BOYS SOCCER Duo lead Mooney to state berth

Cardinal Mooney goes up against Granville tonight in a Division II semifinal.
By BILL SULLIVAN
VINDICATOR SPORTS STAFF
YOUNGSTOWN -- One denies many goals from getting into the net and the other is a prolific scorer.
The first is a senior, the other an underclassman. They line up at opposite ends of the field, communicating only with a smile or handshake after another win.
They're Tim Reigrut and Kiki Willis, the alpha and omega of the Cardinal Mooney's boys soccer team.
Reigrut, the goalie, and Willis, a forward, will lead the Cardinals (19-2) to their first-ever state semifinal, a Division II game tonight against Granville (18-1-2) at River View High School in Warsaw (Coshocton County), beginning at 7 p.m.
The seeds of this season's record-shattering performance by the Cardinals were sewn last year when Reigrut and Willis were first inserted in the Mooney lineup.
Made regionals last year
The Cards, who had never won a district title in school history, advanced to the Div. III regional, losing to defending state champion Gates Mills Hawken 3-2 in overtime.
This year, operating with a veteran roster, Mooney played a challenging schedule, losing only to Richfield Revere 1-0, and Linsly (W. Va.) Academy 3-0.
While Reigrut would rather deflect praise to the Mooney defenders who play in front of him, he spoke briefly about his role on the team.
"It's a challenge, but I like it," said Reigrut who will likely enroll at John Carroll University next year.
"It's just unbelievable [that] I'm the starting varsity goalie for Cardinal Mooney in the state tournament."
Mooney has outscored its last 11 opponents 53-1, including a 19-0 spell in five postseason games. They've won 14 straight.
Shutout specialist
Playing as solid as an anvil, Reigrut has 13 shutouts this year and 23 in his career, both school records.
He was a substitute forward as a sophomore and was inserted in goal only after the Cards lost a scrimmage last fall. He's been there ever since.
Willis has put together outstanding offensive numbers on his end.
Willis, who has terrific speed, has 38 goals and nine assists in 21 games. As a freshman he scored 23 times, giving him 61 goals in his career.
"I'm really excited and looking forward to the state [tournament]," said Willis. "It's exciting and an honor to represent Cardinal Mooney in the state.
"Scoring is something that just comes; it's not such a big deal. I just want to be a team player and help our team."
Mooney will start six other seniors tonight for coach Lenny Krispinsky, who won his 100th game Saturday, 2-0 over Walsh Jesuit in the regional final.
Mike Hernan, Josh Werning and Ken Huber will play defense; Alex Simon and Mark Seddon will be at midfield, and Pat Walker will be a forward. Walker has 24 goals and nine assists.
Juniors D.J. Myers and Christo Frangopoulos will play midfield while freshman Kevin Miller will start at fullback. Junior Jon Freany will be the first substitute.