Days of the New begin for men's soccer

Watching cars collide with one another until only one is left running often can prove to be a cathartic experience. In this sense, the demolition derby at the Lorain county fair is a nearby source of stress release, which is exactly why the Oberlin College men's soccer team has made a tradition of attending every year. It provides an occasion to release the anxieties of the preseason before the actual season begins.

Along with their traditions of horseplay, the soccer team has a history of hard work and dedication even in the face of several sub-.500 seasons. Stress release might not be needed much this year as both coach and players are viewing this as one of the most promising years in the team's recent history.

Part of this enthusiasm stems from head coach Blake New, who replaces Chris Barker this year. New came to Oberlin three years ago as the head women's soccer coach. He had notable success there, gaining respect for the program and moving the team from eighth to fifth in the conference rankings. "[New] is extremely knowledgeable and good at motivating the team," said junior Ian Maher.

Maher will anchor the defense at sweeper, replacing the team's lone graduation loss, Russell Menyhart. Senior Jon Wilson, the team's leading scorer, is also back and hopes to add some juice to an offense that racked up less than half the points scored by their opponents last season. Other key returnees include midfielders junior Sam Hopkins and senior Zach Fine, who head up a center line that accounted for over half the team's assists in '98. Last, but not least, junior Stephen Kehler, senior David Lessinger and sophomore Stephen Menyhart will be back for another go after each playing every game last season.

Also joining the team are seven first-years. This fresh talent comes to Oberlin undaunted by past failures and eager to contribute to an exciting, albeit youthful team.

"[The] freshmen will be contributing members this year and next year will be important fixtures on the team since a lot of seniors will be graduating," said Lessinger.

This combination of fresh legs and veteran know-how forms what Menyhart said will be "the most stylish team since the late seventies." Coach New put it a different way. "This team has a chance to go beyond just improvement, to be really good," he said. "Our talent base is stronger. I believe we're a lot deeper. With the freshmen we're just going to get better."

He might just be right. If their recent exhibition matches serve as any indication, the Yeomen have kicked off the year on the right foot, notching two victories in the preseason. The first came on August 26 in a 4-3 win over Division-II Ohio Dominican. The win was a great confidence builder for Oberlin and a good birthday present for Coach New, who turned thirty-one on the same day. Although there were no super-stars in the game, Coach New attributed the victory to the organization and hard work of his midfield squad. Last Saturday, the team defeated an alumni squad 3-2. Both victories show the team's potential to have a winning season.

"The camaraderie of the team is high," said first year Yoav Tal. "The team emphasizes inclusiveness and there's no hierarchy."

"This is the coming-out year for the team," Senior Jabali Sawicki said. "Expectations are high. As long as we stay focused and healthy, the combination of old and new talent should provide the chemistry for a winning season. For a lot of players there is a lot to prove to ourselves, to fans, to the school, and to the league. We are going to abandon the old ways of Oberlin soccer."

The players are obviously fond of their new coach and eager to play. New feels they are adjusting well to his style and expects they will pull together nicely for the season opener against last year's OAC champion Mount Union on Saturday.

The men's soccer team opens the season at Mount Union College on Saturday. Their first home game is Wednesday, September 8 against non-conference Heidelberg.