When new Wildcat boys soccer head coach Kyle Grubb was a senior goalkeeper and captain at Franklin County in 2017-18, FC posted a 7-8-3 record. Since then, the program has amassed just seven wins total over a four-year span, including a winless campaign in 2021.

Now, Grubb and a handful of his former cohorts hope to bring the club back to respectability within the Eastern Indiana Athletic Conference.

“It's not an overnight process, but with the rate we're growing the program and the quality of soccer we hope to bring to the table, I feel within two to three years it will be a completely different program,” said the new mentor.

“It starts from the ground up … it's not just the high school program we're after but the whole (county) program,” he added. “Again, it takes time, but I feel very confident in moving forward and becoming a competitive program.”

Grubb continued his playing career at Taylor University and even made a 2-week trip to Northern Ireland with his squad. 

“The experiences I had have prepared me to take the program to the next level, hopefully,” he noted. “I'm very excited for the opportunity to work with the high school boys and to give back to a community that has given me these experiences.”

Joining Grubb on the sidelines are a pair of former team captains and a fellow defender from the Class of 2018. Keeper Tyler Haverbusch played in the fall of 2015 as a senior and forward/midfielder Jake Surber last played a year after that, with Travis Selm graduating the following year.

“Tyler in my eyes has been one of the best keepers to walk through the program,” said Grubb. “His experience and knowledge make him a very vital resource as the goalkeeper coach.”

“Jake is also a huge influence, with him playing for Mt. Saint Joseph in college,” he added. "He has a very well-trained eye for formations and offensive tactics, along with amazing knowledge of the game altogether.”

“Travis is one of the most passionate people I know about helping others,” added Grubb. “He has already had a big part in revamping the program and personal influences on the team.” 

“We bring a great quality of soccer to the program that I feel has not been seen in a long time,” he went on. “I absolutely could not do my job as smoothly without the other coaches.”

The staff's goals are simple, Grubb said.

“I want to build the numbers enough to field a full junior varsity team, which to my knowledge hasn't happened since my class graduated,” he revealed. “Next is to just make the program positive. (We're) well aware of the past and losing isn't fun, but I want to make sure we learn from every experience – practices, games and moments – and fix it.

“My last goal is to help take anyone who's willing to the next level,” added Grubb. “This is a little more personal to me because of the amazing experiences the sport has given me. If I can give one person the experiences as unique and meaningful as mine were, I feel I did my job.”

As for turnout, Grubb had heard rumors of just 11 boys showing interest when he first considered taking the position. During summer workouts, there were as many as 15 showing up.

“That was better than expected, but we still wanted to grow in everything – numbers, skill level, equipment,” he said. “Two months later – with new uniforms, soccer balls and other training equipment – we have 22 boys, and the roster grows weekly.”

With this comes a lot of versatility, as Grubb explained.

“Every boy has been able to play any position and been able to learn the positions at a higher pace,” he noted. “They love the game and are committed to making the sacrifices to grow the program. No one plays for personal gratitude, they play for each other … which I feel makes it a very rare and passionate group. I could not be more excited to grow with this group.”

The former Wildcat wished to reiterate one thing to young students.

“Don't be afraid to try something new,” he emphasized. “I was a junior and had zero interest in soccer. If it wasn't for (coach) Dan Gartenman being persistent on getting me on the team, I would have never met the people I met and had some of the best friendships I've ever had. (Soccer's) had some of the biggest impacts on us coaches' lives. We're very excited to introduce the game to first-time players.”

Vs. Rising Sun (Aug. 18)
In the season opener Thursday, the Cats played to a 1-1 tie with visiting Rising Sun as part of a varsity doubleheader.

The Wildcats appeared to get an early goal just over two minutes into the match, but the long-distance liner was disallowed by the officials. Twenty minutes later, the hosts did go up 1-0 as junior Owen Harvey connected at the 17:57 mark.

There was some good goalie work on both ends as the first half winded down. More so by FC sophomore Dalton Ward. Off a Shiner corner kick just under 12 minutes, Ward batted a ball up and over the crossbar. Around the 5-minute mark, soph Aydyn Patterson got in close for a shot but keeper Caden Walton tipped it off the bar and gathered in the carom. The Shiners then sent off a pair of short attempts in the last three minutes – one with 12 seconds to go – and Ward deflected each to keep it a one-score match.

Rising Sun found the equalizer with 28:06 left in regulation, Dylan Martin banging one through on a line from just inside the 18-yard box – assist to DJ Williams.

Vs. Batesville (Aug. 20)
The young Cats were overwhelmed by EIAC foe Batesville Saturday at home, 8-0. Just a 2-0 game at half, the Bulldogs dropped in six goals over the next 40 minutes. Ian Carpenter and Owen Powers each scored twice for BHS.

Vs. Connersville (Aug. 22)
In another EIAC home matchup Monday, the Spartans laid an 11-0 final on the Cats. CHS scored nine times before the break and twice after. Jasper Martin had a hat trick and Cooper Kinney and Kaden Mapes two goals each.

FC (0-2-1, 0-2) is at Richmond Thursday.