He’s quite the realistic type, really. So if you think coach Jason Pendleton is sugarcoating things when discussing the 2004 Free State High boys soccer team, think again.

He’s probably being real. And that means good things for Firebird fans.

“I think top to bottom, we’re probably as strong as we’ve ever been,” Pendleton said. “We don’t have any weak links on our team this year. We feel comfortable with every man on our roster contributing.”

Despite losing a solid senior class that included two impact players — Joel Angelone and Scott Schumaker — from last year’s 6-9-2 team, Pendleton is upbeat about this season.

The Firebirds are balanced with three freshmen, three sophomores, eight juniors and four seniors on the varsity roster, and Pendleton said the seniors — Sam Buhler, Dustin Nye, Reed Starks and Aaron Williams — had shown the leadership to solidify this year’s squad.

Buhler, who was named second-team all-state at defense last year, will move to midfield to take advantage of his athleticism. Another position shuffle is for Nye, a senior who

will move to forward, helping fill the void left by Angelone, Free State’s all-time leading scorer.

“Dustin’s tenacity and competitiveness is going to make him a threat,” Pendleton said.

Williams returns after starting at goalkeeper last year, and Pendleton expects his big junior class, including Aaron Ideus, to contribute heavily.

“I would say that in terms of competing and work ethic in practice,” Pendleton said, “that this team rivals or even exceeds any team that we’ve had here.”

City boys soccer players are preparing for the upcoming season. From left, Free State High's Sam Buhler, Seabury Academy's Paul Bireta and Lawrence High's Jake Sewer hope to lead their teams this fall.

Free State starts its season Sept. 4 at home against Wichita Carroll.

Lawrence High

The Lions are trying hard to improve last season’s 1-13-3 record, but the good news is, they are not doing it with an empty deck.

LHS brings a strong, experienced senior class into the 2004 season, which kicks off today with a 7 p.m. home game against Manhattan at the Youth Sports Inc. fields.

The most decorated senior is Jake Brewer, a do-it-all player that earned all-state honors for his efforts as a junior.

Around him, though, is a solid supporting cast, many with the same amount of varsity experience. Among them are seniors Pharouk Hussein, Adam Renfro and Dustin Billings.

“We have a very strong midfield,” LHS coach David Platt said, “and we potentially have a strong defense, but it’s very young. It may have to develop throughout the process.”

Lawrence, though, needs an impact scorer, too — they didn’t have one last year. The Lions may have led the state in shots off the post, but the bad luck translated into just seven goals in 17 games.

Look for Renfro to assume the attacking duties with the strong supporting cast playing behind him.

Platt admits the kinks aren’t all worked out yet, but the season’s sudden start, like every year, won’t be forgiving.

“I wish there was another week to practice,” Platt said, “but that’s just coach-speak. We all wish we had more time.”

Seabury

First-year coach Brian Clyne slowly is learning the ways of coaching soccer. But with just 12 players on this year’s team, substitution strategies aren’t something he’s too concerned about.

“I’m not going to worry about how that whole procedure works,” Clyne quipped.

The team won’t notice. With just one substitute and a 15-game schedule, Clyne would be better served learning the techniques of sudden super stamina and, if needed, miracle healing.

Depth will be a serious issue for the Seahawks, but nonetheless, Clyne — who is assisted by Kansas University student Cole McEwen — expects to have one of Seabury’s strongest teams in school history.

“Man for man, what I have on the field is one of the better teams we’ve seen.” Clyne said.

The Seahawks bring back experienced players, led by senior Gary Gardner. As a junior, Gardner saw a lot of time on defense, but Clyne is hoping his size and athleticism can translate into scoring opportunities as a senior.

Aaron Chung and Yoo Sung Cha are other offensive threats, while Steven King retains the role of sweeper on what could become a solid defensive team.

“Defense was our strength last year, and Steven’s going to anchor that again,” Clyne said. “He’s a leader back there.”

Seabury gets started with a 4:30 p.m. game today against Eudora at YSI.