Panthers making adjustments
under new coach
MARS HILL — The Central Aroostook Panthers have a rich tradition of success in all of the sports, and boys varsity soccer is no exception. Known for their hard-nosed style in the past, first-year coach Ty Thurlow is excited to bring a different style of play to the squad. Having coached the boys’ varsity at Lee Academy the past three years, Thurlow has made the leap to County soccer, jumping in with both feet.
Contributed photo/jMavor Photography
SOPHOMORE Dustin Pryor of the Central Aroostook Panthers beats Washburn’s Brandon Farley to the ball during Friday’s varsity soccer game in Washburn. The match ended in a 1-1 deadlock. 
The Panthers are hoping for a strong season under new coach Ty Thurlow.
“I am excited by what I have seen so far,” he said. “These young men are very willing to listen and learn a more controlled style of soccer. I believe that with their athleticism we are a team that will continue to grow throughout the season.
“We are working very hard on our decision making and learning how to play the game of soccer versus just playing the ball. It will be an adjustment for them, but they have learned a lot already,” Thurlow added.
The Panthers lost a core group of seniors off last year’s squad who primarily held defensive roles, so that is where the biggest adjustments will come from. Also graduated is Steven Decker, who was a matchup problem due to his size and athleticism. Thurlow believes that players will step up to fill the gaps.
The senior class will be led by goalie Spencer Garrison. He missed a portion of last season due to injury, but he brings experience and athleticism to the position, which is a good spot to build from. Connor Todd will be a sweeper, while Cory Richardson and Jacob Conley will be featured at wing midfield positions. Austin Caverhill, a senior striker, may well be a key to the Panther’s success. He is a tough matchup with his quick shot and closing speed on the ball. Defender Mason Davis is currently injured, but should give the team a boost upon his return with his cerebral style of play.
The junior class is led by center defender Zach McClung. Strong and physical, McClung should be a defensive presence in the middle of the field. Caleb Dube will see action at wing midfield, while Cody Clayton gives the Panthers more size. After two years of playing in the Aroostook Football League, the 6-4, 240 lb. Clayton will be tough mark for anyone in the County.
The sophomore class will be led by Dane Kingsbury and Riley McGrath. Both are being put in new positions as center midfielders, and how well they adapt may be key to CA’s success on the year. Hunter Crouse and Emory Davis will be at defensive spots, while Nick Dominique and Morgan Shaw will see action as wing midfielders. Other 10th-graders are midfielder Ethan McKenney, forward Dustin Pryor and defender Conner Mahan.
The freshman class includes forwards Gavin Miller and Logan Grass, wing defenders Josh Chandler and Clark Bradbury and wing midfielder Noah Johnston, as well as midfielder Zach Crouch and forward Chandler Garrison. All will have the opportunity to log quality minutes as they improve and get comfortable with the varsity game.
“I think we will be conservative and opportunistic,” explained Thurlow. “As they get more comfortable with the game I am coaching, they will continue to improve.”
Thurlow also realizes that it will take him time to learn his team as well as his opponents.
“I believe we will get better every time out,” he explained, “and the second time we see a team, we will probably look a lot different as well. I want to bring soccer skills to the front and show the purity of the game.”
