In all his years as a soccer coach, both at the collegiate and professional level, Pete Petersen has never had as much fun as in preparation for the 2006 season for the Clayton State Lakers. Granted, Petersen has paced the Lakers to the two best seasons in Clayton State history in his two previous seasons as head coach, including last season’s 13-4-4 mark that included both the Peach Belt Conference regular season and tournament championships and the “Sweet 16” of the NCAA Division II National Tournament.

However, Petersen sees something different in this year’s Laker squad than the two previous teams. And that’s what making the third-year mentor happy. This season has brought more team unity and every player has it’s eye on the big prize – the NCAA Division II National Championship.

“Our team chemistry and camaraderie is much better now than it was last season,” said Petersen, 25-8-8 at the Laker helm. “That is refreshing with a positive flare. I’ve had more fun this preseason than ever. It’s been refreshing.”

Petersen has every reason to have fun and show some positive attributes as the 2006 season is on the horizon. The Lakers return six starters and 14 letterwinners from last season, and are the preseason favorites to repeat as Peach Belt Conference champions. In addition, the Lakers are also ranked eighth in the preseason Division II national Top 25 poll, marking the highest that Clayton State has ever been ranked nationally in the preseason for men’s soccer.

If there is any aspect that concerns Petersen, however, it’s depth.

“That will be big, because we’ve had some injuries during the preseason,” Petersen said. “It’s very easy to make a big deal of it, but it hasn’t affected us.”

While depth may be a concern for the Lakers and Petersen, there is no panic when it comes to talent. And there’s plenty for Clayton State to choose from.

FORWARD

One established force and another up-and-comer make up the prime Laker scoring threats up front for this season.

Back for his senior season is Kevin Crooks, who is coming off a stellar season in which he was both an All-Peach Belt and All-Division II Southeast Region selection. He was the Lakers’ leading scorer with seven goals and five assists for 19 points. At 6-foot-2 and 217 pounds, Crooks brings a strong physical presence to the Laker attack, and should be Clayton State’s go-to scoring threat.

Another threat is sophomore Angel Kalinov. A 6-foot, 165-pounder, Kalinov uses his tremendous speed and agility to create scoring opportunities up front for the Lakers. He saw action in 10 games last season, but will see a lot more action this season with the possibility of starting alongside Crooks.

“Crooks is a target guy, while Kalinov buzzes around and is very noble,” Petersen said. “Kevin is our go-to guy and knows the challenges he faces this season. Kalinov has had a tremendous preseason and we expect bigger things from him this season.”

Sophomore Dwayne Mills and freshman Ryan Townson will provide depth up front at forward this season.

MIDFIELD

Arguably the strongest area for the Lakers this season, there are eight players that are battling to possibly start in the Clayton State midfield. The Lakers were dealt a tough loss during the preseason when junior Jarrid Nicholson had offseason knee surgery and will redshirt this season.

However, there is no shortage in talent for Clayton State in the midfield. Back is sophomore Johnny Lara, an All-Peach Belt selection last season, along with steady senior Tonny Madegwa. Lara scored five goals with six assists for 16 points, while Madegwa also scored five goals with six assists for 16 points.

Replacing Nicholson in the middle is junior Dean Gilewicz. A transfer from NAIA Reinhardt, the 6-foot, 190-pound Gilewicz brings a physical presence to the midfield with his aggressive style. Senior Junior Smith will split time between the midfield and the defensive backline, while junior B.J. Livingston has the speed for the outside midfield.

Junior college transfer Hailab Habton will get an opportunity to start in the midfield, as will promising freshmen Marquinctez Jackson and Jerome Toby.

“We will not lose a beat with Dean in the middle,” Petersen said. “This is the strongest 4-5-1 midfield here in recent seasons. We have eight guys fighting for four of five spots, and I would be comfortable with any player in there.”

DEFENSE

For many seasons, defense has been the theme for men’s soccer at Clayton State. Over the last two seasons alone, the Lakers have led the Peach Belt Conference in goals-against average and ranked in the top 15 in the nation in that department.

This season, the defensive backline will have a different feel for the Lakers, especially with the graduation of two-time All-American Alex Dowling. However, Clayton State returns experienced players in juniors Kyle Ramsey and Daniel English, while sophomore Jordan Gilbert replaces Dowling on the defensive backline.

Senior Steve Weston will also be in the mix on defense.

“Alex is irreplaceable, but defense has always been our mainstay,” Petersen said. “We’re not as big and physical as last season, but we’re more savvier, quicker and they can pass really well.”

The defensive outlook could improve when senior captain Andre Rall returns from an offseason injury. At 6-3 and 193 pounds, the South African will bring that physical presence back the Clayton State defense.

“Getting Andre back will be a big plus,” Petersen said. “By mid-season, he will back as a big force for us.”

GOALKEEPER

Clayton State will be in good hands for one more season with the return of senior goalkeeper Heath Padgett.

The 6-6, 170-pounder has followed in a strong line of Laker goalkeepers. He is a two-time All-Peach Belt Conference selection and one-time Division II All-Southeast Region selection that ranks second all-time at Clayton State in shutouts with 12 and goals-against average of 0.94.

Padgett is a legitimate All-Peach Belt, All-Southeast Region and All-American hopeful this season. Backing him up as an understudy is redshirt freshman Chris Clayton.

“If Heath has another good year, he can be an All-American,” Petersen said. “He has come out of his shell since his freshman season, and his teammates have a lot of confidence in him.”

SCHEDULE/OVERVIEW

Like last season, Petersen is pulling no punches with the Clayton State schedule for 2006. The Lakers will have four teams that ranked in the preseason Top 25. Overall, of the 17 opponents on the schedule, 11 posted winning seasons and seven were ranked in the region.

It starts with a three-game swing in the Sunshine State with games at Rollins, Tampa and Florida Tech.

“That will be a measuring stick for us,” Petersen said. “In the past, if you make it through to the quarterfinals and semifinals of the national tournament, you have to play a Florida team. We’re not cutting any corners. This is the toughest schedule yet at Clayton State.

“I’m having fun with this team. I don’t know what’s in the cards for them, but this is fun.”