Five SportsTutor recently claimed gold in their respective divisions of the state-level Presidents Cup. The U-13, U-15, U-17, and U-19 boys teams claimed titles, while the U-17 girls team also brought home first place. Photos of each team are included below.
Ty Stauffer, who began and manages the SportsTutor, attributed most of the success to the coaches and parents. Coaches include Alex Tungate, U-13 boys; Ryan Haley, U-15 boys; Andy Hines, U-17 boys; Ryan Jones, U-19 boys; and Zach Akin and Paige Crisp, U-17 girls.
“Our coaches have done an incredible job of coaching and managing teams,” he said. “They’ve done a great job getting us in more competitive leagues. Our parents’ willingness to participate in those leagues has also made a huge impact.”
Stauffer said the organization had dedicated the last 2-3 years to building up teams and raising the level of competition.
“The core of all these teams has been together for a while,” he said. “Six to seven years ago, we started an academy to teach specific fundamentals we thought were missing from age 9-12.”
Stauffer and his immediate staff run the academy, leaning on several local high school coaches to manage the teams. The U-13 division is when the SportsTutor teams began playing true 11 vs. 11 soccer.
Add a solid base from the academy to a slew of successful coaches, and it was a recipe for success. Stauffer said the teams primarily comprise Owensboro and Daviess County talent, with some regional athletes sprinkled in.
“Our base has grown drastically over the last five to six years,” he said. “In the past, we’ve seen a team or two be really successful, but nothing like this. I think we’ll see an increase in our numbers next year.”
The five teams that claimed gold will travel to the Presidents Cup Midwest Regional in Cincinnati from June 16-20 to represent Kentucky.
To help pay for the trip, there will be a fundraiser on June 14 at Texas Roadhouse, where 10% of sales will assist with travel expenses.
To learn more about SportsTutor, visit their website here.
