Wauwatosa East Red Raiders return outstanding talent

Wauwatosa East boys soccer coach Eric Dale is excited about the upcoming season. Not only does he has 13 returning letter winners, he has plenty of talent to call on.

"I can honestly say that in my tenure as head coach here, this is by far, top to bottom, the most skilled group of players I've had," Dale said. "The talent is tremendous, but I am a bit concerned about focus and concentration."

Seven returning seniors are Quinn Beaupre, John Ensch, Liam Hanley, Drue Holley, David O'Keeffe, Nathan Schoen and Tanner Wallenkamp.

The six juniors coming back are Jordan Hoffland, Agustin Ibanez-Baldor, Paul King, Ben Prange, Tristan Reagan and Tommy Zalewski.

This year's captains will be Wallenkamp, Schoen and Prange, the latter two are returning all-conference players in the Greater Metro.

Varsity newcomers are senior Nate Wedel; juniors Noah David, Carter Kowalski and Devon Rios; and sophomores Josh Klein and Noah Riley.

"Prange and Schoen look to spearhead the attack with strong support from Agu Ibanez-Baldor up top and a sound trio of distributors in Ensch, O'Keeffe and Tom Zalewski," Dale said. "Returning starters Wallenkamp and Holley are expected to anchor a very strong defensive back line with able contributors Hoffland and Rios ready to provide depth."

The Red Raiders will be without four-year starter in goal Kyle Mabie, who was lost to graduation.

"We will look to seniors Wedel and Hanley to try and fill the void at keeper," Dale said. "Losing Kyle after four great years is a concern, but Nate and Liam have learned from one of Tosa East's best."

Tosa East faced Whitefish Bay on Aug. 20 and will be at Homestead on Saturday morning, Aug. 23.

"Bay will serve as a great barometer for us for the season," Dale said. "They will be a tough side to play with for 90 minutes, but our guys are ready for a competitive schedule as always.

"We certainly will not be afraid of or back down from any teams this season. We should field one of the best teams we've had at East for many years."