By Michael Carman
Peninsula Daily News
PORT ANGELES — Opposition players and coaches would feel far less intimidated if they could have seen Port Angeles goalkeeper Anton Kathol playfully chasing his girlfriend’s younger brothers around the field after a recent game.
The little ones were loving it, laughing with delight as they avoided Kathol’s mock-charges.
Opponents, however, haven’t had quite as warm of a reception when facing the soundly built 6-2, 200-pound junior. Kathol has produced five straight shutouts in goal, four of them Olympic League games, in seven total contests for the Roughriders.
And Port Angeles has allowed just one goal in its past six games.
“Their goalkeeper is like a man amongst boys out there,” Port Townsend coach Robert Cantley said of Kathol after Port Angeles’ 4-0 win earlier this season.
“I was impressed with his physical play. Anytime we got into the penalty area, it was his house and nobody was coming in.”
Kathol’s size, sense of timing and athletic ability has been a huge boost to second-place Port Angeles halfway through its Olympic League season. The Riders will face league-leading Sequim on the road Tuesday, April 9 with a chance to avenge a 5-4 season opening defeat to the Wolves.
“It’s a big step up knowing that sense of security that we have that big body back there that knows what he is doing,” team captain Andrew St. George said. “He handles the ball pretty well and he has those big boots.”
When he says boots, St. George isn’t talking about Kathol’s soccer cleats. Kathol, a former All-Olympic League punter for the Rider football team, can change field position in a heartbeat for Port Angeles with his ability to kick the ball three-quarters of the way down the field.
“Those are so helpful,” St. George said. “You know that every time it’s going far past midfield, so it can quickly restart us up the field.”
Riders coach Chris Saari is happy to have him on the team.
“He has been improving with every game after not having played soccer for a couple years,” Saari said. “His long punts and distribution provide a spark for quick counterattacks.”
Kathol returned to the team this season after trying out and making the varsity as a freshman.
“Stuart Methner and Gabe Long have been talking to me about getting back into soccer ever since I quit my freshman year,” Kathol said.
“They were in my ear during basketball season, too.”
With Methner and Long’s encouragement and an added economic motivation, Kathol’s producing for Port Angeles.
“College is pretty expensive,” Kathol said. “I need a scholarship and I think this is the sport I can do the best in, so it was a pretty easy decision.”
The hardest part for Kathol after a few seasons away from the game is remembering what goalies are and are not allowed to do in net.
“Remembering the rules,” Kathol said. “I’m a little rusty on that. Just knowing when I can pick it up and when I can’t.”
St. George said Kathol’s size and strength is even in the minds of his teammates.
“He intimidates us, too,” St. George said. “He’s a beast out there. We back off in practice. He’s a scary kid.”
But Kathol said he doesn’t talk to opponents. He’s willing to let his play stand for itself.
“I’m focused on my guys, I’m not too into intimidation,” Kathol said. “If they are intimidated they are intimidated, I’m just trying to play soccer.”
And he’s enjoying his return to the field.
“I am. Mostly because of the friends I have on the team. Stuart and Gabe are the main guys because we played basketball and spent a lot of time together, but I’ve played with all the guys before.”
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Sports reporter Michael Carman can be contacted at 360-417-3525 or mcarman@peninsuladailynews.com.
