Men’s Soccer Falls to Otterbein College in Overtime

OBERLIN, OHIO  — In back-to-back games, the Hiram College men’s soccer team would fall victim in overtime, this time in a 2-1 overtime loss against Otterbein College this afternoon (Sunday, Sept. 5) in a neutral site non-conference game in Oberlin.  [Game Stats]

With the loss, the Terriers drop to 0-3 overall, while the Cardinals improve to 1-2 overall for the season.

Following a scoreless first half, Hiram broke the 0-0 tie with a goal from senior two-time All-North Coast Athletic Conference forward Petar Knezevic (Akron/Ellet), his second goal of the season, at the 56:27 minute mark.  Sophomore All-NCAC midfielder Ryan Greenhill (Solon) was credited with an assist.   Then during the 80th minute, Otterbein evened the score at 1-1 with a score from Matthew Aardema.  Neither team would score another goal in the final minutes of the period, sending the game into overtime.

In the final minutes of the first overtime, the Cardinals struck again with another goal by Aardema at the 97:58 mark, clinching a 2-1 overtime victory.

Senior goalkeeper Joe Tatum (Georgetown, Cayman Islands/St. George’s School) started the game in net for Hiram and played all 97:58.  He made five saves in the effort, but drops to 0-2 overall for the season with the loss.

Hiram will travel to Danville, Ky. for the Centre College Classic on Friday-Saturday, Sept. 10-11.  The Terriers will take on Transylvania (Ky.) University on Friday with kickoff scheduled for 5 p.m.

FOR MORE INFORMATION, please contact Hiram College Sports Information Director Jeff Hoedt by phone at (330) 569-5495, by FAX at (330) 569-5392 or by email at hoedtjm@hiram.edu.

Men’s Soccer Drops Home Opener Against Capital University in Overtime

HIRAM, OHIO  –  The Hiram College men’s soccer team fell short of Capital University, 2-1, in overtime tonight (Friday, Sept. 3) in a non-conference game at the Hiram Soccer Complex.   [Game Stats]

With the loss, the Terriers fall to 0-2 overall, while the Crusaders improve to 1-0 overall for the season.

Both teams would get on the board in the first half and both goals would come via free kicks.  Capital tallied the first goal of the game from Daniel McCarthy at the 3:33 minute mark.  Hiram answered back shortly after with its own goal from senior two-time All-North Coast Athletic Conference forward Petar Knezevic (Akron/Ellet) during the seventh minute to tie the game at 1-1.  Neither team would find the back of the net during the remainder of the period to keep the game deadlocked at 1-1.

In the second half, the Crusaders would own a slit edge in the shot total, 6-5, but both teams were held scoreless, sending the game into overtime.

Nearing the end of the first overtime period, Capital broke the stalemate with a marker from Jeremy Sampson at the 97:59 mark, giving the Crusaders a 2-1 victory.  Josh Thaboune was credited with an assist on the goal.

In goal for Hiram, senior Joe Tatum (Georgetown, Cayman Islands/St. George’s School) played all 97:59, but remained winless on the season and is now 0-2 overall.  He allowed two goals and made five saves.

Hiram will seek its first win of the season on Sunday, Sept. 5 in a neutral site matchup against non-conference opponent Otterbein College.  The game will be played at Oberlin College with kickoff scheduled for 4:30 p.m. in Oberlin.

FOR MORE INFORMATION, please contact Hiram College Sports Information Director Jeff Hoedt by phone at (330) 569-5495, by FAX at (330) 569-5392 or by email at hoedtjm@hiram.edu.

Men’s Soccer Falls Short of Case in Season Opener

UNIVERSITY CIRCLE, OHIO  –  The Hiram College men’s soccer team was defeated by Case, 2-0, tonight (Wednesday, Sept. 1) in the season opener in University Circle.  [Game Stats]

With the loss, the Terriers open the season with a 0-1 overall record, while the Spartans improve to 1-0 overall.

Case scored its first goal, and eventual game winner, at the 14:59 minute mark off the foot of Jordan Fox and an assist from Eric Erb, to make the score 1-0.  The shots would be even between the two teams at 5-5, but the Spartans maintained their one-goal edge at halftime.

