2017
MEN’S SOCCER
MEN’S SOCCER PREVIEW 2017
S
Spring Hill College (SHC) men’s soccer head coach Steve Wieczorek begins his third season at the helm of the Badgers with a new group of talented youngsters. “The key to this year will be how well we can jell together as a team,” he says. “There was a great deal of turnover this year and as coaches we have to be conscious of that fact, but the boys are really getting along on and off the field. We have scheduled more team outings and we’ve been playing bigger numbers at practice with that goal in mind. They are really becoming a close knit group given the perimeters of our situation.” While still a believer that defense is where the Badger future lies, Wieczorek looks for the SHC offense to be more high-powered in 2017. “In sophomore Donte Oliver (New Orleans, La.), we have the best returning freshman in the Gulf South Conference (GSC) if you look at his production in 2016,” he says. “We also return our leading goal scorer in senior Ibrahima Ndaw (Mobile, Ala.), so if you add in junior Alaye Brito (Minas Gerais, Brazil) it makes for a very nice front line that becomes even more formidable when you consider that we have freshman Timo Schabetsberger (Gurten, Austria) who is an explosive player joining us from the Under-18 Austrian national team.” The Badgers will feature a new midfield line-up this year as Viktor Kvarnlof of Norrtalje, Sweden and junior Tilman Schober of Schriesheim, Germany, move to the outside while sophomore transfer Alexander Lipinski of Krefeld, Germany, joins freshman Callum Porter from Cardiff, Wales, graduate student Morgan Gauthier of Paris, France, and the surprising freshman Matthew Moreno of Northplainfield, N.J., to bring a stabilizing presence to the center. “We are very excited about our midfield play this year,” Wieczorek says. “With the experience and ability we have added to the depth of freshman Zach Witt (Kitchener, Ontario) and the personality that Michael Ness (Fife, Scotland) brings to the team, we have a very strong transition game.” Freshman Oscar Hellberg carries many seasons of international experience while freshman Gabe Louis from New Orleans, La., will contribute to the weapons from which Wieczorek will have to choose.
On the back line, the SHC defense will be led by junior Jack LaForge of New Orleans who has proven himself to be a reliable defender on numerous occasions. Pablo Delgado of Valencia, Spain, will combine with LaForge and freshman Benedikt Kraemling of Ergolding, Germany, along with freshman Eirikur Eiriksson of Reykjavik, Iceland, freshman Vassil Kokali of Rome, Italy, and junior Haukur Bjornsson of Hafnarfjordur, Iceland, to form a solid defensive wall. The quiet workhorse of Tapfuma Dimairo from Wellington, New Zealand, as well as experienced senior Andres Alfonso of Miami, Fla., will team together with freshmen John Putnam and Jackson Bell both from Dallas, Texas, to make an already stalwart defense that much stronger. At the center of it all, sophomore Geraldo Bina of Paris appears to have won the starting goalkeeping position during a spirited preseason competition. “We had the most returners at keeper of any position,” said Wieczorek. “It was a tough fight for the job this year and Bina has it for now.” Sophomore Otto Candies of River Ridge, La., Barou Ndaw of Mobile and Jackson Hoesley of Dallas will all be eagerly awaiting their opportunities. Wieczorek knows that his new crop of faces will be tested early with Flagler College and 8thranked University of Tampa visiting Library Field to open the year followed by a trip to Florida Southern College and Rollins. “If you combine those games with the 11 GSC contests and the unknown factors of Louisiana College and Pensacola Christian College, it’s going to be a battle every match this year.” “Overall, we are seeing the subtle differences between our first, second and third seasons that build an exciting program,” said Wieczorek. “The long term vision of this plan is starting to pay off. This program is a journey and the first steps are behind us.” “We have to stick to our One Step at a Time philosophy,” she says. “If we stick to that then a lot of good things will happen. It’s a brand new group and everyone has enthusiasm for what SHC and can do over the next four years and beginning NCAA Division II play. If we weather the storms as players and coaches then it will be exciting to watch these great ladies put their best foot forward out there.”
