No regrets. If you had to squeeze the Lobo men’s soccer team’s goal for the 2009 season into two words, that short phrase would get the message across. A season of no regrets doesn’t come easy. It requires an intense work ethic, intense focus and a player-driven push for excellence. It also requires a handful of committed leaders.
“Looking back at the end of this season, I want to be able to honestly say I did everything I could to help the team in leadership on the field and off the field,” senior Simon Ejdemyr said. “Our seniors realize we have one chance left, one shot, one season, and we want to do everything right.”
Lobo Coach Jeremy Fishbein said, “We have nine guys who are entering their fourth year of college competition. We have great leadership. I don’t think we’ve had this type of leadership the past three years. There is a stronger commitment to results, but also a commitment to doing things right. We believe if you do things right, good things happen.”
The Lobos weren’t happy with their 11-6-2 record in 2008. They weren’t happy with a second-place finish in the Mountain Pacific Soccer Federation. They weren’t happy with not making the NCAA playoffs.
“We were extremely disappointed with last season, but it provided a great learning experience for the program,” Ejdemyr said. “It highlighted how important leadership is. Nothing like that will ever happen again.”
Leadership always is important, but the Lobos’ rugged 2009 schedule amplifies that importance. Soccer also requires a strong player-driven element because the nature of the free-flowing game limits a coach’s control and management. Fishbein said he expects player-driven leadership from the get-go.
“We talk to them about the importance of leadership and the upperclassmen have bought into that need and have accepted that responsibility,” he said.
Story by Richard Stevens, GoLobos.com
Posted by scarr at August 27, 2009 01:45 PM