Rocket quartet earns Big East soccer honors

By MITCH MAERSCH

Ozaukee Press staff

The best Cedar Grove-Belgium High School boys’ soccer season in not-so-recent memory culminated in four players being recognized by Big East Conference coaches.

Sophomore forward Caleb Heinen and senior midfielder Logan Navis were named to the second team.

Heinen, who earned honorable mention last year, was the team’s leading scorer with 23 goals and 13 assists.

“Caleb has exceptional speed, a knack for getting through the defense and getting that goal,” coach Kyle Schultz said.

Heinen was also a team captain. Schultz has his players deliver speeches about serving as captains before the team votes.

“He had most of the votes from most of the kids,” Schultz said. “Obviously, players see him as a leader.”

Navis netted 15 goals and led the team with 17 assists. He scored the game-winner against Random Lake in the final seconds.

“He was one of those rely-on players,” Schultz said.

“If you felt you needed a goal, there were a couple of instances this year — he would hit one from 30 yards out — I had complete confidence in him.”

Navis was also a captain and led by example.

“He was one of those do-as-you-see-me-do players,” Schultz said. “He was quiet but had strong leadership qualities.”

Navis and Heinen, he said, linked up often for scores, forming a fierce combo. Navis would play deep in the midfield while Heinen would be out in front.

Senior defender Parker Knight and freshman keeper Landon Altheimer earned honorable mention.

Knight specialized in throw-ins that the Rockets and their opponents treated as corner kicks. The all-conference baseball pitcher picked up three assists on throw-ins in a 3-2 win over Stockbridge on Oct. 13.

“That will be greatly missed,” Schultz said.

Knight had four goals and 13 assists on the season.

He was also a captain and the team’s vocal leader.

“He was the heartbeat of our team. He didn’t stop going, and he was going to get everyone to go with him,” Schultz said.

Altheimer could have received a bigger honor but Schultz said he understands it’s hard to get votes as a freshman.

“He was the lifeline of our team,” Schultz said. “He made some exceptional plays.”

Altheimer had 151 saves — more than Schultz would like since that means teams are getting that many opportunities — and four clean sheets.

The Rockets finished 9-10-1. The nine victories are more than their last three seasons combined and the most in any season since at least 2010.

The Rockets went 1-4-1 and tied for fifth place of seven teams in the Big East.

One loss felt more like a win. The Rockets’ 1-0 defeat at regular powerhouse Oostburg on a penalty kick had Schultz and his team pumped about their performance. Top-notch teams had blown the Rockets out in the past.

“I’m super happy with this year,” Schultz said.

While the Rockets lose six seniors — Navis, Knight, Jesse Burg, David Martinez, Brendan Lambrecht and Braeden Pfaff — Schultz said he is confident in those returning to the squad.

“I think some players on the team will step up,” he said.

Schultz said he hopes the success can attract more children to play soccer, which can continue to turn the Rockets’ program around.

Shebygan Christian/Lutheran won the conference with a 6-0 record and advanced to the Division 4 state final, where it lost to Cristo Rey Jesuit, 2-0.