BOYS SOCCER PREVIEW Where there's a Willis, there's a way for defending champion

Cardinal Mooney returns its All-American scorer in junior Kiki Willis.
By BILL SULLIVAN
VINDICATOR SPORTS STAFF
YOUNGSTOWN -- In the popular television game show Jeopardy, the answer would be: Ted Bell, Maurice Clarett and Kiki Willis.
The question: List three Youngstown-area athletes named to a high school All-American team.
Bell, from Cardinal Mooney High, made the Parade All-American football team in the 1970s. Clarett (Warren Harding) was named the USA Today's 2001 offensive player of the year.
And Willis was honored as a member of the National Soccer Coaches Association of America/Adidas All-American team last fall after leading Mooney to the Division II state soccer championship.
He was the only sophomore picked on the NSCAA team and is a big reason why Mooney is the area soccer team to beat this year.
Reaction
"I'm honored to be named an All-American, especially by Adidas," Willis said. "One of my goals is to do it again."
Lenny Krispinsky will be back to coach Mooney.
"It's a pleasure to know that Kiki is going to get double- and triple-teamed," said Krispinsky, who has a 102-84-18 career record. "It's going to open opportunities for our other kids."
For example, Mooney won its two state tournament games by 2-1 scores and Willis didn't score any of the four goals.
"He assisted on three of the four goals," said Krispinsky, "quality assists."
Willis had 38 goals and 12 assists last year for the Cardinals (23-2).
"Kiki is a special player," said Krispinsky. "Special skills, special speed and special game sense.
"He makes my job a lot easier. He makes coaching an enjoyable profession."
Targeted
Krispinsky said he expects the Cardinals to play with a target on their backs this fall -- they are the only area team to ever win a state soccer crown.
"If your team doesn't win a game and you beat us, your season is a success," Krispinsky said.
Other coaches agree Willis is someone special.
"He's the best we've ever seen in this area," said Warren JFK coach Lou Cali. "Before he's done, he'll be in the top 10 of Ohio, if not the best one ever."
Willis said he's willing to assume the mantle placed on him.
"While I'm not one of the team captains, I hope to give some leadership to our team," Willis said of his goal this season.
"I have no pressure on me. I have the same mentality -- to go out and get a record as good as last year for my school."
Graduation takes toll
Mooney lost nine seniors, including seven who started in the state final against Columbus DeSales.
Junior goalie Jeff Seddon will try to replace graduated Tim Reigrut (13 shutouts in 2002), while freshman defender Dom DiPasquale should be a starter.
Krispinsky will also count on senior forward D.J. Myers and senior midfielder Christo Frangopoulus for leadership.
Both are three-time lettermen.
Zack Hernan and Kevin Miller, a pair of talented sophomores, will lead the defense.
Mooney scored 104 goals last fall and allowed 18 -- numbers hard to duplicate.
Bell, Clarett and Willis. Pretty elite company.
sullivan@vindy.com