The Columbus Wildcats boys’ soccer program has been recognized in the top 10 of their class by the Iowa High School Soccer Coaches Association in their preseason poll. The IHSCA has the Wildcats ranked eighth in their first Class 1A poll of the season.

Columbus ended the 2014 season with an 11-4-1 record, reaching the Class 1A state tournament for the first time in program history. The Wildcats will have to fill the void left by a trio of graduates. Alex Cruz (29), Bryan Santiago (9) and Diego Escobar (2) combined to score 40 of Columbus’s 53 goals last season.

Columbus boys’ soccer coach Luis Cacho believes a group of underclassman can help close the gap. Sophomore Ruben Paz returns as the team’s leading scorer. Paz scored five goals last season. Sophomore Eric Canterero added two goals and six assists last year as a freshman. Senior Angel Rodriguez and sophomore Alejando Hernandez also scored two goals each last year for the Wildcats.

The Columbus boys’ soccer team’s first game of the season is scheduled for tomorrow evening against the Wapello Indians at Wapello High School.