August 9, 2006
Heavy leadership losses from last year's upstart men's team will present unique challenges to the 2006 squad. Just two seniors return from a young group of athletes in 2005 and much will be expected of them as they provide stability on the field. Justin "Bobby" Rohrer (Millersburg/West Holmes) and Ryan "RT" Thomas (Jamestown/Greenview) find themselves the old men in a sea of youth. In addition to the six returning sophomores, all of which saw significant playing time, there are fifteen freshmen vying for roles on the travel squad.
Development of leadership will be a major focus throughout the campaign as many new positions and roles are defined. The insurgence of soccer savvy players should enable this team to raise its level of gamesmanship throughout the year as individuals mature.
Returning starters include juniors Micah Boehr (Bluffton/Bluffton), Tyler Chapman (Shreve/Triway), Brandon Olterman (Camden/Preble Shawnee) and Nate Flath (Wadsworth/Wadsworth). Seven other players return with experience, having seen significant playing time in 2005.
The team took a leap forward in 2005 nearly qualifying for the postseason tournament for the first time in Bluffton University history. While that squad posted a 6-13 record last season, six of those losses were by a single goal.
Bolstering a defensive backfield depleted by graduations will be a key to the Beavers' success in 2006. While Olterman stands as the sole returning defender (outside of goalkeeping), much is expected of incoming freshmen Andrew Martin (Pittsburgh, PA/North Allegheny), Derrick Scovanner (Loveland/Cincinnati Christian) and Daniel Tinch (Middletown/Madison), who will help anchor the defense along with several returning players.
Flath returns as a dangerous playmaker and will see increased roles in the midfield as sophomores Drew Hoening (Beavercreek/Sidney Christian) and Justin Derringer (Brookville/Brookville) battle for attacking positions.
The addition of pure athleticism in this year's freshman class will solidify the depth chart in all areas of the field, particularly the midfield. With numbers approaching thirty for this season, fitness expectations are high. Because of this year's depth, Bluffton will look to elevate the playing pace, and as the season progresses, and familiarity with each other increases, new plateaus of success may be reached.
-BEAVERS-