If the Durango High School boys soccer team needed any further indication that it has arrived on a state level in Class 4A, it came Thursday.
DHS senior Mason Stetler was named to the Colorado High School Activities Association Class 4A All-State Boys Soccer First Team. Stetler’s selection was backed up by an honorable mention selection for fellow senior Vance Bulen.
“I’m excited and happy for them,” DHS head coach Dalon Parker said. “Honestly, in my recollection, it’s the first time we’ve had all-state nominees since I’ve been here. At the end of the day, this is a big step for us as a program.”
Durango went 12-4-1 overall and 6-1-1 in the Class 4A/5A Southwestern League to repeat as league champions. The Demons fell in the second round of the state tournament.
Stetler, son of Anne and Mark Stetler, didn’t have eye-popping statistics in 2015, but he made the plays in the midfield that helped create so many of the Demons’ chances. His tenacity and aggressive nature is what turned coaches heads.
“His speed and play, his physical attributes, he was always putting other teams under pressure situations,” Parker said. “He was a load to handle.”
Stetler finished the season with seven goals and two assists for 16 points. He tied for fourth on the team in points.
“He had what I call hidden stats,” Parker said. “There is no way to record them, but he did all of the unknown stuff like counter-pressing and getting back on defense. Passing the ball to set up the next big pass.”
Bulen had a huge season defensively for the Demons. The son of David and Janine Bulen transitioned from being a forward and attacking in 2014 to the back line in 2015 and routinely won balls in the air and helped control the pace of play in favor of the Demons. Bulen finished with one goal and one assist, too.
“The award shows his tremendous flexibility,” Parker said. “He’s an all-around player. He was an assist leader for us in 2014 and then went to defender. He’s been so consistent for us every game he’s ever played. People noticed he was tough and a staple of our defense.”
Parker was hoping to see sophomores Elijah Fenton and Saylor Longfellow recognized. Fenton led the team in goals for a second consecutive season with 12, and Longfellow chipped in another 10.
Fenton was named the Southwestern League Player of the Year.
“The list is really nothing but seniors and juniors,” Parker said. “It would be nice if coaches looked more at some of the younger guys. Eli has done so many good things for himself individually and for our program the last two years, and I’m hoping the next two years he will get recognized for that along with a long list of our guys.”
Bulen, Fenton and Stetler were All-SWL First Team selections. Mason Stetler’s younger brother Luke was named to the conference’s second team, as was senior defender Austin Urban. Parker was named the league’s co-coach of the year along with Steve Latte of Grand Junction.
Parker is happy to have another Stetler return to the team next year and believes Luke can replicate the All-State effort of Mason.
“Those kids, their ability and work ethic in our program the last four years has been incredible,” Parker said of the Stetlers. “I’ve seen their bodies, skills and athleticism change. It’s fun to have two kids like that in your program, boys who work their butts off.”
jlivingston@durangoherald.com
