Plenty of optimism surrounding Broncbuster men's soccer
By Mike Pilosof
Garden City, KS-Memorial Day 2018 will be a day that Scott Westbrook won't soon forget.
While others were enjoying the unofficial arrival of summer, the second-year soccer coach at Garden City Community College was out on a recruiting trip. That's when disaster struck.
Westbrook suffered the first of two heart attacks, something that completely flipped his world upside down.
"It was one of the scariest moments of my life," Westbrook said. "I had the first one, and then, like a week later, another one hit."
Westbrook's near brush with death has definitely changed his perspective. He's altered both his diet and lifestyle. And he's even gone in a different direction when it comes to his coaching style.
"I'm more relaxed than I've been in the past," Westbrook admitted. "And I think my players can tell."
While Westbrook is on the mend, he's brought a homegrown product to help with the day-to-day operation. Garden City-native Joel Sanchez takes over as lead assistant for both men's and women's programs.
"He knows Garden City; he's a local guy," Westbrook said. "I am very happy that Coach Sanchez joined my staff. He is very respected within the community as is his family."
Sanchez played at Garden City High School before signing with Neosho Community College. After some time away, he transferred to Garden City where he became an all-conference forward.
"It's an honor to be able to mentor Coach Sanchez as he begins his collegiate career," Westbrook added.
Expectations are high for the men's team this year following a rebuilding campaign in 2017. The team finished 7-10 but closed the season by winning four out of their final five matches and qualified for the playoffs. Two of those victories were shutouts.
"We have a goal not just to get to nationals, but we want to win it," Westbrook said. "We've put together a pretty talented team."
Forward Remi Emeraiu returns to solidify the Broncbusters' roster. He epitomizes what Westbrook's vision is for 2018.
"He's a legit striker; he can score goals and is very dangerous," Westbrook said. "If there is anything in or around the box, he will get to it."
Garden City also brings back midfielder Lyle Lakey, who put together a fantastic freshman season.
"He's another talented guy," Westbrook said. "When he gets the ball, he doesn't lose it. He's very good with possession."
The second-year head man also did his due diligence in the local scene. Former Buffalo Jose Depaz is back-bringing with him another former Garden City standout Alex Vasquez. Those are two of six Buffaloes on the roster: Rene Lares, Emanuelle Crillo, Jesus Macias and Kevin Benitez.
"All of those guys are potential starters," Westbrook said. "I think we checked all of the boxes of everything that we needed. We got experienced players. We got older players, and we got some bigger players. We are fast. I think we have a really good blend."
The roster has a big international flavor that touches all parts of the globe. Gabriel Melo and Matheus Zonfrilli join the squad from Brazil; Matt Thomlinson and Ollie West come from England and Thairy Hamadou from France.
"For us, it all depends on how fast we come together," Westbrook said. "We have to build chemistry and avoid injury."
The Broncbusters open at home with McPherson's JV team on Wednesday, Aug. 22 before four straight road matches at Gillete, Laramie County, Otero and Barton. Garden City has eight home matches including a showdown with rival Dodge City on the final day of the regular season on Oct. 21.