GENERAL FACTS:
COACHING STAFF Steve Wieczorek – Head Coach Steve Wieczorek came to the Badgers on New Year’s Eve of 2014 after spending the 2014 season as an assistant coach with the Oregon State University (OSU) Beavers. Wieczorek has seven years of NCAA Division I coaching experience at Duquesne University, Siena College and OSU. At OSU, the Beavers enjoyed a historic year in 2014 as they advanced to the second round of the NCAA Tournament by securing the first ever NCAA tournament victory in program history. At Duquesne in 2013, Wieczorek was responsible for assisting the head coach in all aspects of the program, specifically coordinating student athlete recruitment. The Dukes won nine games and advanced to the Atlantic 10 Championship Quarterfinals while posting their best overall record since 2009 and best conference record since 2006. Prior to arriving in Pittsburgh, Pa., Wieczorek spent five years at Siena in Loudonville, N.Y., serving the last two seasons as the Saints’ top assistant. During his tenure, the Saints enjoyed the best stretch of success in school history. A 2004 graduate of Fairfield University, Wieczorek was a four-year letterman at goalkeeper for the Stags and led the team to four MAAC Tournament appearances and two MAAC finals. Following graduation, he began his collegiate coaching career that fall at his alma mater as the goalkeepers coach.
James Beeston – Assistant Coach James Beeston joined the Badger staff as an assistant coach in 2015, rejoining Wieczorek after playing for him at Siena College from 2010-2013. Beeston serves as the Badgers’ recruiting coordinator, supervising all aspects of player recruitment. He monitors the program’s academic progress including study hall and academic advising, as well as overseeing NCAA compliance. He assists the head coach in team training and preparation, scouting opponents as well as managing all of the marketing and social media for the program. Beeston, a native of Newcastle-Under-Lyme, England has the UEFA “B” coaching license and has served as a youth coach for the Port Vale Football Club in Staffordshire, England. Beeston is currently pursuing his Master of Arts from Spring Hill College in Leadership.
Ben Fredrickson – Graduate Assistant Coach Ben Fredrickson joined the Badger family in 2015. He coordinates team travel, supervises equipment distribution and maintenance, and leads community service efforts. He has significant player recruitment responsibilities as well as performs video analysis and scouting. Fredrickson serves as the Director of the Badger Soccer Academy and assists the head coach in the implementation of team and individual training. Fredrickson earned his bachelor’s degree in Health and Exercise Science from Regis in May 2014 with merit. In 2016, Fredrickson completed his NSCAA Advanced National Coaching Diploma. He is currently pursuing his Master of Arts from Spring Hill College in Leadership.
Institution: Spring Hill College City/State/Zip: Mobile, AL 36608 Founded: 1830 Enrollment: 1,500 Nickname: Badgers School Colors: Purple, white Home Facility: Library Field Capacity: 500 Affiliation: NCAA Division II President: Christopher Puto, Ph.D. Athletic Director: Jim Hall Alma Mater: Grinnell College, 1995 Compliance: Chad LeBlanc Faculty Athletic Representative: Steven Almquist, Ph.D. Athletic Department Phone: 251-380-3485 Athletic Department Fax: 251-460-2196 Sports Information Director: Jim Stennett Alma Mater: Mississippi State, 1990 SID Phone: 251-380-4468 SID Email: jstennett@shc.edu Athletic Web Site: www.shcbadgers.com Twitter: SHCBADGERS Facebook: SHCBADGERS Instagram: SHCBADGERS COACHING STAFF: Head Coach: Steve Wieczorek Alma Mater: Fairfield, 2004 Record at school: 6-27-1 (2 years) Career record: 6-27-1 (2 years) Office Phone: 251-380-4475 Best time/day to reach: 10 a.m. Assistant Coaches: James Beeston; Ben Frederickson Head Athletic Trainer: Dani Ellis, ATC Trainer’s Phone: 251-380-3493 TEAM INFORMATION: Overall Record Last Year: 3-13-1 Conference/Finish: GSC 1-8 (10th of 10) Players Return/Lost/New: 12/8/16 Starters Return/Lost: 4/7 Returning Lettermen: 9
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2017 ROSTER No. Player
Pos.
