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2008 West Virginia University Men's Soccer Guide

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2008 MEN’S SOCCER GUIDE Table of Contents 1.................................................................Quick Facts and Credits 2.................................................................................2008 Schedule 3....................................................... Head Coach Marlon LeBlanc 7....................................................... Assistant Coach Bryan Green 8............................................................ Assistant Coach Mark Carr 9.................................................................................... Support Staff 11........................................................... One-on-One with LeBlanc 14............................................................................................ Rosters 15..................................................................... Mountaineer Profiles 28........................................................................Newcomer Profiles 31.................................................................... 2008 Season Preview 34.................................................................Opponent Information 37..................................................................... 2007 Season Review 40.............................................................................2007 Box Scores 43..................................................................................Record Book 52..................................................................... Year-by-Year Results 53............................................................................... Series Records 54...............................................................................All-Time Scores 60........................................................... Professional Mountaineers 62.......................................................... Strength and Conditioning 64.......................................................... Dick Dlesk Soccer Stadium 66.............................................................. Caperton Indoor Facility 68..............................................................Student-Athlete Services 71.................................................Academic Performance Center 73................................................................... BIG EAST Conference 77................................................................. West Virginia University 82......................................................Athletic Director Ed Pastilong 83.......................................................... Mountaineer Athletic Club 84..............................................................2007-08 Athletic Success 86................................................................. Excellence In Athletics 87........................................................................ Media Information

General Information Location: Morgantown, W.Va. Founded: 1867 Enrollment: 28,113 Nickname: Mountaineers Colors: Old Gold (PMS 124) and Blue (PMS 295) Conference: BIG EAST Interim President: Dr. C. Peter Magrath Director of Athletics: Ed Pastilong Team Information Head Coach: Marlon LeBlanc (Penn State, ‘00) Record at WVU: 29-9-5 (Third Season) Career Record: 33-12-5 Assistants: Bryan Green (Sixth Season) Mark Carr (Second Season) Soccer Phone: (304) 293-2300 ext. 5556 Soccer Fax: (304) 293-2825 2007 Record: 14-6-2 BIG EAST Record (Finish): 7-3-1 (3rd, Blue Division) Letterwinners Returning/Lost: 12/7 Starters Returning/Lost: 5/6 Home Field/Capacity: Dick Dlesk Soccer Stadium/1,650 Sports Information Men’s Soccer Contact: Ira Green E-Mail: Ira.Green@mail.wvu.edu Phone: (304) 293-2821 Fax: (304) 293-4105 Website: MSNsportsNET.com

Credits: The 2008 West Virginia University men’s soccer guide has been published by the WVU Department of Intercollegiate Athletics. Managing Editor: Joe Swan Editor: Tim Goodenow Writers: Phil Caskey, Allison Hoehn Layout & Cover Design: Tim Goodenow Photographers: All-Pro Photography by Dale Sparks, Bob Beverly, John Bright, M.G. Ellis, Pete Emerson, Dan Friend, Jeff Geissler, Tim Goodenow, David Green, Mike Hardy, Julia Lucas, Jim Montgomery, Dan Nagy, Brian Persinger, Chuck Scheer, Steve Smith, Martin Valent, WVU Athletic Archives, WVU Photographic Services, David Zicherman Contributors: Lisa Ammons, Phil Caskey, Michael Fragale, Ira Green, Cheryl Maust, Bryan Messerly, Mike Montoro, Amy Prunty, Steve Stone, Kelly Tuckwiller, Nathaniel Zinn. Printer: Champion Industries/Chapman Printing © 2008 West Virginia Department of Intercollegiate Athletics. The indicia depicted are registered trademarks of West Virginia University. West Virginia University is an equal opportunity/affirmative action institution.

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2008 SCHEDULE Date Aug. 16 Aug. 23 Aug. 29 Aug. 31 Sept. 5 Sept. 7 Sept. 13 Sept. 19 Sept. 21 Sept. 26 Sept. 28 Oct. 3 Oct. 8 Oct. 11 Oct. 15 Oct. 18 Oct. 21 Oct. 25 Oct. 29 Nov. 1 Nov. 5 Nov. 8 Nov. 14 Nov. 16

Opponent VIRGINIA (exhibition) at Kentucky (exhibition) LAFAYETTE$ DUQUESNE$ at Akron! vs. Wisconsin-Green Bay! ST. FRANCIS (Pa.) VILLANOVA RUTGERS at DePaul at USF at Connecticut PITT at Providence OHIO STATE SETON HALL MARYLAND at Georgetown MARQUETTE NOTRE DAME BIG EAST First Round (Host Site) BIG EAST Second Round (Host Site) BIG EAST Semifinals BIG EAST Finals

Place Morgantown Lexington, Ky. Morgantown Morgantown Akron, Ohio Akron, Ohio Morgantown Morgantown Morgantown Chicago, Ill. Tampa, Fla. Storrs, Conn. Morgantown Providence, R.I. Morgantown Morgantown Morgantown Washington, D.C. Morgantown Morgantown TBD TBD Tampa, Fla. Tampa, Fla.

Home games in ALL CAPS $ - West Virginia University Classic, Morgantown, W.Va. ! - University of Akron Classic, Akron, Ohio,

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Time 7:30 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 2 p.m. 7:30 p.m. Noon 7 p.m. 7 p.m. Noon 4 p.m. 1 p.m. 8 p.m. 7 p.m. 1 p.m. 8 p.m. 7 p.m. 8 p.m. Noon 7 p.m. 7 p.m. TBD TBD TBD TBD


