After a challenging 2025 season, the Great Bend Panthers boys soccer team enters the new season with a renewed sense of optimism.
Great Bend finished 2-13-1 last season, but coach Chuy Loera believes the Panthers have made significant strides since then and are better prepared to compete.
“We’re very optimistic about the direction of our program heading into this season,” Loera said. “Last year was challenging from a results standpoint, but our players have put in a tremendous amount of work, and we feel much better prepared to compete this year.”
That work has produced improvement in several areas, particularly the Panthers’ technical ability and tactical understanding of the game.
Loera said the progress has not been limited to what Great Bend can do with the ball. The Panthers have also developed a better understanding of how to play the game as a team.
“We’ve seen significant improvement in our technical ability and, just as importantly, in our tactical understanding of the game,” Loera said.
That growth has helped establish a different outlook heading into the season. Rather than focusing solely on the results from a year ago, the Panthers are concentrating on becoming more competitive each time they take the field.
“Our goal is to be competitive every time we step on the field, and we believe this group has the ability, work ethic, and commitment to make that happen,” Loera said.
Senior Omar Razo is one of the players expected to help provide leadership for the Panthers. A center back wearing No. 14, Razo has earned the team’s MVP nomination for his contributions both on and off the field.
Razo has been a steady presence for Great Bend, providing an example for younger players while helping them continue to develop.
“He is an extremely disciplined player who consistently sets a positive example for his teammates,” Loera said. “He is also always willing to help our younger players, offering feedback, encouragement, and support to help them continue developing.”
Sophomore Giovanni Cruz is another player to watch for the Panthers. Cruz is expected to contribute significant varsity minutes and brings a combination of skill, dedication and a willingness to improve.
“His combination of natural ability, dedication, and commitment to the game gives him the potential to make a meaningful impact for our team this season,” Loera said.
Senior forward Dustin Fugitt, No. 11, has also earned recognition for his contributions to the Panthers. Fugitt has been selected as Great Bend’s Character Counts Athlete for his willingness to put the team’s needs ahead of his own.
“Dustin is the ultimate team player and is always willing to do whatever the team needs from him,” Loera said. “He consistently puts the needs and success of the team ahead of his own, demonstrating a truly selfless approach to the game.”
Fugitt’s positive attitude and work ethic have made him an example for his teammates, Loera said.
As the Panthers begin the season, Great Bend will look to translate the improvements made during the offseason into stronger performances on the field.
“We’re excited to see how much that growth translates once the season begins,” Loera said.
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