Boys soccer: Latham keeps Central rolling

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By Michael Cooper, Staff Writer 12:08 AM Saturday, November 21, 2009

SPRINGFIELD — Shane Latham and the Catholic Central High School boys soccer team are always finding ways to improve on their tradition.

The 2009 season was no different. Catholic Central earned its first Division III state poll title after finishing the regular season unbeaten for the first time since 1989.

“All-in-all it was a great season, one of the better years in my career,” Latham said.

For his efforts this season, Latham was named the 2009 News-Sun All-Area Boys Soccer Coach of the Year.

The award is based on regular-season performance only.

The Irish returned a young nucleus of talent this fall. Latham knew he had a strong unit to work with, especially after watching them play in tournaments during the summer.

“I thought from the summer tournaments and carrying on from last year that they had the capacity to be a contender for a state title,” Latham said.

The Irish had a few bumps in the road, including losing starting defender Danny LeMelle early in the season.

“We had to adjust some positions, but everybody rose to the challenge,” Latham said. “We started off the season really strong and continued to go from there.”

Once they got rolling, the Irish never stopped. They went 2-0-1 against the D-III top-10, including victories over Cincinnati Seven Hills and Dayton Christian. Their lone tie came at the hands of Cincinnati Summit Country Day.

They also won a fourth straight Ohio Heritage Conference title and a third district title in four years before falling to Cincinnati Seven Hills in the D-III regional final.

It was also another record-breaking season. The Irish set the record for most goals scored in season (135) and tied the school record for least losses in a season (1). Goalkeeper J.P. Derr set the school record for shutouts (14), while Calum Latham set the single-season scoring record with 52 goals.

The Irish senior class finished its career with a 68-8-6 record over four years.

“It was a very successful group,” Latham said.

Next year, they’re hoping for big things once again. They’ll return six starters.

“We certainly have a strong contingent coming back,” Latham said.

Contact this reporter at (937) 328-0365 or mcooper@coxohio.com.