Local Sports Journal

Jeremy Tjapkes had plenty of ups and downs this past soccer season with the boys team from North Muskegon High School.

Injuries stung his squad throughout the season, especially early on when the Norsemen were struggling with a 3-8 record.

Undaunted, Tjapkes rolled up his sleeves and watch his team elevate its play and capture a Division 4 district title.

For his efforts, Tjapkes was named the Local Sports Journal Soccer Dream Team coach of the year for the Lower Tier. He was chosen in a vote of a committee of veteran soccer coaches from the area.

Tjapkes’ team suffered a disappointing regular-season to Muskegon Catholic and devoted themselves to getting another shot at them in the tournament. In the districts, the Norsemen captured an overtime victory, a district title and a berth in the regionals.Here is a look at this year’s first-team choices:

Josh Binnendyk, Western Michigan Christian: This senior defender was the heart and soul of the Warriors all season long. He finished with five goals and two assists before being injured late in the regular season. He was a second-team all-state selection.

Alec Breit, Western Michigan Christian: Pound for pound, this senior midfielder provided WMC with plenty of grit in the middle of the field. Finished with five goals and five assists. He was honorable mention all-state in Division 4.

Todd Hall, Muskegon Catholic:With his 6-foot-6 frame, this junior goalkeeper was solid all season long for the Crusaders. He is a three-year starter and was lauded for his efforts as an honorable mention all-state selection.

Jeremy Joyce, Muskegon Catholic: The Crusaders’ biggest scoring threat was dangerous every time he touched the ball. The senior really broke onto the scene during this past season.

Keith Kuharevicz, Muskegon Catholic: This senior was not only a goal scorer, but a setup man for the Crusaders. He finished the season with 17 goals and 16 assists. He was a second-team all-state selection in Division 4.

Marco Moul, Hart: Moul finished a highly successful career for the Pirates with 136 goals. This past season, the first-team all-state selection had 57 goals and 23 assists.

Drew Maine, Fruitport Calvary Calvary Christian: The senior forward was a threat to score every time he touched the ball. His quickness and ball skills helped him produce 23 goals and 15 assists this season. He was honorable mention all-state.

Alex Rop, Western Michigan Christian: This junior stopper, a three-year varsity player, scored four goals and added four assists from the top of the WMC defense. His skills and leadership in the middle of the field were both assets for the Warriors.

Zach Rummery, North Muskegon: The senior forward produced 23 goals and 11 assists and was lauded as a first-team all-stater in Division 3. A knee injury slowed him somewhat during the season, but still managed to produce for NM.

Chaise Schuiteman, Western Michigan Christian: Despite being heavily marked, this junior forward scored 15 goals and added four assists. He is a three-year varsity player and was named honorable mention all-state in Division 4.

Spencer Wallis, North Muskegon:This four-year starter was the anchor of the Norsemen defense all four years. His booming kicks alleviated opposing team’s pressure.

Second team

Jacob Berends, North Muskegon, sr.
John Daniels, Muskegon Catholic.
Jesse Dunn, North Muskegon, jr.
Sammy Hernandez, Hart, fr.
Jake Kempster, Western Michigan Christian, jr.
Matt Kowalski, North Muskegon, soph.
Bailey Merrick, Mason County Central, jr.
Jose Enrique-Millan, Shelby, soph.
Nick Rombach, Hart, jr.
Luke VanBoxel, Montague, jr.
David Walker, Muskegon Catholic, jr.

Honorable mention

Fruitport Calvary Christian: Mike Warren, Joel Fullmer.
Hart: Adam Emery, Roberto Rodriguez
Mason County Central: Nick Bennett, Boone Alway
Montague: Riley Lohman, Eric Groppi.
Muskegon Catholic: Luke Conroy, Adam Callow.
North Muskegon: Anthony Smith, Connor Gannon.
Oakridge: Morgun McLouth, Kody Kotecki.
Ravenna: Ben Helsen, Stephan Barrette
Shelby: Douglas Kelly, Angel Cadena.
Western Michigan Christian: Noah Wildeman, Matt VanderPloeg.