By: Thea Rosengarten, sports information assistant
August 6, 2008
The Bluffton men's soccer team will be focusing on strengthening its defense as the Beavers begin the 2008 campaign under sixth-year head coach Steve Smucker. The men finished their 2007 campaign with a 4-12-1 record overall and 2-6 in the Heartland Conference, but the Beavers won two of their final four contests, including Bluffton's first victory over Anderson in 12 years. With 12 incoming freshman the Beavers have excellent team depth which will create competition while improving the program.
Returning to the field are 10 of the 11 starters from last fall. "The team is motivated and ready to compete," says Smucker. "With the addition of several key recruits, most of the pieces to a successful 'puzzle' are here." Smucker continued, "What we will need the most is teamwork and a tireless work ethic. With those two elements in place, this team will compete at a high level and is poised to have our best campaign in years!"
The Beavers will look to senior Nate Flath (Wadsworth/Wadsworth), Bluffton's leading goal scorer in each of his first three seasons, sophomores Brian Good (Elida/Elida), Jacob Graham (Gomer/Elida), Jason Hudson (Troy/Troy) and Nolan Phelps (Monroe/Lemon-Monroe) for experience and leadership. There will be competition at several positions this year and members of the large incoming class will have the opportunity to earn playing time and make significant contributions right away.
The overall team goal is to compete for a spot in the conference tournament! As has been a constant during Smucker's tenure at Bluffton, the philosophy that the Beavers will subscribe to in 2008 is one that places great emphasis on both academics and athletics. Both areas require hard work, determination and commitment.
The men will open their season at the Manchester tournament on August 29-30. Later in the season the Beavers will host HCAC foes Rose-Hulman, Franklin, Manchester and Tranyslvania. They will travel to Mount St. Joseph, Anderson, Hanover and Defiance for Heartland Conference clashes this year. New to the men's schedule in 2008 is a trip to Thiel and home dates with Mount Union and Pikeville. Although the HCAC appears to be balanced with the exception of conference standouts Transylvania and Rose-Hulman, the Beavers are preparing to put up a fight while making a run at the conference tournament. Coach Smucker concluded by saying, "I am very excited about the season and working with the team."
-BEAVERS-