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HEAD COACH MARLON LEBLANC Marlon LeBlanc Head Coach Third Season • 2006 Soccer America National Coach of the Year • 2006 FieldTurf-Tarket National Coach of the Year • 2006 NSCAA/adidas Northeast Regional Coach of the Year • 2006 BIG EAST Coaching Staff of the Year In just two seasons, Head Coach Marlon LeBlanc, the 2006 Soccer America and FieldTurf-Tarket National Coach of the Year, has built the West Virginia men’s soccer program into a national contender, guiding the Mountaineers to the NCAA tournament in each of the last two seasons with first round byes, advancing to the “Sweet 16” in 2007 and winning the BIG EAST regular season championship in 2006. The proof of LeBlanc’s success is in the numbers. The Mountaineers have compiled a 29-9-5 (.733) record the past two seasons, including an impressive 16-3-2 (.810) BIG EAST mark. WVU is 18-3-1 at home during that span. Three players have been named All-Americans -- Jarrod Smith (2006), Nick Noble (2006) and Andy Wright (2007). Six players have been named All-BIG EAST, with two earning major conference awards (Noble, Smith, Wright, Dan Stratford, Gift Maworere and Andrew Halsell). Six players are now playing professionally (Pat Carroll (D.C. United), Jyler Noviello (Wilmington Hammerheads), Noble (Chicago Fire), Smith (Toronto FC), Stratford (D.C. United) and Wright (Scunthorpe United), including four in the MLS. Four players have been invited to the MLS combine. WVU has been ranked in the nation’s top 25 since the first week of the 2006 season. In the last two seasons against the nation’s top 25, West Virginia boasts an impressive 8-5-1 record. Accolades haven’t been limited to the field, either, during LeBlanc’s tenure as Carroll garnered ESPN The Magazine/CoSIDA Academic All-America third-team honors, and the squad boasted a 3.17 team GPA in 2007-08. In 2007, WVU was ranked for the length of season, posted a 14-6-2 record and reached the Sweet 16 for the second time in school history as the NCAA tournament’s No. 15 seed. WVU pulled off three wins against the nation’s top 10: at No. 6 Maryland (1-0), at No. 5 Duke (1-0), and at home against No. 1 Connecticut (1-0), in front of 1,773 fans at Dick Dlesk Soccer Stadium. The win over the Huskies marked the highest-ranked team WVU had defeated in school history. Last season, the Mountaineers also set numerous school records: 14 shutouts, allowed just 11 goals, posted six-consecutive shutouts, and Stratford set the career assist mark at 27. LeBlanc took over at West Virginia on the opening day of preseason camp in 2006 and helped the program reach new heights immediately. The Mountaineers posted a 15-3-3 record in 2006, with a 9-0-1 record in BIG EAST play, marking the first time a team in the conference had gone undefeated playing

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at least a 10-game schedule. The 15 wins in 2006 were also the most in school history. For his efforts, LeBlanc and his assistants were named the 2006 BIG EAST Coaching Staff of the Year, and LeBlanc was named the NSCAA/adidas Northeast Region Coach of the Year. Under his tutelage, WVU spent eight weeks ranked in the top 10 in 2006 and five in the top five, ranking as high as third. LeBlanc came to WVU from Penn State, where he played beginning in 1994, before serving as an assistant from 2001-05. His duties included serving as the recruiting coordinator, assistant director and coordinator for Penn State soccer camps, video analysis and coordination of game-day operations and community outreach. He helped the Nittany Lions earn NCAA tournament bids in four out of five seasons, including “Sweet 16” appearances in 2001 and 2005, and a “Elite Eight” appearance in 2002. LeBlanc also guided Penn State to Big Ten championships in 2002 and 2005. Penn State ended the 2002 season ranked No. 8 and finished the 2005 season ranked No. 10 by the NSCAA. In all, LeBlanc helped lead Penn State to a 62-34-12 record. That includes seven games in 2002 in which he filled in for coach Barry Gorman, posting a 4-3 record in the midst of a Big Ten championship run.

UConn’s Ray Reid and Marlon LeBlanc meet in the middle after WVU’s upset win over the top-ranked Huskies in 2007.

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HEAD COACH MARLON LEBLANC During his time in the Big Ten, LeBlanc was considered to be amongst the nation’s top collegiate assistants and best recruiters, earning a nomination for the 2002 AFLAC Assistant Coach of the Year. In 2005, with all players part of LeBlanc’s recruiting classes, Penn State won the Big Ten regular season championship with a 6-0 record. The Nittany Lions also went on to win the Big Ten tournament title that year. In 2004, LeBlanc recruited the 2004 Big Ten Freshman of the Year. That year, two of LeBlanc’s recruits were named to the Soccer America Freshman All-America team. As recruiting coordinator, LeBlanc’s classes were ranked No. 9 and No. 8 in America in 2001 and 2002, respectively, by collegesoccernews. com. The 2002 class was ranked No. 6 in America by Soccer America. In 2002, LeBlanc took over as the head coach of Penn State for a seven-game stretch as Barry Gorman had to step away for medical reasons. During that stretch, PSU posted a 4-3 record, with a 2-2 record in Big Ten play defeating Ohio State and Northwestern. The team went on to advance to the NCAA tournament Elite Eight before falling to eventual national champion, UCLA. The East Windsor, N.J., native holds national, advanced national and premier coaching diplomas with a “Distinguished Pass” from the NSCAA. In 2005, LeBlanc served as a clinician at the NSCAA national convention. He is a member of the Black Soccer Coaches Association (BSCA) and serves on the Leadership Council for the Black Soccer Coaches Committee. He is also a member of the Black Coaches Association (BCA). LeBlanc was instrumental in the creation of the ‘One WVU’ initiative, which promotes diversity among all races of students, faculty and staff through fellowship on WVU’s campuses. A Hightstown High four-year starter, LeBlanc received all-state, all-area and all-county honors during his scholastic career. In addition to starring for his high school program, LeBlanc was a Region I Olympic Development Program (ODP) standout and a New Jersey ODP team captain. His club side Jersey Shore Boca (N.J.) captured the Under-17 New Jersey State Club Championship. LeBlanc has traveled to England, Brazil, Portugal, and most recently, to the 2006 FIFA World Cup in Germany to further his coaching education. LeBlanc recently became a member of the West Virginia ODP staff and was named to the Dominion Post’s 100 Most Influential people in 2007. He also serves as a leading mentor in the WVU Leadership Studies Program and is an adjunct member of WVU’s Fieldcrest Hall Advisory Board. LeBlanc graduated from Penn State in 2000 with a bachelor of arts degree in economics. He and wife, Jennifer, reside in Morgantown with their daughter, Alexandra, and son, Kellan. LeBlanc Year-by-Year at WVU 2006: 15-3-3, 9-0-1 BIG EAST*, 0-1 NCAA 2007: 14-6-2, 7-3-1 BIG EAST, 1-1 NCAA Total: 29-9-5 Overall, 16-3-2 BIG EAST, 1-2 NCAA *BIG EAST Regular Season Champions

The LeBlanc family: Jennifer, Alexandra, Kellan and Marlon.