In the second half, Case added an isurance goal during the 80th minute on an unassisted goal by Vinny Bell to increase the margin to 2-0 and go on for the two score victory.

In goal for Hiram, senior Joe Tatum (Georgetown, Cayman Islands/St. George’s School) played all 90 minutes allowing the two goals and made one save.  He begins the season with a 0-1 record following the loss.

Hiram will go for its first win of the season when it hosts Capital University in the home opener on Friday, Sept. 3 at the Hiram Soccer Complex.  The game is scheduled to begin at 7 p.m.

FOR MORE INFORMATION, please contact Hiram College Sports Information Director Jeff Hoedt by phone at (330) 569-5495, by FAX at (330) 569-5392 or by email at hoedtjm@hiram.edu.

Men’s Soccer Picked Third in NCAC Preseason Coaches Poll

CLEVELAND, OHIO  –  The Hiram College men’s soccer team was picked to finish third in the 2010 North Coast Athletic Conference Preseason Coaches Poll that was released earlier today (Monday, Aug. 23).  [NCAC Preseason Poll]

Hiram totaled 59 points to rank third overall of nine teams.  Ohio Wesleyan University was tabbed as the preseason favorite with 79 points and seven of nine first place votes.  Kenyon College was second with 72 points and one first place vote.  Defending NCAC Tournament Champion Denison University was picked fourth with 55 points.  Wabash (Ind.) College received the other first-place vote and was ranked seventh overall in the poll with 32 points.

The Terriers posted a season mark of 10-7-2 in 2009 and finished in fourth place in the NCAC with a record of 4-3-2.  Hiram’s 10 victories was the third straight season that the Terriers finished with 10 or more wins.  

In 2010, Hiram will have another experience squad with 18 returning letterwinners and seven starters.

“Our goal has always been to raise expectations,” said seventh-year Head Coach Carl Capellas.  “Not only within in our team, but also the entire Hiram community and the program over all.”

This fall, Hiram will be led offensively by seniors Petar Knezevic (Akron/ Ellet) and Cole Miller (Berlin/Hiland).  Knezevic started 16 of the 18 games he played and led the team in six statistical categories including goals (10), points (24), shots (49), shot percentage (.204), shots on goal (25) and game winning goals (five).  He was one of four players in the NCAC to score 10 or more goals and following the season, Knezevic earned second-team All-Conference accolades for the second straight year.  Miller had another strong season in 2009 finishing in tie for fifth on the team in goals scored with three.  He also tallied a pair of assists to end the season with eight points.

Also back for the Terriers in 2010 will be sophomore All-NCAC midfielder Ryan Greenhill, 2009 NCAC Newcomer of the Year and defender Mike Verdile (Strongsville) and senior goaltender Joe Tatum (Georgetown, Cayman Islands/St. George’s School).  Greenhill made an impact last season as a freshman scoring a team-leading 10 assists and started all 19 games.  His 10 assists ranked second highest in the NCAC and led all freshmen nationally.  Verdile started all 19 games last season and helped anchor a defense that allowed just 1.13 goals per game and posted a combined six shutout victories. Tatum ended the 2009 season with a 10-7-2 record and five shutout victories.  He played in all 19 games and started 18 allowing just 21 goals (1.14 goals against average) while making 79 saves with a 79.0 save percentage.

The 2010 schedule features some of the toughest opponents yet for Hiram highlighted by four teams that qualified for the NCAA Divsion III Tournament last season.  Amongst those four teams include Calvin (Mich.) College who advanced to the NCAA Division III title game.  The Terriers will host three of the four teams, including Calvin on Sept. 18, and NCAC Champion Ohio Wesleyan University on Oct. 16.  Hiram opens the season on Wednesday, Sept. 1 at Case in University Circle.  Kickoff is scheduled for 7:30 p.m.

FOR MORE INFORMATION, please contact Hiram College Sports Information Director Jeff Hoedt by phone at (330) 569-5495, by FAX at (330) 569-5392 or by email at hoedtjm@hiram.edu.

