Wasilla senior headed to SWOCC

WASILLA — Tillerman Kroon starts his school year by catching passes and kicking field goals for the Wasilla High School football squad. Later in the year, he moves inside and hits the hardwood as part of the Warriors boys’ basketball squad. And then it’s back outside and on the field for the varsity soccer season.

But next year, the Wasilla multisport standout’s focus will be on soccer.

Earlier this year, Kroon signed a National Letter of Intent to play soccer at Southwestern Oregon Community College.

“He definitely loves soccer. I think it’s his first love,” Wasilla head coach Blake Livingston said of Kroon. “Now he’s ready to specialize in one sport. It’ll be amazing to see how much he’ll grow as a player.”

Excited for the opportunity to compete at the next level, Kroon said he didn’t even know he had the potential to play at SWOCC until Livingston sold the SWOCC coaching staff on Kroon’s talents.

“He’s very high on Tills and believes he can make an immediate impact for their team,” Livingston said of SWOCC head coach Ray Fabien.

Kroon will join a handful of Wasilla graduates to play soccer at SWOCC. Former Warriors Angelo Ebenol, Robbie Champion, Jeff Champion and Zack Bennett have all donned the SWOCC Laker jersey.

“It’s nice that our soccer players have been successful there,” Livingston said. “They really like our kid’s toughness, athleticsm and ability to keep growing as a player.”

Livingston said Kroon should see significant time as a freshman, but is not sure about what position Kroon will play.

“I told them I’ll play anything,” Kroon said.

Livingston said Kroon’s versatility is a strength.

“He’s going into his fourth year at Wasilla and he’s pretty much played every position but keeper,” Livingston said. “And he’s done well at them all.”

Livingston said he also sees Kroon as a natural leader, a field general on the pitch.

SWOCC competes in the South Division of the Northwest Athletic Association of Community Colleges.

Livingston noted a pair of Wasilla graduates who had successful college seasons this year.

Jordan Ingalls, who set the program record for goals in a season as a senior, completed his sophomore season at Shoreline Community College, where he was an NWAACC All-Star.

Ingalls collected five goals and three assists as a sophomore.

Former WHS standout Jimmy Sliwa finished his freshman season at the University of Great Falls.

“He played every minute of every game,” Livingston said.

Contact Frontiersman sports editor Jeremiah Bartz at sports@frontiersman.com.