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HEAD COACH MARLON LEBLANC

ica r e m A r e c c 2006 So ch of the Year atoinal Coa

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ASSISTANT COACH BRYAN GREEN Bryan Green Assistant Coach Sixth Season Bryan Green is in his sixth season as an assistant coach at WVU. He has been an integral part of West Virginia’s BIG EAST and NCAA tournament success since he arrived in Morgantown. In his five years at West Virginia, Green has assisted in all facets of the soccer program including training, recruiting, budgeting, academic advising, scouting, scheduling and fundraising. The Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio, native played a crucial role in developing WVU’s six MLS players Aaron Pitchkolan (FC Dallas), Devon McTavish (D.C. United), Nick Noble (Chicago Fire), Jarrod Smith (Toronto FC), Dan Stratford (D.C. United) and Pat Carroll (D.C. United). He has also helped develop seven All-BIG EAST players, one preseason all-conference player, three academic all-region players and one ESPN The Magazine/CoSIDA Academic All-American. Last year, Green was a key factor in WVU’s berth into the NCAA tournament’s “Sweet 16.” Along the way, West Virginia knocked off three top 10 teams, including No. 1 Connecticut. WVU also set school records for shutouts in a season (14), fewest goals allowed in a season (11), tallying a six-game consecutive shutout streak and coaching Stratford to the school’s all-time assists mark (27). In Green’s fourth season as an assistant at WVU, he played a significant role in helping WVU to a 9-0-1 league record and the 2006 BIG EAST regular season championship. The Mountaineers won a school-record 15 games and hosted an NCAA tournament game in Morgantown for the second-consecutive season. That year, two Mountaineers (Noble and Smith) earned All-America honors. WVU also received its highest-ever ranking in the national polls, climbing as high as No. 3. In 2005, Green helped guide the Mountaineers to their first NCAA tournament since 1992 and only their second-ever win in the tournament. WVU ended 2005 with a 13-8-2 record and 12 shutouts, setting then program records for wins and shutouts. In 2004, Green assisted a West Virginia team that just missed a bid to the NCAA tournament with a 12-7-1 record. The Mountaineers knocked off two ranked opponents during that season (Notre Dame and St. John’s), earned their first-ever national ranking (No. 17 by Soccer America) and won their first BIG EAST tournament match in school history to advance to the conference semifinals. In his first year as a Mountaineer assistant, Green helped rebuild the program to respectability. Despite the team’s 5-10-3 record, WVU posted six shutouts and lost seven of its matches by just one goal. In 1997, Green received his bachelor’s degree in business administration at Elizabethtown (Pa.) College. While there, he excelled in soccer, earning All-America honors in 1996. He helped lead the Blue Jays to a 76-13-4 record, including three Middle Atlantic Conference championships and four NCAA tournament appearances. Upon completing his undergraduate degree, Green headed to East Stroudsburg (Pa.) College. There, he earned a master’s degree in health and physical education with a concentration in sport management in 2000. Green has coached at both of his alma maters, Elizabethtown from 1997-99, and East Stroudsburg from 1999-2000. Prior to WVU, he served as Keystone College’s head coach from 2000-02. Greene coached the squad to a 14-3-1 record in 2002, good enough to earn the team a No. 3 NJCAA Division III national ranking. Green is a member of the NSCAA and holds national and advanced national diplomas. He also holds a USSF ‘B’ coaching license. Green and his wife, Ehren, reside in Morgantown.

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ASSISTANT COACH MARK CARR Mark Carr Assistant Coach Second Season Mark Carr is in his first full-time season with the Mountaineers and second overall after serving as a graduate assistant with the program last year. Carr is responsible for training the goalkeepers, assisting in the day-to-day operations of the program and is heavily involved in recruiting. Last year, Carr played a key role in WVU’s berth into the NCAA tournament’s “Sweet 16.” West Virginia knocked off three top 10 teams, including No. 1 Connecticut at home, and No. 5 Duke and No. 6 Maryland on the road. WVU also set school records for shutouts in a season (14), fewest goals allowed in a season (11), a six-game consecutive shutout streak and coaching Dan Stratford to the school’s alltime assists mark (27). The Bloomington, Minn., native came to West Virginia from Elmira College in New York where he was the head coach for three seasons. Elmira had five players named Empire 8 All-Conference and featured the 2006 Empire 8 Rookie of the Year on its squad under Carr. Four of his players were named NSCAA East Regional Academic All-Americans, excelling in the classroom as well as on the field. In addition to developing players, Carr was involved in scheduling, fundraising, equipment and score reporting to the media. Carr served as the Director of Intramurals at the school for three years and was the Director of the Fitness Center in 2006. He also obtained a master’s of science in education from Elmira in 2006. Carr is a 2003 graduate of Virginia Military Institute, where he earned a bachelor of arts in history. While at VMI, he was a fouryear starter for the Keydets, a team captain and a member of the Southern Conference All-Academic Team. Carr is a member of the NSCAA and holds NSCAA National and Advanced National Diplomas. He resides in Morgantown.

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Eric Steege Volunteer Assistant Second Season

SUPPORT STAFF

Eric Steege is in his second season with the Mountaineers as a volunteer assistant. Steege helps in all aspects of the WVU men’s soccer program, including training sessions and gameday operations. The Madison, Wis., native, played the last three years on the semi-pro Princeton 56e4s NPSL team, coached by Jim Launder. The team was the Midwest Division Champions and National Championship runner-up in 2006 and 2007. Steege currently is a professor of sports psychology at WVU and is on course to earn his Ph. D. in sport and exercise psychology in 2010. An assistant women’s coach in 2006-07 at Edgewood College, Steege worked under Head Coach Tim Alexander and assisted with practice design, strength and conditioning programs, scouting and recruiting. Steege is a 2004 graduate of St. Olaf College in Northfield, Minn., where he earned a bachelor of arts degree in psychology and a bachelor of arts degree in biology. He graduated Magna Cum Laude with a concentration in Neuroscience. He published two articles in Soccer America and presented twice at the US Youth Soccer adidas Workshop in Pittsburgh this past summer. He resides in Morgantown.