Class Ht.
Exp. Hometown/Previous School(s)
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GK DEF DEF DEF MF DEF MF MF FWD FWD FWD MF GK DEF FWD DEF FWD MF MF DEF MF DEF GK MF MF DEF GK DEF
R-So. Gr. Fr. Sr. Jr. Gr. So. Fr. Jr. Jr. R-Jr. Gr. R-So. Fr. So. Gr. R-Sr. Fr. Fr. Fr. Fr. Fr. So. Jr. Fr. Fr. R-So. Fr.
RS 1L HS 1L 2L TR TR HS SQ 2L 2L TR 1L HS 1L TR 2L HS HS HS HS HS TR 2L HS HS RS HS
Barou Ndaw Tapfuma Dimairo Benedikt Kraemling Andres Alfonso Jack LaForge Pablo Delgado Alexander Lipinski Callum Porter Alaye Brito Tilman Schober Viktor Kvarnlof Michael Ness Otto Candies Vassil Kokali Donte Oliver Morgan Gauthier Ibrahima Ndaw Timo Schabetsberger Zach Witt Eirikur Eiriksson Oscar Hellberg Matthew Moreno Geraldo Bina Haukur Bjornsson Gabe Louis John Putnam Jackson Hoesley Jackson Bell
6-5 5-8 5-10 5-11 6-2 6-3 5-9 5-11 5-9 5-10 5-10 5-11 6-0 6-3 5-11 5-9 6-2 5-7 5-6 6-1 5-9 5-11 6-1 5-11 5-10 5-9 6-1 5-10
Mobile, Ala./St. Paul’s Episcopal Wellington, New Zealand/Saint Patrick’s/Massey University Ergolding, Germany/Maristen-Gymnasium-Furth Miami, Fla./Doral Academy Prep New Orleans, La./Jesuit HS Valencia, Spain/IES Malilla/University of Valencia Krefeld, Germany/Maria-Sibylla-Merican Gynasium Krefeld Cardiff, Wales/Bassaleg Comprehensive Minas Gerais, Brazil/Escola Estadual Tres Poderes/Concordia Schriesheim, Germany/Kurpfalz-Gymnasium Schriesheim Norrtalje, Sweden/Rodengymnasiet Fife, Scotland/St. Andrews RC HS/University of Edinburgh River Ridge, La./Jesuit HS Rome, Italy/Convitto Nazionale/Vittorio Emanuelle II New Orleans, La./Benjamin Franklin HS Paris, France/Marguerite de Valois/Paris Descartes University Mobile, Ala./St. Paul’s Episcopal Gurten, Austria/Bundesgymnasium Ried im Innkreis Kitchener, Ontario, Canada/Waterloo Oxford District Secondary Reykjavik, Iceland/Menntaskolinn vio Sund Vasteras, Sweden/John Bauer Gymnasiet Northplainfield, NJ/St. Benedict’s Prep Paris, France/Lycee Jean Lurcat/University of Haute-Alsace Hafnarfjordur, Iceland/Flensborgarskolinn New Orleans, La./Lusher Charter School Dallas, Texas/John Paul II HS Hoover, Ala./Hoover HS Dallas, Texas/Woodrow Wilson HS
2016 RESULTS Date
Opponent
Site
Sept. 2 Sept. 4 Sept. 9 Sept. 11 Sept. 16 Sept. 18 Sept. 23 Sept. 25 Oct. 7 Oct. 9 Oct. 12 Oct. 16 Oct. 21 Oct. 23 Oct. 29 Nov. 4 Nov. 5
Missouri S&T at University of Tampa at Lynn University vs. Palm Beach Atlantic University *Christian Brothers University *Union University *at Delta State University *at Mississippi College *at Lee University *at Shorter University at Auburn University at Montgomery *at University of West Florida *University of West Alabama *University of Alabama in Huntsville *University of West Florida at Embry-Riddle University vs. Auburn University at Montgomery
Library Field Tampa, Fla. Boca Raton, Fla. Boca Raton, Fla. Library Field Library Field Cleveland, Miss. Clinton, Miss. Cleveland, Tenn. Rome, Ga. Montgomery, Ala. Pensacola, Fla. Library Field Library Field Library Field Daytona Beach, Fla. Daytona Beach, Fla.
