Much-improved Clinton Dragons will continue to grow as season progresses
When Gene Chunn took the reins of the Clinton High School boys soccer team last season, he knew that his first order of business was to change the culture.
And the Dragons, despite not having a ton of depth, slowly responded and became more competitive as the 2022 season wore on.
Clinton endured growing pains last season as it finished with a 2-12 record. But Chunn said he hopes that those days are behind the Dragons.
The program has 23 payers, including eight returners.
“We have 15 new faces out there and I think we’ll be competitive in our district,” Chunn said.
The coach knows that there’s nothing like time on the pitch to help his side improve.
“We should be stronger offensively this year; Every time we play, we want to get better,” said Chunn, who previously served as the head boys coach at Carter High School and was also an assistant with Powell High’s girls team as the Lady Panthers became a powerhouse program in District 3-AAA.
“We have new kids, so every time we play, we have to get better,” he said.
“We were trying to change the culture, honestly, and by the end of the year, we were more competitive. As a coach, you’re always concerned about everything. But our biggest weakness is simply lack of experience. We have eight returners and 15 new players. We have to stay healthy. I’m looking for effort and I’m looking for our new kids to improve.”
Clinton competes in District 5-AA against the likes of Scott, Kingston and crosstown rival Anderson County, which is also in the midst of improving its program under second-year Head Coach Chris Curtin.
“I look for us to be competitive in the district,” Chunn said.
The Dragons open their 2023 season on the road against Oneida on Tuesday, March 21. Kickoff is slated for 6 p.m.
The senior class for the Dragons includes: Chase Glandon (goalkeeper); Billy Bob Bean (defender); Owen Gray (midfielder); Antares Hansen (defender); Oliver Guerra (midfielder); Brien Listenbee (defender); Julio DeValle (forward); Jacob Prewitt (defender); Ethan Hunt (midfielder); Julio Orendain (midfielder) and Zyrus Drew.
Juniors include: Will Targonski (midfielder); Robino Rivera (forward); Cristian Gutierrez (defender) and Yefrin Amador Baquis (defender).
Defender William Goodman is the lone sophomore on CHS’s roster.
Incoming freshmen are: Isaac Purcell (defender); Raymond Gray (defender); Nick Colter (defender); Hayden Kiely (defender); Ayden Ambrocio (forward) and Christian Honeycutt (forward).