2010 Men’s Soccer Preview

 HIRAM, OHIO  –  Following back-to-back appearances in the North Coast Athletic Conference Tournament, the Hiram College men’s soccer team established itself as a top program in the conference and all of Division III.  Capellas, who has accomplished several previously unattained goals, continues to break new ground for Hiram athletics.  Capellas headed up a project to add lighting to the Hiram Soccer Complex, overseeing all aspects.  

“Our goal has always been to raise expectations,” said seventh-year Head Coach Carl Capellas.  “Not only within in our team, but also the entire Hiram community and the program over all.  Adding lights to our field is a tribute to the strength and extent of the men’s soccer program, alumni and supporters.”

 The Terriers posted a season mark of 10-7-2 in 2009 and finished in fourth place in the NCAC with a record of 4-3-2.  Hiram’s 10 victories was the third straight season that the Terriers finished with 10 or more wins.  

 In 2010, Hiram will have another experience squad with 18 returning letterwinners and seven starters.

 In the midfield, Hiram will have the most holes to fill, but will return sophomore All-NCAC player Ryan Greenhill (Solon).  Greenhill made an impact last season as a freshman scoring a team-leading 10 assists and started all 19 games.  His 10 assists ranked second highest in the NCAC and led all freshmen nationally.  Joining Greenhill will be juniors Kevin Haramis (Norton), Brian Todd (Green), and  Sean Gerin (Warren/Howland) and senior George Schatz (Coraopolis, Pa./Mountour).  Both Haramis and Gerin will make their return to the field after missing all of last year due to injuries.  Todd and Schatz played significant in backup roles, but will battle for playing time this year.  Look for sophomore transfer Taylor Kiefer (North Canton/Hoover) to also make an immediate impact.

 ”We will look for several of our players to step up into more significant roles in midfield this year,” said Capellas.  “Ryan Greenhill is our captain and our engine, he will make our team go.”

 The Terriers will have a group of talented players back at forward led by seniors Petar Knezevic (Akron/ Ellet) and Cole Miller (Berlin/Hiland).  Knezevic started 16 of the 18 games he played and led the team in six statistical categories including goals (10), points (24), shots (49), shot percentage (.204), shots on goal (25) and game winning goals (five).  He was one of four players in the NCAC to score 10 or more goals and following the season, Knezevic earned second-team All-Conference accolades for the second straight year.  Miller had another strong season in 2009 finishing in tie for fifth on the team in goals scored with three.  He also tallied a pair of assists to end the season with eight points.  In addition to Knezevic and Miller, look for sophomore Ryan Minick (North Royalton) to see his share of playing time.  As a freshman last fall, Minick played in 18 games and was fourth on the team in goals with four.  He was also third in shots (34) and had a .118 shot percentage.

 ”Our forwards have a lot of experience,” said Capellas.  “Petar, Cole and Ryan contributed significantly last year.  We have high expectations for them and look for them to lead us this year.”

 On defense, Hiram will also return a host of experienced players.  Highlighting the list of returning defenseman is sophomore and 2009 NCAC Newcomer of the Year Mike Verdile (Strongsville).  Verdile started all 19 games last season and helped anchor a defense that allowed just 1.13 goals per game and posted a combined six shutout victories.  Also expected to make an impact this season is senior Evan Roberts (Akron/Ellet), juniors Tyler Launder (Whitehouse/Anthony Wayne), Jonathan Roszak (Medina) and sophomore Caleb Capron (Salem/West Branch).  All four players had success offensively from their defensive positions with Roberts leading the way with a goal scored to go along with two assists for four points.  Launder also scored a goal while Roszak and Capron both tallied assists.  In addition, look for senior Ross Minick (North Royalton) and sophomore Daniel O’Callaghan (Aberdare, Wales, United Kingdom) to battle for playing time this fall.

 ”Our team will always start with defense.  We look for them to set the tone for our entire team.” said Capellas.  “Evan Roberts and Jon Roszak are two year starters and Mike Verdile had a great first year.  Dan O’Callaghan and Caleb Capron had great springs and we are looking for them to continue in their development.”

