A new alternative was added to the 1970 Wheaton Central fall sports scene as soccer made its first impressive appearance. Organized and coached by Mr. James Pettigrew, with assistance from Mr. Leon Busboom, the young team compiled a 10-6-1 record.

Senior Gregg Nolting became the first Tiger keeper between the pipes. Co-captains Tom Kraakevik and Rich Edwards led a young team into competition. Other seniors on the first Tiger team were lefty Don Paterson at left fullback, Pat Ranahan at right midfield, and Homer Branch at inside left.

The Wheaton Central Soccer team was a member of the Chicago Metropolitan Soccer League. It is the oldest and largest athletic conference in the Chicagoland area, and at the time that Wheaton joined the League, it boasted over 80 teams as members.

The popularity of this new sport was evidenced by the enthusiastic turnout for the finals of the St. Mel tournament held under the lights at Grange Field on October 21st. Wheaton took second in that tournament, beating Illiana Christian 4-0.

Juniors on the team included Steve Lee, Paul Bolt, Keith Hedin, and with sophomores Doug Callahan and Mike Ranahan, the Tigers were prepared to set the standard by which future Tiger teams and other programs would try to emulate.