Klaus, Harper ready to get started

The Harper men's soccer team will see a different face on the touchline when the Hawks open their season Friday against College of DuPage.

The head-coaching void left by former coach Jason Diebold will be filled by Dan Klaus. That name should be familiar to Mid-Suburban League soccer fans, as Klaus has directed the girls soccer program at Elk Grove since 2002.

Last spring, Diebold resigned after 13 seasons with the program. Enthusiasm for the team has remained high, as Klaus estimated 50 players tried out for the team.

"The numbers have been nice," Klaus said. "The goal was to keep around 25."

The coaching staff still needs to make some cuts to reach that preferred number. Klaus likes his team's depth but understands it poses some challenges.

"When you have a roster of 25 player," said Klaus, "there are only so many minutes to go around."

One thread of continuity will be longtime assistant coach Tom Wang. He's still with the program and has helped ease the head coaching transition.

Wang's specialty is training goalies, and in that area, the Hawks are without a key member of the last two seasons as Sean Cox has graduated. One candidate to file the role this year is Ervin Velasquez (Hersey).

Midfield figures to be a strong suit for this Hawks, as hard-working sopohmore midfielder Starsky Correa (Buffalo Grove) will be a steadying force.

A pair of promising freshmen, Allan Santiaguillo (Buffalo Grove) and Alex Freeman (St. Viator) will be front and center on defense.

"They are not afraid to organize (the defense)," Klaus said. "Hopefully there will not be many games where we give up many goals."

Don't expect the Hawks to be pigeon-holed into one specific style of play.

"I do like to play an attacking style," explained Klaus, "but we will play more of a conservative style if we need to."