Their 2009 campaign was tough, but with the experience that the Mount Si boys soccer team brings this season, many are expecting big things. The rebooted Wildcats might make their first state appearance in school history.

Coach Darren Brown is back for his sixth season at the helm, after a 7-6-2 season last year. He returns a senior-laden group anchored by a junior goalie who has already verbally committed to a Division I college and could be the best player this program has ever produced.

“We’re experienced this year,” Brown said. “The last two years, we’ve been in rebuild mode. This year, everyone’s back and all the players have gained a lot of experience, and more importantly, a lot of strength.”

Leading that senior cast is forward Doug Silvius, looking to break out in his final high school season. Also back are Sam Evans, Ben Larson, Willie Jenson and Sam Joselyn, among others.

“Fans can expect a good team this year. We’re going to go really far and we’re going to do very well,” Evans said

But it is those juniors, Ryan Herman and Eric Baumgardner, who are making the most waves, especially Herman.

The goalkeeper, who has played at the highest levels of local club soccer, made his college choice last fall. He chose Santa Clara , a school in California which is a member of the West Coast Conference.

“I committed back in October. Their coaches are both national team coaches, and I just really fell in love with the program,” Herman said.

Brown thinks that if his goalkeeper continues to develop, Herman could be in line for a big professional payday.But Herman has his priorities in order.

“I’ve been told by my coaches that if I keep up my training, I’ll probably go pro. But I’m trying to get an education first. Part of the reason why I chose Santa Clara is because of their academic program,” Herman said.

He told the Valley Record that he is looking into majoring in business at that school, so were he not to play professionally, there could be a chance for him to remain involved in the sport in some other capacity.

There’s talk the Wildcats could be ranked to open the season, and for Brown, it’s a double-edged sword.

“The good that comes along with that is that it kind of solidifies the coaches’ high expectations of what we’re going to do,” Brown said. “The bad of that is you’re going to have a target on your back.”

Mercer Island is among Kingco teams that could give Mount Si the most trouble, but Sammamish is also seen as a possible contending team in 2010.

Mount Si has not made state in boys soccer in school history. Evans says the senior class is out to change that.

“The goal is to finally get one of those state banners up on the wall,” he said.

Herman knows what he wants.

“State title, nothing less. Got to get a ring,” he said.