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Red Hawks Look To Take a Step Forward
A year ago, the Ripon College men's soccer team was looking forward to the upcoming season after qualifying for the Midwest Conference Tournament the year before. The 2006 season turned out to be more of a nightmare than a dream however, as the Red Hawks lost nine games by a single goal, en route to a 1-15 record. Look for that to change in 2007, as Ripon hopes to change that bad luck into good.
"I believe that players produce their own luck, either good or bad, and I believe that our luck will change this season with proper preparation. Last year's losses all happened because of a lack of confidence and responsibility. An increased sense of ownership in each player's role is a key to changing that misfortune into positive results," head soccer coach Todd Parker said. "Silly mistakes happen due to a lack of focus, lack of accountability, and a lack of belief in what you are trying to accomplish. We work to improve our focus and belief in each other and as we train, accountability will be delivered."
That accountability will help be instilled by team leader Kris Hanson (Oshkosh, Wis./West), who returns for his junior year, after being named Second Team All-Conference in each of his first two seasons. Hanson, who scored two goals, to go along with two assists last season will be like an extension of the coaching staff on the field due to his leadership.
"Hanson will be a vocal leader that the guys respect because of his playing ability. He is a complete player with speed, intelligence, and physical strength," Parker said. "He's so versatile, that the good problem I have is figuring out where on the field he can most help the team since I can literally play him anywhere."
Hanson will be joined by fellow juniors Chris Quillman (Delavan, Wis./Delavan-Darien) and Demba Camara (Gambia/Sun Prairie), who are Ripon's top returning scorers. Quillman and Camara each finished with three goals last season.
"Quillman will help us build a patient attack and is also someone who can score goals, so we will look to him often as we try to possess the ball and create scoring opportunities," Parker said. "Camara will also help us in the attack as he has an ability to win the ball for us as he quickly transitions our team from defense to a dangerous offensive opportunity in one pass. He will hold our middle nicely and create many match-up problems for other teams."
The Red Hawks welcome back just one senior this season in Andrew McKee (Olympia, Wash./River Ridge). He will see some playing time, along with returning juniors Jared Brown (Delavan, Wis./Delavan-Darien), Roger Gardea (Wichita Falls, Texas/Wichita Falls), and Shane Leverenz (Waterloo, Belgium/St. John's International School).
The rest of the roster has seen a lot of overhaul from last year's team, losing seven seniors to graduation, including six starters. One of the most notable losses from last season will be Goalkeeper Dave Freisleben, who was First Team All-Conference two years in a row. Ironically, Goalkeeper appears to be Ripon's strongest and most competitive position entering the 2007 season. Freshmen Matt Schultz (Waukesha, Wis./West), Bob Bradbury (Oregon, Wis./Oregon), and Joe Bushman (Sturgeon Bay, Wis./Sturgeon Bay) will each compete for the starting spot between the pipes.
"We are deeper at the goal keeper position than at any other time in my tenure at Ripon College. All three players have my highest confidence that they can get the job done. Each player is motivated and wants to win the starting job, which makes for a higher level of competitiveness in the training environment," Parker said. "All three are very talented and have played in either Olympic Development or at the Regional Club Level of competition after being on a state championship team in high school."
In all, the Red Hawks welcome 13 freshmen to this season's squad, making up more than half the roster. One freshman that is expected to be a big part of the team's offensive philosophy is Sam Gatyas (Plymouth, Wis./Plymouth).
"Gatyas is a newcomer with infinite offensive ability. He will be an important piece to our puzzle as he has the ability to make plays happen for others since his spatial awareness helps him find the greatest advantage on the field," Parker said. "Ben Gebauer (Greenfield, Wis./Greenfield) and Zach Hershoff (New Berlin, Wis./Eisenhower) are two freshmen that will also help us in the central midfield, while Cory Bougie (Wrightstown, Wis./Wrightstown) and Alan Arts (South Milwaukee, Wis./South Milwaukee) will contribute on the defensive side of the field."
The Red Hawks will naturally look to their upperclassmen for leadership, but they'll also have to count on the younger players to make a major contribution this season.
"With youth comes enthusiasm and that is a welcome addition to our training environment. I believe the explosion of young talent into the program will elevate our training standard because players are motivated to not only earn a significant role in the program, but to also keep the role they have worked hard to earn," Parker said. "We have an opportunity to shape our young talent and teach them how to train and act as Red Hawk soccer players. I believe our team will have the right approach to each and every game and we will earn our results as a team.
Those results will be cultivated beginning with the preseason practices. As the season progresses and each player receives the experience they need, the Red Hawks are hopeful that they will achieve their goals for the year.
"Our main goal is to take things one game at a time and see where we end up. Each player must train hard, learn something during each training session, and grow as a player during each training session. If we do these three things, the results will be there," said Parker.
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