Summers ready to direct WCDS boys', girls' soccer programs

By Rudy Coggins
Published in Sports on August 4, 2011 1:47 PM

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Part of a championship-caliber soccer program at Charles B. Aycock, Scott Summers hopes to continue that success at his next stop -- Wayne Country Day.

Only this time, Summers is the head coach.

An avid player with a passion for the game, Summers will direct both the boys' and girls' squads at the Coastal Plains Independent 1-A school. He replaces boys' coach Michael Taylor, who can focus on athletics director and baseball duties; and girls' coach William Hogan, who did not return to teach this fall.

"I know we have the right coach to lead our boys' and girls' soccer programs in the future," said Taylor. "Coach Summers talks about building championships and I know that can be done here with his knowledge of the game, and his passion."

Summers served as an assistant coach for the Golden Falcons, who have won four Eastern Carolina 3-A Conference titles and an unprecedented six straight ECC tournament crowns on the boys' side. The Aycock girls claimed their second ECC championship in program history this past spring.

WCDS has enjoyed similar success.

The Charger boys advanced to the N.C. Independent Schools Athletic Association 1-A final four two years ago. The girls have appeared in three of the last four final fours, and have won two CPIC titles during that stretch.

"I just can't believe the opportunity came to me, and I couldn't really pass it up," said Summers. "(I) am ready to take the next step. This is really a great program to take over and keep it going. I couldn't have picked a better program with a good group of people who are supportive."

WCDS is undergoing a $1.1-million renovation on campus and hopes to complete two more phases within the next five years. The Chargers will play on a new soccer field this fall, and an additional classroom building along with a new gymnasium are also in the works.

Those future plans lured Summers.

"I'm walking in at a great time," he said.

Nine players return off last year's boys' team that posted a 10-10-1 worksheet. Included are three seniors -- Trent Proimos, Douglas Williams and Hil Tanner. Keeper Zach Brewer-Kirby is back for his junior campaign.

Summers started practice Monday and has seen positive results. He admits having seventh- and eighth-graders mixed in with the high-school kids is a challenge, but has enjoyed sharing his knowledge.

The main goals, says Summer, are to build team unity, develop team chemistry and have discipline on and off the pitch.

"We win as a team and we lose as a team ... go up the ladder as a team and fall as a team," said Summers. "We're going to have fun and learn together. I'm excited about the opportunity to give back to these kids since soccer is the sport I love, and seeing their progress."

WCDS starts the season with an 11-game road swing that begins Aug. 16 at Cape Fear Christian. The Chargers launch their 2011 home campaign Sept. 20 against CPIC nemesis Greenfield.