McCallie’s soccer program is under new leadership for the 2015 season. Former Covenant College soccer standout Chris Cushenbery has taken over the head coaching duties from Tony Meyers, who is now coaching in the state of New York.
Cushenbery has been a faculty member, dorm parent and coach at McCallie since 2008. He also has coaching experience with GPS, the Tennessee Soccer Olympic Development Program and the Chattanooga Football Club.
“I am extremely grateful for this opportunity,” Cushenbery says. “Helping these young men grow as people and players is an honor and a joy, and I can't wait to get out on the field and watch us come together as a team. I am very excited.”
The Blue Tornado will try to improve on last season’s 9-5-3 record, but must do so with a young squad. The 2014 team shut out Ensworth in a first-round state tournament match, earned a region win over Brentwood Academy and forged ties with Pope John Paul II, Montgomery Bell Academy and Baylor.
Several seniors will be relied upon for experience and leadership including David Bowman, Wesley Brown, Michael Chirumbole, Matthew King, Marshall Martin, Tyler Mastey and Will Sikes. Bowman and Brown are recently-announced National Merit Finalists.
Versatile junior Haynes Chalkley will look to make an impact on the flanks and in the midfield in an upgraded role from last year. Strong sophomore and freshmen classes provide a positive glimpse into the future of the program. Will McGregor and Drew Viscomi both excelled as freshmen starters in 2014 with Viscomi tallying 13 goals. Sophomores Emerson Brock and Henry Rice are battling for the goalkeeper position.
Cushenbery says three freshmen will see action as starters – Jonah Bryan, Thomas Priest and Logan Russell.
The Blue Tornado opens its season today at McMinn County at 7 p.m. The home opener is Thursday at 5:30 against Fort Payne, Ala.