The Capital High soccer teams open their season today, traveling to Missoula to take on the Sentinel Spartans. Both CHS clubs qualified for the post season last year, with the Bruin boys claiming a state runner-up trophy, falling to Helena High after a double overtime shootout in the finals.

Glenn Wall is the boys' new head coach. He was an assistant for nine years -- first under Carl Straub, and then for his brother Patrick Straub.

"We have high expectations again this season," Wall said of the team's outlook.

Capital is returning eight lettermen, led by seniors Jackson Wilkins and Tommy Clinch. Wilkins, a forward/midfielder, scored 18 goals last year and was chosen a 2007 all-stater. Clinch made all-conference forward while leading the team in assists.

Rounding out the club's veterans are seniors Chris Much (defender), Matt Gilbert (forward) and D.J. Smetana (defender); junior Dallin Harris (midfield/defender); and sophomores Nelson Edquist (defender) and Derik Chaney (midfielder).

The rest of the Bruins' varsity is composed of Matt Gilbert, Jack Evans, Joseph Schadt, Luke Billings, Maciej Kawinski, Tevin Charlton, Devin Palmer, Mathew Deaton, Caleb Sparks, Andrew Stone, Nate Rasor, Christian Ward and Eric Reynolds.

"We look to be very strong on offense, I think we have some of the top strikers and mids in the state," said coach Wall, who back in the day for Capital achieved the unique distinction of all-state honors in both soccer and football in the same season. "We would like to improve on our defense, so we can finish in the top two in the conference, and then get to state and put ourselves in a good spot to win it all."

The Lady Bruins are coached by the venerable Rick Thompson, who directs one of the most successful programs in the state. Thompson had guided his charges to 14 consecutive playoff appearances and eight state championships in 15 years. He owns a career record of 164-35-20 for an .824 winning percentage, having experienced only one losing season.

Capital returns 12 letter-winners, paced by defensive stalwart Kyla Harris. Harris, a senior, was a 2007 all-state selection. The rest of those with varsity experience are seniors Jacie Vonada (forward), Kelsey Dullum (forward), Carlyn Anderson (midfield), Callie Winert (forward/midfielder), Jennifer Marshall (keeper), Molly Wilkins (midfield) and Audrey Schadt (midfield); juniors Kora Barnes (defense), Kelsey Grey (defense), Courtney Hauck (forward/midfeilder); and sophomore Mary Ternes (defense).

Completing the roster are Jenna Cunningham, Karissa Van Liew, Olivia Carkulis, Sophie Carkulis, Alexis Starceski and Katie Wilkins.

Thompson described his squad as a nice balance of upper and under classmen. "We have good senior leadership, combined with the youthful enthusiasm and energy we'll need to take us through the season. I'm very excited to get started," the CHS mentor said.

Reporter Curt Synness: 449-2150 or curt52s@bresnan.net