Josh Yurick, a former Crossroads soccer coach and current art teacher at Big Rapids Middle School, has stepped into the role of head coach for the Big Rapids boys soccer Cardinals, taking over the program just two weeks ago.
A Schedule Packed With Purpose
The Cardinals roster now counts 22 players, a mix that includes several foreign exchange students, and Yurick notes that the squad’s physical conditioning is already at a solid level.
While the team enjoys a blend of experience and youthful energy, the coach acknowledges the difficulty of fielding a competitive junior varsity side, a challenge shared by many programs across the region.
Yurick’s game plan leans on the senior players, who bring club‑level technical polish, while the incoming freshmen are expected to adapt quickly to the Cardinals’ style of play.
The schedule ahead features matches against Alma on August 22, Manistee on August 28, and road trips to Reed City and Tri County on August 26 and 31, giving the team a tight stretch of league play that Yurick hopes will sharpen the squad for upcoming district contests.
Beyond the pitch, Yurick’s dual role as an art instructor has fostered a strong rapport with the younger players, allowing him to blend creative thinking with tactical instruction.