CAEL CHARTNEY-HILLDALE

Sophomore Cael Chartney figures to be a pivotal feature this year for the Hilldale Hornet soccer team as they reload after losing 14 seniors that helped them to a 16-2 record and a spot in the Class 4A state championship game last year.

“I could tell even coaching him in middle school that Cael could be a special player. He had a great freshman year helping run the midfield for us and was elected a co-captain this year which tells you how respected he is by his teammates,” said Hilldale coach Connor Schwab. “He’ll really run the midfield for us this year. I think he has a really high ceiling and the talent to follow in the footsteps of guys like Brody Haraway who meant so much to our program.”

Cael and his brother Bryce, who is a senior on the team, grew up in North Africa as kids of missionaries which is where he was first introduced to soccer.

“I learned a lot playing soccer overseas where soccer is more of a dominant sport. It was very competitive and the coaches there were very strict and disciplined.”

The family returned to the United States when Cael was 11 and eventually ended up in Muskogee when he was in middle school. Over the years Bryce and Cael ended up playing on the same teams despite their age difference.

“Growing up I would play up a lot to be on his team, and it was fun to play with him and compete at his level. It’s a little sad that this will probably be the last year we get to play together so I hope to make the most of it.”

Despite the affection he shows, Cael acknowledges there has been some competitiveness between the brothers.

“We’re very competitive in everything from soccer to board games-just about anything. As the little brother I was usually on the losing side of things but now that I’m older I’ve finally gotten him to admit that I’m better than him at soccer,” Cael laughed.

As the Hornets entered the playoffs last year, Cael remembers a special game.

“A big game for me was our quarterfinal game against Clinton which had beaten us for several years in the playoffs. I was fired up and played with a lot of physicality, and it was great to beat them. This year I’d like to score 13-14 goals and have 15 assists and become more of a leader. I’d like to see us develop a strong team chemistry and have another strong playoff run.”