Bears Continue Rebuilding Process

Coming off an 0-13 campaign in 2002, one would not expect a great deal of excitement surrounding the 2003 rendition of Shawnee State Men’s Soccer.  However, Coach Ron Goodson has seen enough over the past six months to raise his level of optimism about this year’s squad.  “We had a great off season in the weight room, playing indoor, and playing this spring.   We didn’t lose anyone to graduation last year, so we return a talented and experienced group of players.  With the addition of some very skilled transfers and freshmen, I think we will see marked improvement this year.” 

The Bears will be deep at the keeper position with three players competing for time.  Senior Rob Appell (Blacklick, OH) will get the first look in goal.  He has recorded 389 saves and three shutouts in 43 games over his career.  Ben Glaser (Clarksburg, WV) showed promise as he recorded 43 saves in eight games as a freshman.  “Redshirt freshman Isaac Wooten (Athens, OH) has tremendous potential,” said Goodson.  “I won’t be surprised to see him spending a lot of time in the net for us this year.” 

Starters Chris Shaffer (Ramsey, NJ), B. J. Durel (Amelia, OH), Ryan Owen (Lisbon, OH), Nate Benner (Lisbon, OH), and B. J. Lyon (Wheelersburg, OH) all return on defense.  Lyon earned All-AMC honors in 2002.  Also returning on defense are Steven Rogers (Carlisle, OH) and Michael Glass (Curtice, OH).  “We have a lot of experience on the defensive end of the field with two seniors and three juniors.  I expect us to be greatly improved in that area.” 

“Our midfield should be stronger than it has ever been,” said Goodson.   “The return of Kirk Crow (Athens, OH), Conrad Rinto (Winona, OH), and Joel Gross (Carlisle, OH) give us experience to go along with some very young players.  Kevin Hay (Minford, OH), the SOC Player of the Year, and Josh Burkhart (Batavia, OH) will see a great deal of time as freshmen.”

Coach Goodson will have an abundance of players battling for time at the forward position.  “Josh Keeney (Lucasville, OH) has really improved in the off-season and comes in stronger and more experienced. ”  First year players who figure prominently in the mix include Nick Helbling (Georgetown, OH), Clayton Cahall (Georgetown, OH), Phillip Hammond (Portsmouth, OH), and Isaac Wooten will contribute to the team’s success.  

“We look to improve on last year's disappointing record and play.  I look for Rio Grande and Tiffin to be at the top of the conference followed by Cedarville.  I think we will surprise some teams this year and compete in the conference.  I look for the experience gained from last year’s team plus their hard work to be valuable to the team this season.” 

Shawnee State opens the 2003 season against Muskingum College on August 31.  All Bears home games are played at the Shawnee State University Field.