* GSC matches
Result T; 1-1 (2ot) L; 2-1 L; 0-2 L; 1-4 W; 3-2 L; 1-3 L; 1-2 (ot) L; 1-2 (ot) L; 1-3 L; 2-3 W; 3-1 L; 0-2 L; 3-4 L; 2-7 L; 1-5 L; 2-4 W; 3-2
2016 GSC FINAL STANDINGS Team
GSC
Overall
Miss. College Shorter West Florida West Alabama Lee UAH Christian Bros. Union Delta State Spring Hill*
7-1-1 6-1-2 5-1-2 5-3-1 4-3-2 4-4-1 3-5 3-6 1-7-1 1-8
10-4-2 7-6-2 10-5-3 11-6-2 9-7-2 6-10-1 8-8 5-12 5-11-1 3-13-1
*Not eligible for the GSC Tournament during reclassification process
2017 ROSTER
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Barou Ndaw R-Sophomore
Callum Porter Freshman
Donte Oliver Sophomore
Matthew Moreno Freshman
Tapfuma Dimairo Graduate
Alaye Brito Junior
Morgan Gauthier Gradute
Geraldo Bina Sophomore
Benedikt Kraemling Freshman
Tilman Schober Junior
Andres Alfonso Senior
Viktor Kvarnlof R-Junior
Ibrahima Ndaw Timo Schabetsberger R-Senior Freshman
Haukur Bjornsson Junior
Gabe Louis Freshman
Jack LaForge Junior
Michael Ness Graduate
Zach Witt Freshman
John Putnam Freshman
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Pablo Delgado Graduate
Otto Candies Junior
Eirikur Eiriksson Freshman
Jackson Hoesley R-Sophomore
Alexander Lipinski Sophomore
Vaill Kokali Freshman
Oscar Hellberg Freshman
Jackson Bell Freshman
2017 SCHEDULE Date
Opponent
Sept. 1 Sept. 3 Sept. 8 Sept. 10 Sept. 15 Sept. 17 Sept. 20 Sept. 22 Sept. 24 Sept. 30 Oct. 5 Oct. 8 Oct. 10 Oct. 13 Oct. 15 Oct. 20 Oct. 22 Oct. 26 Oct. 28
Flagler Colleger Library Field University of Tampa Library Field at Florida Southern College Lakeland, Fla. at Rollins College Winter Park, Fla. *at Unversity of Alabama Huntsville Huntsville, Ala. *at University of West Alabama Livingston, Ala. at Georgia Southwestern State Americus, Ga. *Delta State University Library Field *Mississippi College Library Field Georgia Southwestern State University Library Field *Lee University Library Field *at Shorter Univeristy Rome, Ga. Pensacola Christian College Library Field Louisiana College Library Field *at University of West Florida Pensacola, Fla. *at Union University Jackson, Tenn. *at Christian Brothers University Memphis, Tenn. University of Montevallo Library Field Auburn University Montgomery Library Field
*GSC matches
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Site
Time 3:30 p.m. 3:30 p.m. 7 p.m. (EST) 1 p.m. (EST) 7:30 p.m. 3:30 p.m. 3 p.m. (EST) 3:30 p.m. 3:30 p.m. 1 p.m. 3:30 p.m. 3:30 p.m. (EST) 3:30 p.m. 3:30 p.m. 3 p.m. 7:15 p.m. 3 p.m. 1 p.m. 1 p.m.