WESTPORT–The Staples boys soccer program has many traditions. One is success: in 63 seasons dating back to 1959, they have qualified for the state tournament 62 times.

Another is coaching continuity. Through 2019, they had only three permanent head coaches. Albie Loeffler founded the program in 1958. His assistant Jeff Lea took over in 1978. Lea’s assistant, Dan Woog (also a former player) was named head coach in 2003.

The tradition continues. Russell Oost-Lievense, the 2007 captain and later the varsity assistant, was handed the reins when Woog stepped down last winter.

Oost-Lievense, a special education teacher and former Hartwick College player, has a very young squad. Twelve sophomores join nine seniors and seven juniors. The Wreckers graduated 18 seniors last spring, from a team that reached the semifinals of the state LL tournament.

Co-captains Ben Douglas and Alex Laskin have done a great job organizing the squad, the first-year coach says. Key players include midfielders Dylan Hoke and Avery Mueller, both juniors, and Cole Lieberman, a senior and former academy player now playing for his high school.

“The guys are adjust well,” Oost-Lievense says. “We’re a young crew, but in the past few days we’ve really started feeling like a team. It’s a good mix, with very good leaders.”

Oost-Lievense stresses possession, and dominating on the ball. The key to success is “learning early, and getting ready for the post-season tournaments.”

The first test comes Thursday, with a 4 p.m. match at Ridgefield’s Tiger Hollow. The home opener is this Saturday, 10 a.m. against New Canaan.