Brett McKenzie is working with a veteran group in his latest season as Excelsior Springs varsity boys soccer coach.

Here’s a look at the Excelsior Springs boys – who are set to open with a tournament Aug. 31-Sept. 4 in Kansas City, hosted by Winnetonka – courtesy of a questionnaire, submitted by McKenzie … Head coach bio: McKenzie is in his 11th year overall as a head coach. He’s also in his fourth year as varsity girls head coach.

Assistant coaches: Caitlin Carder, Russell Wenz.

Number of returning letter winners: Fifteen.

Names, years in school and positions of returning starters: Land Collins, junior, midfielder; Gauge Facciuto, junior, midfielder; Evan Grove, junior, defender; Logan Harris, junior, midfielder; Brett Jones, senior, goalkeeper; Drake Simonitis, senior, defender; Ethan Tade, junior, forward; Tyler Wartner, junior, forward.

What athletes will help lead the program? What qualities do they possess that will make them effective leaders? “Brett Jones is a great leader and role …