Libby High sophomores Isaiah Sickler and Johnny Davidson are two members of the school soccer team’s rising young core. Precocious leaders on and off the field, the duo share a lifelong, competitive relationship that landed both young men spots on the local club team, the Kootenai Rapids, and, most recently, the Montana Youth Soccer Olympic Development Program.

“We’ve been friends since before we were even in school,” Sickler, 16, said. “Johnny has always pushed me to be a better athlete, because we always try to outdo each other.”

The boys first competed on the mat during Little Guy Wrestling competitions, but transitioned to the pitch in the latter years of elementary school.

“Johnny joined the soccer squad one year, and Isaiah joined the next year,” Rapids Coach Mark Petersen said. “Isaiah is a motivator on the team, he has that persona.”

A five-year veteran at defensive center back with the Rapids, Sickler expects to continue playing defense with the Olympic Development team. After missing all of his freshman year with an ACL injury, Sickler started every game this season for the Loggers. Although new to the Olympic program, Sickler likes what he has seen so far.

“The techniques they teach are at a whole new level,” Sickler said. “I love the program already.”

Petersen expects big things out of his star players.

“The only sport they’re playing is soccer,” Petersen said. “Isaiah is very coachable. He comes up on corner kicks to handle rebound opportunities and also prevent counter-attacks. During one-on-one drills with Isaiah and Johnny, they take it very seriously. They like the challenge of developing a set of skills with a close friend.”

The Olympic Development Program selects a group of standout players and provides the roadmap to potentially represent the country in international competition.

“No matter where ODP takes me, it is an honor to play with some of the best soccer players in the state from my age group,” Sickler said. “My goal is to keep getting better, and go as far as it will take me.”