ADM boys soccer has its first practice of the season today, though head coach Bill Shields expects a small showing because it’s spring break.

Shields also expects the Tigers to have another strong season in what’s been a run of considerable success over the past five years. ADM is looking to make it to the state tournament this year after having lost to eventual state champion Norwalk in a Class 2A substate game last spring.

The Tigers sustained a major loss with the graduation of Jacob Hutzell, who lead the team with 17 goals and was named First Team All-State. But they also have a good amount of returning talent, lead by senior Derek Gushiken.

Gushiken, a four-year varsity starter, was named Second Team All-State as ADM’s center-mid last year. He has been named to either the first or second All-Raccoon River Conference teams in each of his first three varsity seasons, and is the main reason Shields is confident he’ll have another strong squad this season.

“He reads the game really well. He’s got terrific touch. He’s a superb leader,” said Shields of Gushiken. “He’s been probably the best player on the squad the last three years, and that includes Jake [Hutzell]. As much as Jake contributed from a scoring standpoint, we wouldn’t have been as successful as we have been the last three years.”