Coach Mike Smith enters his seventh season with the University Heights Blazers, after overseeing an 8-9-2 record in 2016. The Blazers went 4-5 in the region and 1-3 in district play, while scoring 47 goals and allowing 55. The Blazers’ season ended in the first round of the 8th District tournament with a loss to Hopkinsville, after having their All “A” campaign end with a 4-1 loss to Lyon County earlier in the season. The Blazers haven’t been to the regional tournament since three straight trips from 2011 to 2013, beginning with their 2nd Region Championship and State Tournament quarterfinal run in 2011, Coach Smith’s first season with the Blazers.
Co-leading scorer and All 8th District Team selection Jackson McKinney graduated, along with fellow All 8th District selection, goalkeeper Jeremy Tillman and forward Lucas Womack. Senior Taylor Daniel returns after matching McKinney’s 11 goals last season. Junior Ian Calvert, last season’s team leader with 11 assists, will be back along with 4th leading scorer, sophomore Tanner Thomas.
The Blazers ring in their 2017 season with a trip to the Stadium of Champions to play 8th District rival Christian County. UHA lost the season opener to the Colonels last year, 3-2 at Givens Field. The match will provide an early glimpse into how the 8th District could play out in the race to unseat Hopkinsville. The Blazers begin their 2nd Region All “A” quest August 19th at Caldwell County.