 At goalkeeper, senior Joe Tatum (Georgetown, Cayman Islands/St. George’s School) will be the main netminder following a season that saw him finish with a 10-7-2 record and five shutout victories.  The Cayman Island international played in all 19 games and started 18 allowing just 21 goals (1.14 goals against average) while making 79 saves with a 79.0 save percentage.  Sophomore Joe Rottinger (Strongsville) will help to push Tatum as he looks to build off of last year’s experience.

 ”Joe Tatum will anchor our team,” said Capellas.  “He is a special player that will have the chance to play after college.”

The 2010 schedule features some of the toughest opponents yet for Hiram highlighted by four teams that qualified for the NCAA Divsion III Tournament last season.  Amongst those four teams include Calvin (Mich.) College who advanced to the NCAA Division III title game.  The Terriers will host three of the four teams, including Calvin on Sept. 18, and NCAC Champion Ohio Wesleyan University on Oct. 16.

 ”Last year we graduated several significant players,” said Capellas.  “That said, our returning group is very experienced.  We are also looking for several of our freshmen to have an immediate impact.  We set an extremely challenging schedule because we believe in the team we have and want to provide an environment to challenge ourselves.”

FOR MORE INFORMATION, please contact Hiram College Sports Information Director Jeff Hoedt by phone at (330) 569-5495, by FAX at (330) 569-5392 or by email at hoedtjm@hiram.edu.

Hiram Athletic Teams Announce Fall Alumni Events

HIRAM, OHIO  –  Below is a list of alumni events that have been scheduled to take place this fall at Hiram.  For all the latest details about the event, visit the Hiram Alumni Website at http://alumni.hiram.edu.  Then click on the “Attend and Event” link.

Women’s Soccer – Annual alumni-varsity game is Saturday, August 21^st at noon. Alums are invited to socialize after the game at the new Dugout Sports Bar (formerly Gery’s Place). First round is on the Alumni Office.

Men’s Soccer – Alumni Reunion will be held on Friday, September 3^rd, to help celebrate the first game under the lights. Picnic cook-out starting at 5:30 beside the field, dedication and recognition ceremony at 6:30, and varsity game vs Capital at 7:00.

Baseball – Third Annual Golf Outing on Saturday, September 4^th at Forest Oaks Golf Course in Southington, Ohio. Shotgun start at 8:00, lunch in Martin Field House at 1:00.

Football – Annual Reunion will be held on Saturday, September 18^th. Brunch in the new dining hall at 10:30 AM, introductions on the field at 12:30, and varsity game vs Denison at 1:00.

Hall of Fame Induction (This is listed under “Homecoming 2010” on the alumni site) – Ceremony will be held Saturday, September 25^th. Brunch in Dix Dining Room at 10:00, ceremony begins at 10:30. This year’s inductees are: Amy (Contini) Wilson ’93, Robin (Iler) Fee ’91, Stephen Hardaway ’95, Jeff Mimnaugh ’94, Dan O’Connell ’84, Ken Powers ’87, Susan (Hollinger) Testa ’83, William Young ’65.

Men’s Soccer Players David Mason and Nick Gdanetz to Play in OCSA All-Star Game

HIRAM, OHIO  –  Senior Hiram College men’s soccer players David Mason (Akron/Archbishop Hoban) and Nick Gdanetz (McKeen, Pa./Erie Cathedral Prep) will play in the Ohio Collegiate Soccer Association Senior All-Star Game this weekend.

Mason and Gdanetz played major roles in helping the Terriers end the 2009 season with a 10-7-2 overall record and second straight trip to the NCAC Tournament. This past season was also the third straight year Hiram has posted 10 or more wins.

