By Josh Lashley, Special Writer
Gerard Marrone, the new head coach for the Hamilton West High School boys soccer program feels that the wheels are turning in the right direction for his team-and he very well may be correct.
The Hornets have struggled to earn victories on the pitch in recent years, but they still put forth a strong effort and that effort could lead to an improvement in terms of wins and losses this fall.
Last season, Hamilton tallied an overall record of 3-12-1 and Marrone believes that the pieces are in place for his team to gain greater success than previously garnered.
Key returning student-athletes leading the way for the Hornets this year include David Kline (senior, forward) and Max Martine (junior, midfield).
”David will be looking to have a big offensive output year and we’re looking to Max to hold down our midfield,” Marrone said.
Promising newcomers looking to have an immediate and indeed positive impact on the varsity level for Hamilton include sophomore forward David Denot and freshman forward Donovan Davis.
”Denot, who moved to Hamilton West from Haiti this past summer will be a big contributor,” he said. “We are also looking to Davis to contribute a lot on the wing for us.”
Marrone, as most coaches regardless of what sport is being discussed, will rely a good deal on proper leadership from experienced players on the roster to guide his team throughout the course of the season.
”Our entire senior class will be looked at to be leaders on the team, specifically my two captains Joe Misciascio and Kline,” he said. “I expect them to lead first with their play but also with a calm head as we get into tight games and vocally on and off the field.”
The Hornets have set some pretty high goals and are seemingly willing to work hard to achieve them this fall.
”We are looking to make the [NJSIAA] State Tournament this season and finishing above .500 is a realistic goal for us to target coming off a disappointing campaign last year,” he said. “I think those two goals are fair for my first season in charge of the team.”
”I feel like we are going to surprise people this season and play the spoiler role [in division play],” he added. “The past few seasons haven’t been the best in terms of record, but I feel like there is a ton of talent in the program and given the right system of play we will hopefully turn a lot of heads.”
On Friday, Sept. 12, the Hornets have a regular season home game scheduled versus Princeton.
”For us it’s always a huge pride factor to beat Steinert and Nottingham, and both will be tight games, but I think Princeton and Notre Dame will both be towards the top of the Colonial Valley Conference and will be the teams to beat,” he said.”

