Men's Soccer Team Poised for Turn-Around in 2002
Millsaps College - After dropping nine games by two goals or less, including 6 contests by just 1 tally, the Millsaps Men's Soccer team looks to reverse their fortune in 2002. Second year head coach Paul Van Hooydonk expects to see marked improvement this season as a core of veteran players returns in tandem with a large recruiting class. Commenting on the upcoming season, Van Hooydonk optimistically states, "We have fielded a lot of young players the last couple of seasons, but I really believe that our experience should now pay high dividends in 2002."
The largest obstacle for Millsaps this fall will be the ability to put the ball in the net. The Majors will look to junior forward Trey McClain and sophomore Austin Brown to increase their point production this year, while junior Rimmer Covington will make the transition from midfielder to forward after spending the bulk of the 2001 season on the disabled list with a broken leg.
The offensive power, though, will once again come through All-SCAC midfielder Adam Barnes, who led the team in scoring last year with 5 goals and 4 assists to his credit. Barnes, last year's team offensive MVP, will be aided by returning senior starter Daniel Culpepper and junior regular Vince Mazzone. Senior Andre Chalona and sophomore Andrew Russell will provide needed depth in the midfield.
On the defensive side of the ball, junior sweeper Ned Welles is expected to establish leadership in the backfield with junior marking back Brent Guitreau and sophomore marking back Brett Bennett to solidify the Majors' back line. Sophomore John Kueven, who saw time as a defensive midfielder last season, will move to the back line to add extra security.
In addition to the returnees, the Majors welcome 14 freshmen for the 2002 campaign, the first full recruiting class in Van Hooydonk's brief two-year tenure. Carrying impressive high school credentials, the newcomers will add significant talent to the squad. "This freshman class consists of nice players, " says Van Hooydonk. "Our options should increase dramatically with these guys."
With plenty of excitement surrounding the fall season, the Purple and White seek to secure their first winning season in five years. After opening the 2002 campaign at the Rhodes Tournament versus a formidable University of the Ozarks club and a perennial power in Emory University, the Majors will have just four matches to prepare for the rugged Southern Collegiate Athletic Conference schedule. Traditionally one of the best conferences in Division III men's soccer, the SCAC boasts nationally ranked Trinity University and 2001 league champion Sewanee. Millsaps will also renew its rivalry with cross-town foe Belhaven College in 2002 and look to continue last season's dominance over arch nemesis Mississippi College. The Majors will open the season on August 31.
