28 August 2002
IWU Men's Soccer Guns for Improvement
BLOOMINGTON, Ill. -- With a host of talented newcomers, the Illinois Wesleyan men’s soccer team looks to rebound from a disappointing 2001 campaign when they open their season at 7 p.m. Friday against Illinois College at IWU's Neis Field.
Although tough to beat defensively, a lack of scoring punch was the downfall of last fall's squad as they posted a 5-11-2 mark under first-year head coach Dave Barrett. But this season Barrett feels the Titans will be much more dangerous offensively and have improved their ability to possess the ball through midfield.
"I think people will see a much improved Titan soccer team this season," said Barrett. "With the addition of new players and the development of the returners, everybody will now be able to concentrate on playing to their strengths and not having to try to do more than they are capable."
With 18 freshman and sophomores, the Titans will rely on their upperclassmen for leadership. Senior captain Chris Bobowski (Darien, Benet Academy) started every game last fall as either a back or midfielder and provides veteran stability to those positions.
"Chris does a good job as a quality person leading by example," said Barrett. "He and the rest of the upperclassmen are doing a good job of being role models for all the freshmen."
Seniors Dan Lau (River Forest, Oak Park-River Forest HS) and Szymon Krzyzanowski (Park Ridge, Maine South HS) will also play prominent roles with Lau as either a striker or midfielder and Krzyzanowski as a defensive midfielder.
"Lau has the potential to be an explosive player, someone who can create many scoring chances with his speed and quickness," said Barrett. "We need him to have a big year and score important goals for us."
A veteran newcomer is junior striker Mike Rampey (Bloomington HS), who gained college soccer experience by playing two seasons at DePauw before transferring to IWU last spring.
"Mike is such a great addition to our team," said Barrett. "He brings a mature, calm presence to the field and is showing us that he can really play. He will be a very steady player and hopefully will score some goals for us, as well."
Also returning are a number of sophomores who saw significant playing time as freshmen, including some who were starters. Alan Mila (Bartlett, Wheaton Academy), a first-team all-College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin selection as a freshman, returns as the stabilizing force in central defense.
"Mila is a real warrior and one of the best defenders in our league and perhaps the region," said Barrett. "He has a combination of size, speed and technique that doesn't come around very often. His job is to be sure we stay organized defensively this season."
Alongside Mila at left back is Reed Grimwood (Eagan, Minn., HS), who started all but one game in 2001.
Sophomore lettermen Scott Hernandez (Oswego HS), Nick Hogren (Metamora HS) and David Beckett (Bolingbrook HS), all of whom saw significant action last fall, will be challenged to increase their contributions to the team in 2002.
Two talented sophomores, Matt Robertson (Arlington Heights, Hersey HS) and Jeremy Witt (Waukegan, Warren Township HS), are vying for the starting goalkeeping post vacated by last year's "MVP" Adam Wachholtz.
Several freshmen in Barrett’s first recruiting class will be expected to make instant contributions as freshmen. Midfielders Kevin Hegi (Wheaton, North HS), Deric Armstrong (Chatham, Glenwood HS) and Patrick Collins (River Forest, Fenwick HS) have amassed impressive credentials in their club and high school careers.
"I am excited about all three of those freshmen who will be in the starting lineup and I believe this trio will be terrific over the next four seasons," Barrett said. "They each offer quickness and an ability to individually change a game, things the team has been lacking over the past few seasons. Their inexperience will come into play a bit but they are good enough to play through their mistakes."
Other freshmen looking for playing time include midfielders Todd Cruikshank (Park Forest, Rich East HS), George Aliaga (Glenview, Glenbrook South HS) and Jacob Muehlbauer (Matteson, Rich Central HS).
The Titans once again will play a top schedule in 2002. In addition to co-CCIW champions Wheaton and Millikin, IWU will also meet Wisconsin-Whitewater and the University of Chicago, both NCAA tournament teams last fall, as well as Washington U., DePauw, and Centre College.
CONTACT: Stew Salowitz, (309) 556-3206 and/or head coach David Barrett, (309) 556-3343