Shahab Mohaghegh Volunteer Assistant Eighth Season

Shahab Mohaghegh is in his eighth season with the Mountaineers as a volunteer assistant. Mohaghegh helps in all aspects of the WVU men’s soccer program while working as a professor of petroleum and natural gas engineering at WVU. A native of Tehran, Iran, Mohaghegh holds an advanced national diploma from the NSCAA and a ‘B’ coaching license from US Soccer. Mohaghegh graduated from Penn State with a Ph.D. in petroleum engineering and earned a bachelor of science degree from Texas A&M where he played on the men’s soccer team from 1978-79. Mohaghegh and his wife, Narges Gaskari, reside in Morgantown.

Mike Joseph Strength and Conditioning First Season

Mike Joseph is in his first year as the director of strength and conditioning at West Virginia. Joseph, who came to WVU in January from Notre Dame, will administer, coordinate, develop, implement and teach strength and conditioning programs for all Mountaineer student-athletes with a major emphasis on the football program. Prior to coming to Notre Dame, he spent two years as an assistant strength coach at Eastern Michigan (2001-03), served as a graduate assistant at WVU for two years (1999-2001), worked at Healthworks Fitness and Rehabilitation in Morgantown during the 2001 summer and was the strength and conditioning coach at Fairmont State (Aug. 1998 – May 1999). He earned his bachelor’s degree in psychology with a minor in biology and received his master’s degree from West Virginia in physical education with an emphasis in sport movement and development. He is certified by the Collegiate Strength and Conditioning Coaches Association (CSCCA) and the National Strength Coaches Association (NSCA).

Bubba Schmidt Equipment Manager

Veteran staff member Robert “Bubba” Schmidt is in his 27th season as equipment manager at West Virginia. He is responsible for all the athletic garb and gear worn by each of WVU’s varsity athletic teams, with the exception of football. He is responsible for the ordering of new equipment for 16 sports. One of his primary duties includes keeping an up-to-date inventory of all equipment items and storage, a task he handles efficiently for hundreds of Mountaineer athletes practicing out of the Coliseum and Shell Building. The 1976 graduate of WVU has a bachelor’s degree in physical education. He has worked in the equipment room since 1978 and was elevated to equipment manager at the start of the 1980 season. The Wheeling native is married to the former Betsey Pedone. They have three daughters, Kay-lee, Iliana and Anne Peyton.

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SUPPORT STAFF Kevin Kotsko Athletic Trainer

Kevin Kotsko is in his eighth season as an athletic trainer at West Virginia. He is in charge of the Shell Building athletic training room and oversees three sports, as well as teaching several classes in West Virginia’s undergraduate athletic training program. His primary sports are men’s soccer, wrestling and men’s and women’s swimming and diving. Prior to his tenure at WVU, Kotsko spent one season as the head athletic trainer at Pitt-Bradford and three years as the head athletic trainer at Seton LaSalle High in Pittsburgh. A 1995 graduate of Slippery Rock, Kotsko received his master’s degree in 1996 from Virginia. Kotsko resides in Morgantown.

Ehren Green Educational Counselor

Ehren Green is in her second year as the WVU men’s soccer educational advisor. A Crestview Hills, Ky., native, Green, is responsible for the team’s day-to-day academic monitoring, assisting the student-athletes in scheduling, monitoring of study hall and mentoring. She earned her bachelor’s degree from Ball State in 2003 in exercise science and wellness and garnered her master’s degree in sport management from West Virginia in 2004. She finished her second master’s degree from WVU in 2006 in higher education administration. A four-year women’s soccer starter and letterwinner at Ball State, Green resides in Morgantown and is married to WVU men’s soccer assistant coach Bryan Green.

Ira Green Sports Communications

Ira Green, a 2008 graduate from UCF, is in his first season as a graduate assistant in the WVU sports communications office. He will earn his master’s degree in sport management in 2010 from WVU. Green most recently was an undergraduate student assistant at UCF for three years where he served as the primary media relations contact for the Knights’ men’s tennis program. In the summer and winter breaks of 2006-07, Green was a programming and promotion’s intern at ESPN Radio 760 in West Palm Beach, Fla. There, he assisted in the marketing of live broadcasts, researched facts and statistics for on-air shows and wrote press releases. During his undergraduate career, Green served as a broadcaster with Knightcast and UCF-TV in Orlando. There he wrote scripts for the student radio station and broadcasted games live.

Brandon Daniels Manager

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Sue Davis Administrative Assistant

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Steve Bierer Equipment Manager


ONE-ON-ONE WITH COACH L e BLANC How has being in the national spotlight impacted the Mountaineer soccer program?

Now in your third season, how is it different from the last two seasons?

We have certainly gained a lot of respect from our peers in terms that we are playing the elite teams and that they are coming to Morgantown to play us. I think that’s a direct reflection of our status nationally, the fact that we can bring a team like Maryland in to play; we can bring in a team like Ohio State to play. They see us as legitimate contenders and want to play us. Also, from a recruiting standpoint, we are paying big dividends from being one of the top programs. We have a great recruiting class and recruiting is looking up already for 2009. I think the success of the program has affected us in many positive ways.

The past two seasons, we took on a ‘what do we have to lose’ mentality as a team. It was a fresh start for a number of guys here. It was a different style, a different system and certainly I benefited from having an older and experienced team. I inherited a team that was very much junior and senior-laden, which is always good for your first team. Now, I have a group of guys that are mostly freshmen and sophomores and that changes things a little bit. I think it’s going to be a lot more hands-on. There are a lot of things that you can do with an older, more experienced team in terms of letting them figure things out themselves. With a younger team you may have to tell and show them things more. I think I have some more sleepless nights coming up for me than my first two seasons, but I’m excited about this group because it’s so young, untested and unproven. We have a lot to be excited about but, we also have a lot of work ahead of us.

