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The 2006 season
looks promising with 14 players returning from last year’s 2-15-1
squad, including 9 starters. Last season the Bears had 10 games
that were lost by a single goal and 4 of those in overtime. “I
believe our returning experience will help get us over the hump in
those close games,” said Coach Goodson.
The Bears will
be led by center midfielder Gonzalo Perez-Beck (Athens, OH).
Gonzalo was the team’s leading scorer from last season and received
2nd Team All-American Mideast Conference recognition last
year. Joining Perez-Beck in the midfield is sophomore Ryan Appell
(Columbus, OH), who started every game last season as a freshman.
Other midfielders returning to the team are Daniel Ross (Cincinnati,
OH) and Chris Robinson (Portsmouth, OH). Newcomers to midfield
include Patrick McCreary (South Point, OH), Bryan Barker (South
Point, OH), Chris Smith (Milford, OH), Laban Mana (Kenya), Michael
Cornell (East Liverpool, OH) and John Mariani (Cincinnati, OH).
The Bears have
an experienced defense returning all but one starter. Returning
starters include juniors Blake Shelton (Athens, OH), Graham Purdy
(Georgetown, OH) and Kurt Rininger (Akron, OH). Also returning on
defense is Ross Frantz (Portsmouth, OH), Josh Judge (Olney, OH), and
Christian Helfrich (Findlay, OH). Freshmen Jordan Buck
(Chillicothe, OH), and Danny Frantz (Portsmouth, OH) will join the
Bears on defense.
Junior Jonathan
Venters (Xenia, OH) will get the nod in the goalie position. Last
season Venters compiled a record of 1-8 with 108 saves. Freshmen
Rocky Dunkin (Wheelersburg, OH) and Allen Lantrip (McClellanille,
SC) will contend with Venters for a starting spot.
Returning at
forward will be seniors Kevin Hay (Minford, OH) and Isaac Wooten
(Albany, OH). Kevin is a 4-year starter and led the team in assist
last season. Also returning at forward will be Bryan Craft
(Wheelersburg, OH). Joining Hay, Wooten, and Craft at the forward
position is transfer Matt Lonsinger (Logan, OH).
The Bears have
added six new teams to our non-conference schedule including Taylor,
Marian, St. Francis, Cincinnati Christian, Pikeville, and Spalding.
Shawnee State opens the season on August 19 versus Mt. Vernon. The
game will be at Crew Stadium and begins at 12:45 p.m. The Bears
first home match is on September 9 versus Pikeville. Game time is
2:00 p.m. at Shawnee State Field. |
