Good problems. Heading into his second full season — and first with a true postseason planned — Sequim coach Ken Garling is charged with the task of finding playing time for 46 athletes.

“Having this kind of turnout is impressive,” Garling said at a preseason practice, as the nearly four-dozen high-schoolers scrimmaged at the Albert Haller Playfields in early March.

Credit for that goes in large part to youth organizations such as Storm King and Sequim Junior Soccer, he said.

“The most important thing is having fun,” Garling said.

It doesn’t hurt to have a healthy win-loss record, too, he noted.

If last year’s results and the number of varsity returnees is any indication, Sequim has a good chance to finish near the top the Olympic League this spring. Last year’s team racked up a 9-3 overall record and sees 12 returning players from that squad, 11 of those seniors.

“Our senior group is really strong,” Garling said, particularly Brandon Wagner and Tyler Lawson — who tied for second on the team with six goals — and Aidan Henninger and Rafael Flores.

The Wolves did lose leading scorer Eli Gish to graduation, but the core of the team remains solid, including returning keeper Jack Van De Wege, another senior.

The Wolves will have a similar approach in game play: build from the back with a possession game.

“It all starts with defending,” Garling said.

The Olympic League will be tough once again, the Sequim coach noted, with Bainbridge, North Kitsap, Kingston and Port Angeles all posing threats for some of the top spots.

“It’s going to be a tough go for us (but) we like those challenges,” Garling said.

Sequim is also poised for big things in coming seasons with a strong, large freshman class turning out, he said.

Because Sequim saw the big turnout, the Sequim coach said they will be able to schedule some C-team games, in addition to junior varsity contests, with schools experiencing similar turnouts.

Spring sports preview: Boys soccer

Head coach: Ken Garling (second season)

2021 record: 9-3, second place in Olympic League

Returners: Brandon Wagner (sr.), Aidan Henninger (sr.), Kristian Mingoy (sr.), Brandon Charters (sr.), Harrison Bell (sr.), Cristian Gonzalez (sr.), Javier Gomez (sr.), Rafael Flores (sr.), Tyler Lawson (sr.), Ethan Knight (sr.), Jackson Van De Wege (sr.), Nova Barrett (jr.)

Newcomers: Keaton King (jr.), Abe Torres (jr.), Ethan Anderson (jr.), Diego Buhrer (jr.), Jack Henninger (so.), Joey McKay (so.), Sam Stewart (so.), Sola McGruther (so.), Mekhi Ashby (so.), Cruz Pernia (so.), Simon Hare (so.)

Sequim High School 2022 boys soccer schedule

Date Opponent Time

March 12 at Central Kitsap 12:45 p.m.

March 15 North Mason 6:45 p.m.

March 17 Port Angeles 6:45 p.m.

March 21 at Olympic 6:45 p.m.

March 24 North Kitsap 6:45 p.m.

March 26 at Klahowya 12:45 p.m.

March 29 Bainbridge 6:45 p.m.

March 31 at Bremerton 6:45 p.m.

April 12 at Port Angeles 6:45 p.m.

April 14 Olympic 6:45 p.m.

April 19 at North Kitsap 6:45 p.m.

April 21 at Bainbridge 6:45 p.m.

April 23 at Kingston 12:30 p.m.

April 26 Bremerton 6:45 p.m.

April 28 Kingston 6:45 p.m.

April 30 at North Mason 2 p.m.