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Polk County Sports Polk County Itemizer-Observer • August 17, 2016 11A COLLEGE SOCCER WOU soccer faces steep challenge Wolves hope to bounce back from disappointing 2015 with a return to GNAC tourney By Lukas Eggen WOU Soccer The Itemizer-Observer MONMOUTH — Throughout his tenure, Western Oregon soccer coach Steve Ancheta has experi- enced just how difficult it can be to build a program in the Great Northwest Athletic Conference. During his five seasons, he’s led the Wolves to the conference tour- nament twice, advancing to the semifinals in 2013. But the Wolves finished 8-8-1 overall and 4-7-1 in GNAC play in 2015, missing the GNAC tourna- ment for the second year in a row. “We have to work hard and push to challenge those top teams,” An- cheta said. “There’s no slouch in our league. There’s no room to take a day off.” WOU is out to stop that trend — though it won’t be easy. Western Oregon will need to find new scoring options after los- ing its top two goal scorers — who were responsible for 11 of the team’s 25 goals — from a season ago to graduation. The Wolves will rely on a group of returning seniors to pick up the slack. “I like my core group of seniors coming back that have been around me for a long time,” An- cheta said. “They’re setting the Head coach: Steve Ancheta (sixth season). 2015 record: 8-8-1 overall; 4- 7-1 Great Northwest Athletic Conference. Key returners: Taylor Higa, sr., forward/midfield; Dani Payne, sr., midfield; Savannah Bogan, sr., for- ward; Mariah Konyn, sr., midfield; Allison Sprecher, sr., defense. Significant stat: 25 — The number of goals the Wolves scored during the 2015 season. LUKAS EGGEN/ Itemizer-Observer file Western Oregon senior Taylor Higa will help lead the Wolves’ midfielders during the 2016 season. tone early and we’re excited to get out there.” Seniors Taylor Higa, Dani Payne and Mariah Konyn will anchor the midfield with Savannah Bogan as- sisting on the attack. Senior midfielder Dani Payne and defender Allison Sprecher will also play a key role for the Wolves. “They are some quality girls who will have some opportunities to play some minutes for us,” An- cheta said. With a little over two weeks from the start of official practices on Monday until the team’s first match on Sept. 1, the challenge is greater than simply adjusting to new team roles or bringing along new faces on the field. Just as important is developing the relationships between players — no easy task given the short pe- riod of time before matches begin. “We have to make sure we’re all on the same page,” Ancheta said. “You can’t just focus on the soccer ball. We have to work hard and de- velop that chemistry — that’s the big key is having quality team chemistry from the get go.” Finding that chemistry could be the difference between a return to the conference tournament and another season of going home early. “We’re going to put out a good product,” Ancheta said. “We have athletes who love to work and feel good about the jersey they’re put- ting on. We’ll fight every match for what we deserve.” Float: River race course lasts nearly 12 miles Continued from Page 10A Woolsey and Stilligan had their curiosity piqued after seeing fliers during Sum- merfest. The pair was looking for- ward to a relaxing trek down the Willamette River. “I don’t care if we come in dead last,” Stilligan said. “It’s just about having fun.” John and Kathleen Hill, of Salem, also took part in the race for the first time. The couple moved from Florida 19 years ago. “Being from Florida, the river has intimidated us,” Kathleen said. “In Florida, we had swamps and alligators. This one has fast water and Mother Nature. I’ll take an al- ligator over the current, but we figured we’d be safer with a group, and you’re out here with a lot of cool people.” The race, organized by the Networking Exchange Club of Salem, began in the 1970s. Since then, it’s become a tradition for many to enjoy an afternoon out on the water. Despite the name, it’s not all about who finishes first — it’s more about floating away on a summer day. “It’s so easy to get people out,” Litke said. “You just need a tube and you can float around. It’s perfect for the summer.” Ready for some football LUKAS EGGEN/ Itemizer-Observer Participants worked hard to make their crafts unique on Saturday morning. LUKAS EGGEN/ Itemizer-Observer The Great Willamette Raft Race attracts participants from all over Oregon. LUKAS EGGEN/Itemizer-Observer Dallas high school football players practice on Tuesday morning. Official practices began on Monday for the fall sports season. The Dragons open the 2016 season at home on Sept. 2 against Parkrose. West Valley Housing Authority will hold their Work Session Meeting on Wednesday, August 24, 2016 beginning at 11:30 a.m. at 204 SW Walnut in Dallas, Oregon. The Regular Meet- ing will be held on Wednesday, August 24, 2016 at 1:00 p.m. at 204 SW Walnut in Dallas, Oregon. An Executive Session pursuant to ORS 192.660 will be held immediately follow- ing the Regular Meeting, if required. Agenda for the meeting is posted on the Housing Authority website at www.wvpha.org. The loca- tion for the meeting is handicapped accessible. Please advise the West Valley Housing Authority if you need any special accommodations to attend the meeting. For information, please call 503-623-8387, TDD 1-800-735-2900.