You have a large incoming freshmen class of 13. What are you expecting from them? We had to have a big class this year. We graduated half the team in the last two years and half of the graduates moved on to play professionally at the next level. This group is an excellent group, top to bottom, and I would put it up against any group in the country. I think the biggest issue with them is that they are young, and they are going to be inexperienced. Technically, they are all very sound, they all have tremendous pace and are a bunch of winners. The only thing they lack is the big-time college experience. This will be a bit of a rebuilding year for us. I’m expecting these kids to step in, and we expect them all to be competing and challenging for starting spots immediately.

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ONE-ON-ONE WITH COACH L e BLANC You are playing one of the toughest schedules in the BIG EAST this year in conference and non-conference play. How will this impact the team? Our BIG EAST schedule is tough enough already, and then we throw Ohio State, Maryland and Akron into the mix. We’re talking about three teams that were seeded in the NCAA tournament last year just on our non-conference slate. So we have nine teams total that were in the NCAA tournament last year on our schedule. The team will be tested out of the gate, and we built the schedule to play at home as much as we could to make the transition from high school to college easier on the new guys. We have a lot of home games and I think that will help our young group a lot. I think the schedule will prepare them not just for this year but for the future. You have been nationally ranked every week except one in two seasons. What does this do for the program and for the team? The only week that we haven’t been ranked since I’ve been here was preseason when I first got here so the rankings show how we’ve been consistent over the past two years and that speaks volumes about how far we’ve come. You look at the Top 25 poll, and WVU will be in it. That is certainly a testament to the kids and how hard they work in this program. It just speaks volumes of where we are.

How will the BIG EAST Conference rank nationally this year? We play in the toughest conference in the country in my opinion. Nobody has to go to Chicago and play on Friday and then fly to Tampa and play on Sunday. That takes unbelievable discipline and unbelievable mental strength to be able to do that. I truly believe this is the best conference in the country. The BIG EAST had four teams in the “Sweet 16” in the NCAA tournament, we had two in the “Elite Eight” and we had seven in the field of 48. When you look at it, there are 23 automatic bids into the tournament and that means six of the 25 at-large bids went to BIG EAST teams. That’s a quarter of the entire field. For us to be a leader in this conference is tremendous, and it’s tough to keep up with, but no one would have it any other way. With such a young team, who will you be looking to for leadership? There is no doubt that Gift Maworere will be the mainstay on our team. He is someone who is a proven winner and someone who everyone will key in on when they play against us. He is an All-American candidate in my eyes, and he is the guy that we’re going to go behind. I think Paul Paradise is one who we need more output from. He came in and did well his freshman year and scored some goals, but we need more out of him, and he knows that. I think Paul is someone who can really be a big-time player at this level. Jason Bristol got an opportunity to prove himself last year late in the season so now we want him to be consistent. He’s an upperclassman and has a lot of experience. Those are your guys up the middle of the field. We hope that some of the other guys will step up and be leaders but, I think our success revolves around Gift. How did your spring season help prepare the team for the fall? I think the spring was good in a number of ways. It was an opportunity to get our players game experience, and it gave us a chance to implement our tactics for the fall. We did it without a lot of the pieces with the seniors gone and the freshmen class not here yet. We were bare-bones in terms of numbers, but the guys got to see what we were looking at doing for the fall. We scored a lot of goals which was great, but unfortunately we had a number of injuries and that prevented us from doing everything we wanted to do. It was good to give the guys who didn’t get to see a lot of time in the fall the opportunity to play.

Midfielder Gift Maworere

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ROSTERS ALPHABETICAL Name Cl. Pos. Ht. Wt. Hometown 2 Jason Bristol Jr. D 6-4 180 Franklin, Tenn. 14 Sean Brooks Sr. M 5-8 182 Woodstock, Ga. 0 Ryan Chance r-Sr. GK 5-10 165 Marietta, Ga. 5 Gary Clark Fr. D 6-0 165 Harrisburg, Pa. 24 Nick Claudio Fr. D 5-11 155 Charleston, W.Va. 6 Declan Coll Fr. M 5-11 165 Derry, N. Ireland 26 Devin Colon Fr. F 5-7 140 Spring, Texas 23 Kona Dennis Fr. D 5-9 160 Reston, Va. 21 Chase Dewese Jr. M 6-1 160 Beckley, W.Va. 25 Brandon Fischetti Fr. F 5-9 155 Monroeville, Pa. 20 Kurt Freemyer Fr. F 5-9 140 Arlington, Va. 13 Raymon Gaddis Fr. D 5-9 140 Indianapolis, Ind. 10 Ruben Garrido Fr. M 5-10 160 Elkhart, Ind. 29 Ryan Gillespie Jr. D 5-8 130 Virginia Beach, Va. 4 Connor Gorman Fr. D 6-0 160 Philadelphia, Pa. 12 Daniel Hagey So. F 6-0 155 Ephrata, Pa. 1 Zach Johnson r-So. GK 6-5 185 Lumberton, N.J. 3 Donald La Guerre Sr. D 5-9 185 Arima, Trinidad 15 Tony Lindroos Jr. F 5-6 165 Espoo, Finland 7 Gift Maworere Jr. M 5-8 160 Bulawayo, Zimbabwe 8 Adam Mills Fr. F 5-9 160 Indianapolis, Ind. 18 Billy Noojin Fr. GK 6-1 180 Acworth, Ga. 9 Paul Paradise So. F 6-1 155 Pittsburgh, Pa. 22 Michael Pitrolo Fr. F 6-2 170 Parkersburg, W.Va. 16 Alex Silva Fr. M 5-8 171 Rio De Janeiro, Brazil 11 Mo Travis Jr. F 5-9 150 Papillion, Neb. 17 Kyle West Jr. D 5-11 160 Omaha, Neb. 19 Alex Yost Sr. F 6-3 170 Royal Oak, Mich. Head Coach: Marlon LeBlanc Assistant Coach: Bryan Green Assistant Coach: Mark Carr Volunteer Assistant: Eric Steege Volunteer Assistant: Shahab Mohaghegh Manager: Brandon Daniels STATE OR PROVINCE Pennsylvania Georgia Indiana Virginia West Virginia Nebraska Brazil Finland Ireland Michigan New Jersey Tennessee Texas Trinidad Zimbabwe

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CLASS Freshman Sophomore Junior Senior

