Former Kohawks still kicking with C.R. Rampage

CEDAR RAPIDS – For players vying to become members of the first professional soccer team in the history of Cedar Rapids, two in particular share a close connection to the city.

Jacob Johnson and Chris Fitch – two of the most prolific goal scorers in the history of Coe College men's soccer – are reuniting as professionals with the Cedar Rapids Rampage. Players report to training camp this Friday.

'When I heard that the Cedar Rapids community was bringing in an indoor professional team … I was extremely excited,” Johnson said. 'More so excited because I have been waiting for the sport of soccer to grow in Cedar Rapids.”

Johnson prepped at Cedar Rapids Washington, where he was a Class 3A first-team all-stater in 2009. As a junior, he helped the Warriors advance to the 3A state semifinals. Like so many area soccer players, Johnson developed a love for the indoor game after competing in youth soccer at the old Sport Zone in Hiawatha.

'I actually enjoy indoor better than outdoor,” Johnson said.

Johnson earned degrees in neuroscience and biology from Coe and is currently teaching Earth sciences and ecologic problems at Washington. He also serves as an assistant coach with both the Coe and Washington boys' soccer teams.

Johnson and Fitch played three seasons together at Coe (2010-12), and only two players have scored more career goals for the Kohawks. The Illinois-native Fitch completed his collegiate career the year after Johnson.

'I miss the camaraderie, to be honest. I'm looking forward to that coming up again,” Fitch said. 'Especially knowing Jake and playing with him again will be a lot of fun. I felt like we always had confidence in each other, knew exactly where we were on the field.”

Johnson and Fitch are similar players, both left-footed, both over six-feet tall and around 165 pounds. They are two of 16 players signed by the club, which equals the roster limit. Nine more players can be invited to camp.

'It's a faster-paced game,” Fitch said. 'I believe that I'm always thinking two or three steps ahead. I think I'll be able to keep the pace with everything and my speed and quickness will transition over quite well.”

Seven of the 16 signed players – including Johnson and Fitch – participated in the first round of open tryouts Aug. 15-16. A second round of tryouts were held last weekend at the U.S. Cellular Center.

'Just a hungriness and a quickness in a lot of them.” Rampage Coach Jeff Kraft said of what he liked about the signees from the tryout. 'They were knowledgeable, they looked like they could learn. These guys were all, out of that group, they stood out the most.”

Cedar Rapids will play three games in October, including Oct. 30 at the U.S. Cellular Center, before the regular season begins Nov. 6 at Missouri.

l Comments: douglas.miles@thegazette.com