Mason earned multiple post-season awards this year capping a standout four-year career. At the end of the season, he earned third-team NCAA Division III All-Ohio honors as well as being selected third-team All-Great Lakes Region by the National Soccer Coaches Association of America (NSCAA) and earned All-North Coast Athletic Conference accolades for the third time (second consecutive first-team selection).  Mason was a member of a defensive squad that allowed 1.80 goals per game and helped Hiram post six shutout victories. Individually, Mason played in 17 games, including 16 starts, and took two shots, but did not score any goals or assists. For his career, Mason scored one goal and four assists for six total points as a defender. He tallied 28 shots in 67 career games for a .036 lifetime shot percentage.

Gdanetz finished second on the team in goals scored with seven, including a game-winning goal, and in overall points with 18 (seven goals and four assists). He had a .152 shot percentage and converted one-of-two penalty kicks. For his career, Gdanetz has scored 18 goals and 15 assists for 51 career points. He took 135 shots for a lifetime .133 shot percentage. His 18 goals rank seventh all-time in program history, his 15 assists are tied for sixth all-time and his 51 points rank sixth most. Following the season, Gdanetz also became a three-time All-NCAC award winner with his third straight first-team selection in addition to earning third-team NCAA Div. III All-Ohio honors.

The OCSA Senior All-Star game will be held on the campus of Capital University on Sunday, Apr. 25 in Bexley, Ohio.  Various members of men’s soccer programs from all around Ohio have been invited to play in the game, including schools at the NCAA Division I, II and III and NAIA levels.   The men’s all-star game is scheduled to begin at 3 p.m. preceeded by the women’s all-star game at 1 p.m.

FOR MORE INFORMATIN, please contact Hiram College Sports Information Director Jeff Hoedt by phone at (330) 569-5495, by FAX at (330) 569-5392 or by email at hoedtjm@hiram.edu.

Three Men’s Soccer Players Earn All-Ohio Honors

HIRAM, OHIO — Three members of the Hiram College men’s soccer team earned NCAA Division III All-Ohio honors by the Ohio Collegiate Soccer Association for their efforts this past season. Junior Petar Knezevic (Akron/Ellet) was tabbed second-team, and seniors David Mason (Akron/Archbishop Hoban) and Nick Gdanetz (McKeen, Pa./Erie Cathedral Prep) were both third-team picks.

Hiram ended the 2009 season with a 10-7-2 overall record and advanced to the NCAC Tournament for the second straight season. It marks the third straight year Hiram has posted 10 or more wins.

Knezevic adds to his list of post-season awards having already earned second-team All-North Coast Athletic Conference accolades for the second straight season after leading the team in both goals scored (10) and total points (24). He was also led the team in shots (49), shot percentage (.204), game-winning goals (five) and was tied for second in assists with four. He recorded his second consecutive season with 10 goals which ranked fourth most in the conference and his 24 points were the fifth most recorded in the NCAC.

Mason has also earned multiple awards this season, capping a standout four-year career. Earlier this season, he was selected third-team All-Great Lakes Region by the National Soccer Coaches Association of America (NSCAA). Mason was a member of a defensive squad that allowed 1.80 goals per game and helped Hiram post six shutout victories. Individually, Mason played in 17 games, including 16 starts, and took two shots, but did not score any goals or assists. For his career, Mason scored one goal and four assists for six total points as a defender. He tallied 28 shots in 67 career games for a .036 lifetime shot percentage.

This past fall, Gdanetz finished second on the team in goals scored with seven, including a game-winning goal, and in overall points with 18 (seven goals and four assists). He had a .152 shot percentage and converted one-of-two penalty kicks. For his career, Gdanetz has scored 18 goals and 15 assists for 51 career points. He has taken 135 shots for a lifetime .133 shot percentage. His 18 goals rank seventh all-time in program history, his 15 assists are tied for sixth all-time and his 51 points rank sixth most. Following the season, Gdanetz also became a three-time All-NCAC award winner with his third straight first-team selection.

FOR MORE INFORMATION, please contact Hiram College Sports Information Director Jeff Hoedt by phone at (330) 569-5495, by FAX at (330) 569-5392 or by email at hoedtjm@hiram.edu.

