants, but we’re still expected to work hard,” Central Hardin senior Nick Laux said. “He wants us to work our butts off. He wants everyone to become whatever they can be.” Wiersema came to Central Hardin after making high school coaching stops in Tennessee, South Carolina and most recently Texas as well as coaching Alderson Broaddus College, a NAIA school in West Virginia. He has compiled more than 400 victories. “They’ve come a long way in the last three weeks,” Wiersema said. “I can’t say how pleased I am because I don’t know the level of competition in the area. They have grown used to me and I’ve grown used to them. “Coach Willis is a very good coach,” he added. “But we’re very different. We’re doing some of the same things, but we’re doing some things a little different. Every day we’re getting adjusted a little better. It’s been good. The players have worked hard, the staff has welcomed me and the community has been great.” One unforeseen change under Wiersema has been how the team has come together during the preseason. “We’re a whole lot closer than we’ve been in the past,” Laux said. “We have a long way to go (on the field), but our chemistry is much better. If we stay together, we could make a run. I’m not saying we’re going to win district or region. Let’s just say we could.” Chuck Jones can be reached at 505-1759

Jill Pickett

Central Hardin boys' soccer coach Mike Wiersema conducts try-outs in mid-July at the high school.

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