Soccer coach knows CG-Belgium well

A Cedar Grove-Belgium High School alumnus is coming back to lead the boys’ soccer program.

This is the first head coaching job for Kyle Schultz, a 2010 graduate of the school.

Schultz, who has helped coach the girls’ 10 and younger club team, said he looks forward to working at his alma mater.

“It is really special,” he said.

“I think this is a really good step on the right path.”

Schultz played soccer his junior and senior years in high school under Papa Pozo. Schultz was a forward — “one of the greatest positions up there,” he said of the offensive spots.

Schultz is friends with former boys’ coaches Elias Garza and his son Zac.

As soon as Schultz got the job, he began “barraging Zac” for information.

“He and I have a lot of the same ideals, the same mind when it comes to soccer,” Schultz said.

He hasn’t developed a coaching strategy yet.

“My whole philosophy would just be that I value the sports that I grew to love and I want to bring enjoyment to all the players that are there,” he said.

Schultz said he is an “easygoing” coach.

“I’m not going to gripe on the guys. I show them my love for the sport and hope I can turn them into good athletes and even better people,” he said.

The aura of soccer is Schultz’s favorite part.

“I love the feel of it. I think there’s something special to the atmosphere,” he said. “Just being able to play under the lights. It’s such a close-knit activity.”

The Rockets may be quite close knit. Eight players were signed up when Schultz took the job, and that has since doubled to 16.

“It has been eye opening to be able to look at players and decide where I see they fit best. Some who played midfield last year might be a defender this year,” he said.

The Rockets went 0-10 last season and were last in the Big East Conference at 0-7. They were 4-11 in 2019.

“I look forward to hopefully shocking the conference this year,” Schultz said.

Schultz manages a hydraulic store in Sheboygan and lives across the block from the Rockets’ field.

“It works out perfect for me,” he said of the coaching job.

The Rockets start the season at 6 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 2, at home against Big East foe Sheboygan Lutheran/Christian. They host rival Oostburg at 6 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 9.