As Pre-season Football and Soccer Camps End, Teams Looking for Big Starts
As the Williamson football and soccer programs look back on their 2023 seasons, two things are common to both programs; both had successful 2023 campaigns, and both have big shoes to fill if that success is to continue in 2024.
Williamson's 2023 soccer season was filled with many firsts. They defeated Bucks County Community College for the first time ever, had two All-Americans on the same team for the first time in school history, one of whom was the first three-time All-American in school history, had a player lead the nation in shots on goal and also finished with their first winning season since 2018. That is the good news.
The bad news is both of those All-Americans seniors (Brandon Cairy and Zachary Bosak) were lost to graduation, as were goalies Nathan Meyers and Michael Hegarty. Cairy and Bosak combined for 83% of Williamson's goals scored, while Meyers gave them depth and experience in goal.
While those losses will be big ones to fill, Williamson head coach Peter Glowa (6th season) is quick to remind people that the cupboard is far from bare for the Mechanics.
"I'm excited about both who we have coming back, as well as who we have coming in as freshmen," shared Glowa.
"This is the deepest senior class we have had in my time here, and we have a very talented junior class joining them as well. We have plenty of game experience and those guys are hungry for more success.
"We also have several talented freshmen who will push for starting time and who will have a major impact right away."
While the offense might take some time to get going, Glowa is thrilled with his defense.
"We have three potential All-Americans returning on defense and a strong midfield as well. Our schedule is extremely tough but I'm excited for the guys and excited to see what we can accomplish this season," closed Glowa.
Williamson head football coach Dan Drake returned to coaching action last season, after missing the entire 2022 season due to a prolonged serious illness. He barely missed a beat in his return, helping to guide the Mechanics to a 4-3 record in 2023, the team's fifth straight winning season, something that had not happened at Williamson since 1979-83.
Not unlike Glowa, Drake is faced with graduating 16 seniors, one of the most talented senior classes in school history. Unlike Glowa however, Drake's biggest losses are on the defensive side of the ball. Williamson lost four 3-year starters on defense and a large majority of its team's leadership as well. Yet, just like Glowa, the cupboard is far from bare.
"No doubt we lost a lot on defense however, we also have a lot coming back that were outstanding players for us. We return three first-team all-conference players in our secondary and another on the defensive line. We also have some returning players who have worked hard in the off-season to get ready for this yearwho we love and we think will do a great job for us as well. We also have several freshmen who will push to start as well."
While the offense is a work in progress, Drake likes what he ha seen so far.
"We are making progress and I think if we can stay healthy, we have the chance to be very good on offense. I think we are going to surprise some people."
With that type of optimism from both coaches, there remains hope for big seasons from both teams.
Williamson opens its 2024 soccer season at home on Thursday, September 5 at 6:30 P.M. against Harrisburg Area Community College. The football team also opens their season at home on September 7 at 12:00 P.M. against the New Jersey Warriors.