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2007 NCAA SWEET SIXTEEN

NUMERICAL Name 0 Ryan Chance 1 Zach Johnson 2 Jason Bristol 3 Donald La Guerre 4 Connor Gorman 5 Gary Clark 6 Declan Coll 7 Gift Maworere 8 Adam Mills 9 Paul Paradise 10 Ruben Garrido 11 Mo Travis 12 Daniel Hagey 13 Raymon Gaddis 14 Sean Brooks 15 Tony Lindroos 16 Alex Silva 17 Kyle West 18 Billy Noojin 19 Alex Yost 20 Kurt Freemyer 21 Chase Dewese 22 Michael Pitrolo 23 Kona Dennis 24 Nick Claudio 25 Brandon Fischetti 26 Devin Colon 29 Ryan Gillespie

POSITION Goalkeeper Defender Midfielder Forward

Cl. r-Sr. r-So. Jr. Sr. Fr. Fr. Fr. Jr. Fr. So. Fr. Jr. So. Fr. Sr. Jr. Fr. Jr. Fr. Sr. Fr. Jr. Fr. Fr. Fr. Fr. Fr. Jr.

Pos. GK GK D D D D M M F F M F F D M F M D GK F F M F D D F F D

3 9 6 10


PHOTO/TV ROSTER (newcomers not included)

Jason Bristol 6-4, 180, Junior Defender Franklin, Tenn.

Sean Brooks 5-8, 182, Senior Midfielder Woodstock, Ga.

Ryan Chance 5-10, 165, Senior Goalkeeper Marietta, Ga.

Chase Dewese 6-1, 160, Junior Midfielder Beckley, W.Va.

Ryan Gillespie 5-8, 130, Junior Midfielder/Defender Virginia Beach, Va.

Dan Hagey 6-0, 155, Sophomore Forward Ephrata, Pa.

Zach Johnson 6-5, 185, r-Sophomore Goalkeeper Lumberton, N.J.

Donald La Guerre 5-9, 185, Senior Midfielder/Defender Arima, Trinidad

Tony Lindroos 5-6, 165, Junior Forward Espoo, Finland

Gift Maworere 5-8, 160, Junior Midfielder Bulawayo, Zimbabwe

Paul Paradise 6-1, 155, Sophomore Forward Pittsburgh, Pa.

Alex Yost 6-3, 170, Senior Forward Royal Oak, Mich.

Marlon LeBlanc Head Coach Third Season

Bryan Green Assistant Coach Sixth Season

Mark Carr Assistant Coach Second Season

2007 NCAA SWEET SIXTEEN

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2007 NCAA SWEET SIXTEEN


MOUNTAINEER PROFILES Sean Brooks 5-8, 160, Senior Midfielder Woodstock, Ga. Smart midfielder who earned quality time last season off the bench … had a solid spring season … one of four seniors on the team. At West Virginia 2007: Played in 16 games … earned first career start against USF … had a breakout game against Seton Hall with lone goal of the season on a season-high two shots against the Pirates. At West Virginia 2006: Played in eight matches during the regular season … recorded two shots, including one on-goal. At West Virginia 2005: Saw action in 18 games as a freshman … scored his first career goal against Robert Morris … recorded two shots on goal ... logged time against Rutgers in first round of the BIG EAST tournament. In High School: Team captain at Etowah High ... four-time all-Cherokee County selection ... 2004 Cherokee County Player of the Year ... team MVP ... played club soccer for the Atlanta Silverbacks Red with fellow Mountaineer Ryan Chance ... helped lead Silverbacks to Georgia state championship and region three quarterfinals ... winners of Raleigh Shootout and Atlanta Cup ... club ranked as high as 13th nationally in 2004. Personal: Son of June and Robyn Brooks ... birthday is Nov. 13 ... BIG EAST Academic All-Star … Athletic Director’s Academic Honor Roll … majoring in athletic coaching education. Brooks’ Career Statistics Year M 2005 18 2006 8 2007 16 Career 42

MS 1 0 1 2

S 2 2 7 11

G 1 0 1 2

GWG 0 0 0 0

A 0 0 0 0

Pts 2 0 2 4

“Sean worked very hard this spring to try and earn a starting spot for this season. We will be looking for Sean to provide senior leadership in the midfield. He played a significant role in our team success in 2007, and we are expecting even more from him in 2008.” – Head Coach Marlon LeBlanc

2007 NCAA SWEET SIXTEEN

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2007 NCAA SWEET SIXTEEN


MOUNTAINEER PROFILES Ryan Chance 5-10, 165, r-Senior Goalkeeper Marietta, Ga. Quality goalkeeper who provides senior leadership … saw time during the spring season … continues to improve between the posts … will compete for the starting position this year … one of the team’s two captains this season.

Johnson.

At West Virginia in 2007: Played in one match last season against Seton Hall … served as a back-up goalkeeper to Zach

At West Virginia in 2006: Served as back-up to All-America goalkeeper Nick Noble as a sophomore … saw action in one match … allowed one goal and tallied one save against Seton Hall. At West Virginia in 2005: Did not see action as a freshman. In High School: 2005 senior all-star team nominee from Lassiter High ... team captain senior season ... coaches award recipient ... played club soccer for the Atlanta Silverbacks Red with fellow Mountaineer Sean Brooks ... helped lead Silverbacks to Georgia state championship and region three quarterfinals ... winners of Raleigh Shootout and Atlanta Cup ... club ranked as high as 13th nationally in 2004. Personal: Son of Kelly and Greg Chance ... nickname is “Durk” … birthday is Sept. 30 ... BIG EAST Academic All-Star … Athletic Director’s Academic Honor Roll … majoring in sport management. Chance’s Career Statistics Year M MS Min GA Avg 2005 Redshirt Season 2006 1 0 4:59 1 18.06 2007 1 0 8:39 0 0.00 Career 2 0 13:38 1 6.60

Sv 1 0 1

“Ryan is a leader by example. Without a doubt, he is the most respected player in this program and for that reason I have named him captain for the 2008 season. We expect Ryan to challenge for the starting goalkeeper position.” – Head Coach Marlon LeBlanc

