A new chapter in Waynesburg men’s soccer history kicks off in 2010 as Sean McCarthy takes over the head coaching duties with the Yellow Jackets. He brings a wealth of collegiate and professional coaching experience with him. His most recent assistant position was at SUNY Old Westbury, where he helped lead the Panthers to a Skyline Conference title and a berth in the NCAA Division III National Championship Tournament.
Though he inherits a team that went 3-15-1 in 2009, the Waynesburg men put together a 2-3-1 mark in President’s Athletic Conference (PAC) play and just missed out on the postseason. Waynesburg was also hampered by injury problems to several key players. If the Jackets can avoid the injury bug this season, a move up the conference standings is not out of the question.
The 2010 Jackets will be led by a pair of 2009 All-PAC selections. Senior forward/midfielder Ryan Hartz tied for the team lead in points with six coming by way of three goals. He also started all 19 games for the 2009 squad on his way to earning second-team All-PAC laurels. Junior defender David Floyd also returns and was named an honorable mention All-PAC pick, despite only playing in 10 games last year due to injury.
Along with Hartz, the Jackets feature junior Erick Burke, who was a 2008 honorable mention All-PAC selection. He racked up six points on three goals in 2009.
Junior Matthew Snyder could be ready for a breakout season this fall after playing in all 19 of the Jackets’ contests last season and making 17 starts. Junior Joshua Brewer (17 starts), sophomore Ben Jonard (18 appearances) and junior Evan Kaufman (eight starts, 14 appearances) all gained valuable experience in 2009. Senior Andy Glenn is coming off of a 17-start campaign in 2009.
In goal, Ryan Hunsberger, a senior, could push for field time after missing his entire junior season with an injury. During his sophomore season of 2008, Hunsberger was solid, posting a 1.94 goals against average and two shutouts. Senior Tyler Hellwig is also back after starting a team-best 10 games in net last year.
Along with a big, experienced group of returners, McCarthy has also done an exceptional job of recruiting in his first season at Waynesburg. Those young players are expected to give the veterans a big push for starting time and provide excellent practice opponents.
The Jacket men kick their 2010 schedule off on Sept. 1, when they travel to Muskingum. Waynesburg begins its home schedule at John F. Wiley Stadium on Sept. 11, when it hosts Frostburg State.