Sports
Popularity continues to rise for men’s club soccer
The Pointer
Hshee298@uwsp.edu
The University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point men’s club soccer team has no coach and very little money. Yet they remain committed, and have lofty goals for the 2009-2010 season.
“This year we are doing better than last,” said junior Korey Lofy, who has played on the team for the past two years. “Our success is due mostly to team chemistry, as well as offseason involvement.”
The team relies heavily on its athletes and club officers to hold everyone accountable for workouts. Officers include President Spencer Lichon, Vice President and Secretary Mike Braunsky, and Treasurer Lofy.
During their offseason, players participate in intramurals, pick up games and lift weights together. Those who trained in the offseason stole the advantage at a tryout that swelled with 44 players. Due to league rules, the roster had to be reduced to 22, but the team feels they have put together a team with depth and potential.
“This year it feels like we have a good chance at extending our season, we have had a lot of support, practiced hard, and played well,” Lofy said. “We just have to keep playing our best, and getting fans to our games.”
Not being a varsity sport doesn’t mean this team is on its own. They are funded by the Student Involvement and Employment Office and also receive support from various other areas. The girl’s varsity team gives them old soccer nets, former teammates provide supplies like soccer balls and the fans of course, provide encouragement, especially when games get tough.
The team also expressed how much they appreciate the field maintenance crew who keeps their fields cut, watered, painted and ready for competition. Some UWSP varsity teams don’t even get to compete at home and club soccer loves that they can. Players do have to pitch in for uniforms, league fees and other costs, which is sometimes discouraging, but doesn’t keep them down for long.
To see them progress throughout the season you can check out the schedule on www.geocities.com/mwalliance/2006gldschedule. The games are usually played against UW-Milwaukee, UW-Lacrosse, UW-Whitewater, UW-Eau Claire, Northern Michigan, Michigan Tech or Marquette. To become part of their support network check out a game, become a fan and show some Pointer pride!