Men’s Soccer Player David Mason Earns All-Region Honors

HIRAM, OHIO — Hiram College men’s soccer player and senior defenseman David Mason (Akron/Archbishop Hoban) has been named third-team NSCAA (National Soccer Coaches Association of America) Division III All-Great Lakes Region. [All-Great Lakes Region Teams]

Mason has been tabbed All-Region for the second straight season and this is his second consecutive third-team selection.

Hiram ended the 2009 season with a 10-7-2 overall record and advanced to the NCAC Tournament for the second straight year. It marks the third consecutive season that Hiram has posted 10 or more wins.

This past fall, Mason was a member of a defensive squad that allowed 1.80 goals per game and helped Hiram post six shutout victories. Individually, Mason played in 17 games, including 16 starts, and took two shots, but did not score any goals or assists.

For his career, Mason scored one goal and four assists for six total points as a defender. He tallied 28 shots in 67 career games for a .036 lifetime shot percentage.

FOR MORE INFORMATION, please contact Hiram College Sports Information Director Jeff Hoedt by phone at (330) 569-5495, by FAX at (330) 569-5392 or by email at hoedtjm@hiram.edu.

Men’s Soccer Has Five Named All-NCAC; Verdile Named Newcomer of the Year

CLEVELAND, OHIO — Five members of the Hiram College men’s soccer team have been named to the 2009 All-North Coast Athletic Conference Teams for their individual efforts this season. Senior All-Region midfielder Nick Gdanetz (McKeen, Pa./Erie Cathedral Prep) and senior defender David Mason (Akron/Archbishop Hoban) were both selected first-team. Junior forward Petar Knezevic (Akron/Ellet) earned second-team honors and freshmen midfielders Ryan Greenhill (Solon) and Mike Verdile (Strongsville) were both tabbed honorable mention. In addition, Verdile was named the NCAC Newcomer of the Year, becoming just the second Terrier to garner newcomer of the year accolades. [All-NCAC Teams]

Hiram ended the 2009 season with a 10-7-2 overall record and advanced to the NCAC Tournament for the second straight season. It marks the third straight year Hiram has posted 10 or more wins.

Gdanetz earned his third All-NCAC award and third straight first-team selection. This season, Gdanetz finished second on the team in goals scored with seven, including a game-winning goal, and in overal points with 18 (seven goals and four assists). He had a .152 shot percentage and converted one-of-two penalty kicks. For his career, Gdanetz has scored 18 goals and 15 assists for 51 career points. He has taken 135 shots for a lifetime .133 shot percentage. His 18 goals rank seventh all-time in program history, his 15 assists are tied for sixth all-time and his 51 points rank sixth most.

Mason was named All-NCAC for the third time in his career and earned his second consecutive first-team honor. In 2009, he was a member of a defensive squad that allowed 1.80 goals per game and helped Hiram post six shutout victories. Individually, Mason played in 17 games, including 16 starts, and took two shots, but did not score any goals or assists. For his career, Mason scored one goal and four assists for six total points as a defender. He tallied 28 shots in 67 career games for a .036 lifetime shot percentage.

Knezevic garnered second-team accolades for the second straight season after leading the team in both goals scored (10) and total points (24). He was also led the team in shots (49), shot percentage (.204), game-winning goals (five) and was tied for second in assists with four. He recorded his second consecutive season with 10 goals which ranked fourth most in the conference and his 24 points were the fifth most recorded in the NCAC.

Greenhill and Verdile both capitalized on impressive “rookie” seasons with their first All-NCAC awards as honorable mention picks. Greenhill started all 19 games as a freshman and led the team in assists with 11 which is the second highest assist total in a single season in program history. His 11 assists also tied him for the most recorded this season in the conference. Greenhill averaged .58 assists per game which put him in a tie for 18th nationally amongst Division III schools.

Verdile started all 19 games as a defender in his first season as a Terrier. He took nine shots this season, but did not record any goals or assists. Verdile joined Mason as a member of a defensive team that gave up 1.80 goals per game and posted six shutouts.

FOR MORE INFORMATION, please contact Hiram College Sports Information Director Jeff Hoedt by phone at (330) 569-5495, by FAX at (330) 569-5392 or by email at hoedtjm@hiram.edu.

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