The Oak Harbor High School boys soccer team will have a new look this year as long-time assistant Brian Thompson takes over the program.

Thompson replaces Steve Barker who coached the Wildcats for over 20 years.

Thompson will build his team around five returning lettermen, four who received league honors last spring.

Senior midfielder-forwards Greg Wolfe and Ryan Fakkema were each named to the all-Wesco second team in 2009.

Senior defender Marcos Anjos and junior midfielder-forward Michael Shevchuk received all-Wesco honorable mention.

Senior midfielder Jake Sandefur also returns, and Thompson named sophomore Vance Freitas, freshman Matt Jensen and freshman Caleb Gatica-Cortes as top newcomers.

Thompson said the Wildcats, coming off a 6-10 year, are “looking to have a good season with solid returning varsity players and a highly talented young core.”

He added, “We believe that the talent is high with this group and making the post season a reasonable goal.”

Thompson will be assisted this year by girls head coach Jeff Laiblin.

Oak Harbor goes to Arlington Tuesday, March 16, for its first match and then opens at home Thursday, March 18, with Stanwood at 7:30 p.m.