Bishop Miege boys soccer enters the 2026 season looking to replace a large senior class while relying on returning experience to remain among Kansas’ top programs.
The Stags finished 16-4-1 last season and placed third at state, but 10 players from that team are gone. Coach Nate Huppe believes the players returning this season can help Bishop Miege build another successful team.
“We lost 10 guys from last year’s State 3rd Place team, but we do return some valuable experience,” Huppe said. “We’ll be an older team this year and a taller team compared to recent years.”
Huppe also made a significant change to the team’s summer schedule in an effort to keep his players healthier throughout the season.
After team camp in early June, the players received 5 1/2 weeks off before returning July 20 for player-led fitness and games. Huppe said the extended break is designed to benefit the players physically and mentally.
“We strongly believe it’s in the best interest of the program to be fitter and healthier throughout the season,” Huppe said. “We’ve had too many muscle injuries to start the season the last few years and the long break will help the players both physically and mentally.”
Leading the Stags will be senior captain candidate Owen Hughes, who enters the season as the team’s MVP nominee. Hughes was a captain as a junior and gives Bishop Miege valuable versatility because of his ability to play anywhere on the field.
“Owen is our best player and will be counted on to lead the team this year,” Huppe said. “He was a captain last year as a junior and can play anywhere on the field and be great for us.”
Hughes is also drawing interest from Division I programs around the country, adding another layer to what could be a pivotal season for the senior.
Bishop Miege also returns one of the state’s top goalkeepers in senior Andrew Eldridge. Eldridge was named the Eastern Kansas League Goalkeeper of the Year as a junior and will be counted on to anchor the Stags defensively.
“Our other MVP would be senior Andrew Eldridge,” Huppe said. “Andrew was the Eastern Kansas League Goalkeeper of the Year last year as a junior and is expected to have another incredible year in goal for us.”
Junior Andrew House is another returning player expected to make an impact. Huppe describes House as one of the quickest and most skilled players on the field and believes he is poised for a breakout season.
“Andrew is a junior and is one of the quickest players on the field and one of the most skilled,” Huppe said. “He will have a big year for us this year.”
With a mix of experienced returners, increased size and a renewed emphasis on player health, Bishop Miege will look to make another deep postseason run after finishing third at state a year ago.
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