One common thread that weaves its way through high school sports is turnover.

Some years it is more than others, such as prior to last season when the Powell boys soccer team lost 11 seniors to graduation, leading to a tough season for the Panthers and sixth-year head coach Travis Rapp.

“Last year was a rebuilding year and we knew it going in,” Rapp said during a frigid, windy practice Tuesday. “We had new guys in, some guys getting their first major minutes playing varsity, and we just weren’t able to peak when we needed to.”

Among those coming back with varsity experience are four-year players Trey Ouellette, who will be captain, and Sean Wagner who will be starting his third season as goal keeper, along with Kristian Stenlund, Jeron Smith and Alex Aguirre, who are entering their second varsity season after getting their feet wet with major minutes last year.

“Our roster has 10 seniors, with some new guys coming out, and we only lost four starters from last year,” Rapp said. “Which is a pretty decent turnover for soccer, but it’s better than 11.”

Rapp mentioned other players he expects to get strong contributions from, including senior T.J. Abraham and junior Owen Dent.

“T.J. is just a heck of an athlete who came out last year and has been in the system for a year,” Rapp said. “Owen missed his freshman year when he broke his foot in the first 10 minutes of fall season. He finished the half but then came and said his ankle was hurting. He’s a tough kid and scored some game-winners for us last year, but he’s also versatile. He’s one of those guys that I can put at any position.”

Versatility will certainly be needed, especially defensively where, despite Wagner’s experience, the team lost two of three starters, but it is an influx of new blood that has Rapp excited for this season, as well as the next few to come.

“We have an interesting mix of experience and newcomers, with eight freshmen coming in,” he said. “And from what I’ve seen, this could be one of our strongest freshman classes, and I give credit to Heart Mountain United for that.

“They started a club team a few years ago and we’ve started to see a kick-up from that,” Rapp continued. “I believe all of the freshmen coming in played with them, which gives them that much more experience to mix in, and that makes it exciting.”

The excitement won’t have to wait much longer as the Panthers future gets going today (Thursday) as they take to the pitch at 5 p.m. against visiting Jackson before playing host to Star Valley at noon Friday.