2007 NCAA SWEET SIXTEEN

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2007 NCAA SWEET SIXTEEN


MOUNTAINEER PROFILES Donald La Guerre 5-9, 185, Senior Midfielder/Defender Arima, Trinidad Strong defender who has the ability to compete in the midfield and on defense … will be looked upon as a leader … was selected to represent WVU at the 2008 NCAA Leadership Convention. At West Virginia in 2007: Saw action in six matches as a junior … started against Pitt, Georgetown and Navy … played midfield and defense. At West Virginia in 2006: Played in two matches as a sophomore … came off the bench in the Buffalo and Marquette matches. At West Virginia in 2005: Part of defense that recorded 11 shutouts and allowed only 15 goals … saw action in 11 matches with one start as a freshman … tallied first shot of season against Wright State … made first career start against nationally-ranked New Mexico … recorded one shot against the Lobos. In High School: MVP and three-year captain at Arima Senior Comprehensive ... helped lead team to East Zone championship in 2003 and 2004 ... team ranked Top 5 in Trinidad ... also class valedictorian ... played club soccer for Joe Public from 1998-03 ... led team to U-20 national title in 2002. Personal: Son of Neville Cudjoe and Jean La Guerre ... born March 16 ... Athletic Director’s Academic Honor Roll … BIG EAST Academic All-Star … majoring in exercise physiology. La Guerre’s Career Statistics Year M MS 2005 11 1 2006 2 0 2007 6 3 Career 19 4

S 2 0 0 2

G 0 0 0 0

GWG 0 0 0 0

A 0 0 0 0

Pts 0 0 0 0

“Donald is a tough and strong defensive-minded player who can contribute in a number of positions along the back line and in the midfield. We know when Donald is on the field that he is going to make things very difficult for anyone he plays against.” – Head Coach Marlon LeBlanc

2007 NCAA SWEET SIXTEEN

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2007 NCAA SWEET SIXTEEN


MOUNTAINEER PROFILES Alex Yost 6-3, 170, Senior Forward Royal Oak, Mich. Forward with size and play-making potential ... will be counted on for leadership … scored two goals in the spring season’s 4-2 win against IUPUI. At West Virginia in 2007: Played in 10 matches … recorded two shots on-goal against BIG EAST opponents Villanova and Connecticut. At West Virginia in 2006: Struggled with injuries throughout season as a sophomore … saw action in six matches. At West Virginia in 2005: Took three shots, including one on-goal … played in six matches as a freshman … scored first goal of career at American … his shot against American was one of only two on the season ... saw action against Akron in second round of NCAA tournament. In High School: 2004 second team all-state at Kimball High ... 2004 all-area, all-league and all-district ... team MVP and captain ... given coaches award senior season ... played club soccer for Vardar ... played travel baseball for Royal Oak Rangers. Personal: Son of Janice and Steve Yost ... birthday is March 11 ... BIG EAST Academic All-Star … Athletic Director’s Academic Honor Roll … majoring in recreation, parks and tourism resources. Yost’s Career Statistics Year M 2005 6 2006 6 2007 10 Career 22

MS 0 0 0 0

S 2 3 2 7

G 1 0 0 1

GWG 0 0 0 0

A 0 0 0 0

Pts 2 0 0 2

“Alex has been hampered the last couple of seasons with nagging injuries. We hope those are behind him because when he is healthy, he is a major weapon for us up front. Alex has all the tools – size, speed and athleticism. With the injuries behind him, we expect Alex to have a breakout year in 2008.” – Head Coach Marlon LeBlanc

2007 NCAA SWEET SIXTEEN

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MOUNTAINEER PROFILES

Jason Bristol 6-4, 180, Junior Defender Franklin, Tenn.

Chase Dewese 6-1, 160, Junior Midfielder Beckley, W.Va.

Big defender who made a significant impact late in the season as a sophomore … an offensive threat who is dangerous in the box … has the ability to play the midfield well and is quick off the cuff.

Upperclassman who will fight for a starting spot in the midfield … had a strong spring season … has continuously improved during his first two seasons.

At West Virginia in 2007: Appeared in 10 games, started nine, and made a late season run in the starting line-up … had three goals, including two game-winning goals, and one assist … scored the game-winning goal at home, to knock off No. 1 Connecticut … netted the game-winner in the first round of the BIG EAST tournament against Villanova … had seven points on the season, fourth on the team … named BIG EAST Defensive Player of the Week on Oct. 22 and Nov. 4 … named to the Soccer America National Team of the Week on Oct. 22 for his efforts in the win over Connecticut. At West Virginia in 2006: Walked on to the team and earned substantial playing time … played in 10 matches … tallied first career assist against DePaul … part of defense that recorded 11 shutouts and allowed just 15 goals. In High School: Team captain at Battle Ground Academy … two-time all-state selection … played club soccer for Tennessee Futbol Club 88 … state club champions in 2001 and 2003-05 … Region III Premier League champions 2004 and 2005 … club team ranked as high as sixth in the nation … state ODP selection. Personal: Son of Dawn Carter-Bristol and Patrick Bristol … birthday is Dec. 21 … BIG EAST Academic All-Star … Athletic Director’s Academic Honor Roll … majoring in business. Bristol’s Career Statistics Year M MS 2006 10 0 2007 10 9 Career 20 9

24

S 0 4 4

G 0 3 3

GWG 0 2 2

A 1 1 2

At West Virginia in 2007: Played in 10 games, starting one match against USF … recorded seven shots on the season including three shots on-goal ... registered two shots against DePaul and Georgetown. At West Virginia in 2006: Saw action in 11 games, starting two … recorded five shots ... has developed more than any other player on the team … excelled in the spring and added 15 pounds … flourished under LeBlanc’s coaching system. In High School: 2004 State Midfielder of the Year and 2005 State Player of the Year at Woodrow Wilson High … also a four-year basketball letterman and 2006 AAA all-state selection. Personal: Son of Steve and Robbin Dewese … birthday is June 29 … BIG EAST Academic All-Star … Athletic Director’s Academic Honor Roll … majoring in business. Dewese’s Career Statistics Year M MS 2006 11 2 2007 10 1 Career 21 3

Pts 1 7 8

2007 NCAA SWEET SIXTEEN

S 5 7 12

G 0 0 0

GWG 0 0 0

A 0 0 0

Pts 0 0 0


MOUNTAINEER PROFILES Ryan Gillespie 5-8, 130, Junior Midfielder/Defender Virginia Beach, Va.

