HASLETT, MI - With the season right around the corner, first year Haslett Men's Soccer coach Darus Ward is thankful for the opportunity."

I'm extremely excited," Ward said. "As a first year head coach, it's fun to be in this position. It's fun to have the belief of the athletic director, Darin Ferguson, and the entire Haslett board, and the players and the parents, you know, on my side. So, I'm really excited t be working with the players this year."

Coach D said he's looking forward to the influx of new talent his team will feature this year.

"We're gonna have a lot of young players this year," Ward said. "I'm excited about having a youthful squad. They're gonna come in, work hard, and play as a team. We have some inexperienced players, but, with time, they'll gain that experience, and I think for the most part, they're looking forward to playing with each other and working hard for Haslett."

Coach Ward said he'd have to get used to not having friend and former coach Alex Hayner on the sideline this year.

"As a young coach, I came in here under Hayner as a 19-year-old kid," Ward said. "I learned under him. So, for the players it's gonna be an adjustment, but, I think they're ready for that. We had a good Summer camp with the boys, and I think they're ready to take that next step forward."

Haslett's men's soccer season begins on Monday, August 26th when the Vikings take on Lansing Christian."