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By Mackala Krichbaum, KrichbaumM@Findlay.edu
DeHaven’s season opener was a heated competition with Ashland University where the Oilers came out with the win; however, this is not the sole focus on the men’s soccer team’s minds.
Academically, the soccer team strives in academics as the team as a whole has been committed to their athletics first.
“Well, a couple of years ago our goal was going to make sure that number one, we go to class,” head coach Andy Smyth said. “That’s kind of the biggest thing about being successful. We really push our team with our GPA being a 3.1. we wanted everyone to have at least a 3.1. So that’s kind of our goal, that we want to be as successful off the field as we are on the field.”
With a 4-2 start, this season is boding well for the team against the Great Midwest Athletic Conference opponents. Looking into this season, the men’s soccer team is looking to continue to improve their consistency.
“I think we had some really good games last year. We can beat anybody in the conference.” Smyth said. “So, I think consistency of play was the big thing. To this point, our performances have been pretty consistent, so we’re happy with that. The biggest thing we were looking to do together consistently was just have more competition for places.”
Working throughout the summer has helped the men’s squad improve. This can be done on an individual basis.
“We give them a conditioning program that they work on,” Smyth said. “We are assuming that they understand as a Division Two athlete, you have to come in good shape because we do not have a lot of time to get you in shape.”
Bringing in new student-athletes, the team works remotely over the summer to meet so that everyone has a basic understanding of each other. The men’s team has their eyes on the GMAC championship.
“I think this year we’ve got a starting eleven that is as good as any other team in the conference,” Smyth said. “I think we’ve got a la lot more depth this year.”
Last year’s seniors did prove to be a loss of leadership, but the team this year has wasted no time in filling the roles.
“Some of the incoming guys might be young, but they have still got leadership qualities,” Smyth said. “So, I think in terms of leadership, this group is really good.”
There are multiple motivators for the team as these players are close in unity.
“They want to be successful as soccer players, but I think that they want to do well for themselves,” Smyth said. “They want to represent their teammates and not let their teammates down.”
On game days, the soccer team will watch film and determine what their opponent will be like. The main focus of the team is on themselves and the positive aspects that they bring to the field.
For home games, the team meets in the locker room and then will walk together to DeHaven.
“It’s nice in the trip to the field,” Smyth said. “It is a little bit of a walk and so they get to walk as a team across campus.”
“They work really hard to be successful in the classroom as well as on the field. And so far, this season has come together nicely,” Smyth said. “We either win, want to win the game or have a really good performance.”
The men’s soccer team is back in action on Sept. 28 at 1 p.m. against Lake Erie at DeHaven.
