A look at what’s happening on the pitch

Dragons are creating a new culture, brand

March 16, 2022 by Ken Leinart

Clinton High School Head Soccer Coach Gene Chunn said the Dragons will “takes some lumps” early in the 2022 season.

“We’re definitely rebuilding,” he said. “We’re changing the culture and it’s a challenge for the kids … Just the structure of what we’re doing is more challenging.”

Chunn was the head coach at Carter High for 17 years and had numerous successful teams. He then spent two years as an assistant at Powell High School before being approached by Clinton High administration.

While he and assistant coach Bruce Booher are getting to know the kids, they are liking what they’ve seen so far.

“We have a great group of kids,” Chunn said. “They have a great attitude. They want to do well.”

“We’ll take our bumps this season, but we’ll work hard. And I’m going love on them and encourage them and make them understand what it takes to be successful.”

Chunn said the team is focusing on foot drills, working in the cones — the fundamentals.

“They’re learning the skills, learning the game, learning the principles,” he said.

Ryan Bradley and Owen Gray will be the mainstays on defense for the Dragons. They have experience and know how to play soccer.

Antares Hansen has the skill set to shine offensively.

“We have a lot of good athletes,” Chunn said. “Some just need to learn how to play soccer.”

Chunn said he has five seniors who have really stepped up and taken a leadership role with the underclassmen.

The biggest group, however, is the junior class, and that bodes well for the Dragons.

What doesn’t bode as well is there is only one sophomore.

“We’ll have to recruit some bodies in the future,” Chunn said with a laugh. “We’ll have to prove ourselves and get more of the underclassmen coming out.”

That strategy has worked. Two latecomers to the Dragons, Brien Listenbee and Cole Tadora, have experience but didn’t sign up when the season first began.

“I don’t if it’s because they saw how we were working or what, but we have them out now,” Chunn said.

And they are welcome additions. Both are experienced and have good skill sets.

Overall, the Dragons have 19 on the roster, and Chunn said they will all see minutes.

“We’ll get better every week, and by tournament time, I think we can surprise a few people,” he said. “Tournament time is really going to be our season.”

Chunn said Clinton plays in a small district, but it’s a tough district.

“There are good teams in this district (Anderson County, Kingston, and Scott High) and it’s a challenge,” he said.

Part of the culture change for the Dragons is establishing enthusiasm not just on the team, but in the community.

Chunn said the kids work as hard as they do not just to get better, but to gain respect.

“The kids want to do well, they want to be successful,” he said. “I want to win; I don’t like losing. But winning really isn’t everything. Playing to win is.”

He said once fans experience what Clinton soccer is growing into, he hopes they’ll enjoy it and come back.

“We’ve got a great facility to play at (Clinton City Field) and it’s going to be a great experience,” he said.

“And once fans see how hard these kids are working and how much they will improve from game to game, I hope they’ll be hooked.

“There are lots of schools known for their soccer teams,” the coach said. “And I know we’re not as big as football or basketball.

“Yet.”