Tony Lindroos 5-6, 165, Junior Forward Espoo, Finland

Excellent left-footed specialist who can score goals … looks to make an impact this season … served as a spark off the bench as a sophomore with three starts.

Talented international player with goal scoring capabilities … earned starting spot last season … will be looked to as a go-to player in the midfield … has a powerful leg.

At West Virginia in 2007: Saw action in 12 games, starting three … recorded seven shots on the season, including five shots on-goal … registered two goals against USF and Navy.

At West Virginia in 2007: Saw action in 19 games, starting 10 … started first six games of the season … scored lone goal of the season against DePaul, recording first career game-winning goal … had three shots against Seton Hall and recorded 18 on the season … tallied an assist against Syracuse … finished with three points on the season.

At West Virginia in 2006: Played in 18 matches, starting one … found ways to contribute to WVU’s potent offensive attack … tallied a total of four shots in three BIG EAST tournament matches ... both goals this season came in conference matches … fired 12 shots, including four on-goal … first career goal in team’s BIG EAST opener against Cincinnati … netted go-ahead goal in 5-3 win over Seton Hall. In High School: Four-year starting midfielder for Landstown High … all-region and all-state freshman year … 2002 freshman impact player of the year … second team all-district as a freshman, sophomore and junior … member of district, Virginia State and regional ODP teams … starter for Virginia State ODP, splitting time between defender and midfield … team made trips to Germany and Spain, making the round of 16 at the Spanish Mediterranean Cup … earned spot on the 2003 region I ODP team … made trip to England in 2003 with Super Clubs National Team. Personal: Son of Delbert and Sandy Gillespie … birthday is May 27 … BIG EAST Academic All-Star … Athletic Director’s Academic Honor Roll … majoring in criminology and investigative sciences. Gillespie’s Career Statistics Year M MS S 2006 18 1 12 2007 12 3 7 Career 30 4 19

G 2 0 2

GWG 1 0 1

A 0 0 0

Pts 4 0 4

At West Virginia in 2006: Broke onto the scene after being cleared to play midway through the season as a freshman ... made first appearance of season against Virginia and played in the last 12 matches … started final five games of the season … recorded first career assist against Connecticut … netted game-tying goal with 47 seconds remaining in regulation against American … assisted on a goal in the next match against Georgetown. In High School: Starter for FC Espoo, which finished second in its league in 2006 … attended Gymnasiet Grankulla Samskola. Personal: Son of Päivi and Kåre Lindroos … birthday is May 16 … BIG EAST Academic All-Star … Athletic Director’s Academic Honor Roll … majoring in sport management. Lindroos’ Career Statistics Year M MS 2006 13 8 2007 19 10 Career 32 18

2007 NCAA SWEET SIXTEEN

S 7 18 25

G 1 1 2

GWG 0 1 1

A 2 1 3

Pts 4 3 7

25


MOUNTAINEER PROFILES Gift Maworere 5-8, 160, Junior Midfielder Bulawayo, Zimbabwe

Dan Hagey 6-0, 165, Sophomore Forward Ephrata, Pa.

Playmaking defensive midfielder … one of the top midfielders in the BIG EAST … will be counted on for leadership in the midfield and on the squad … brings a lot of experience to the team … strong, tough defender and playmaker … talented and athletic player … one of the team’s two captains this season.

Athletic, fast, do-it-all player who broke into the starting lineup at the end of last season … dangerous goal-scoring threat … improving player who has the ability to become a leader on the squad … had a strong spring … scored two goals against Marshall in the final spring scrimmage.

At West Virginia in 2007: Started 21 games … a vital player in the midfield … launched 16 shots on the season … had two shots against Maryland, Connecticut and Marquette.

At West Virginia in 2007: Saw action in 21 games, starting six … made first career start against Seton Hall … had a season-high three shots against the Pirates … started three postseason matches … recorded 15 shots on the season.

At West Virginia in 2006: Started all 20 matches as a true freshman … recorded seven shots … forced to sit out second match versus Buffalo due to a red card in Fairfield game … scored first career goal from long range against Marquette in a 4-0 win. In High School: Standout for Episcopal High … voted school’s most valuable athlete in 2006 … 2004 and 2005 all-state selection … 2003 honorable mention all-state … 2003, 2004 and 2005 first-team all-conference … 2004 and 2005 Washington Post all-Met honorable mention … team MVP … Menno Soccer Classic MVP … played club soccer for the Alexandria Rangers … played for Highlanders Football Club (U-17) in Zimbabwe … invited to Zimbabwe U-15 national team camp … player of the year for the Zimbabwe Saints … also a standout in track, winning three conference championships (triple jump, long jump and 4x100 relay) … named to The Washington Post all-Met honorable mention team for track and 2005 first team all-conference track teams.

In High School: Three-year starter and four-year participant at Ephrata High … as a senior, led league with 27 goals … team-high 10 assists in senior season … finished his career ranked third in school history with 146 points (59 goals, 28 assists) … named a NSCAA regional All-America and to the Pennsylvania state coaches’ All-State team … played club soccer for the PA Classics Elite 88. Personal: Son of Janet and James Hagey … birthday is Oct. 2 … majoring in journalism. Hagey’s Career Statistics Year M MS 2007 21 6

Personal: Son of Janet and William Maworere… birthday is Jan. 25 … BIG EAST Academic All-Star … Athletic Director’s Academic Honor Roll … majoring in business. Maworere’s Career Statistics Year M MS S 2006 20 20 7 2007 21 21 16 Career 41 41 23

26

G 1 0 1

GWG 0 0 0

A 0 0 0

Pts 2 0 0

2007 NCAA SWEET SIXTEEN

S 15

G 0

GWG 0

A 0

Pts 0


MOUNTAINEER PROFILES

Zach Johnson 6-5, 185, r-Sophomore Goalkeeper Lumberton, N.J.

Paul Paradise 6-1, 155, Sophomore Forward Pittsburgh, Pa.

Earned the starting spot last season and had a tremendous year breaking two single season records … smart keeper with great instincts between the posts … excellent mechanics.

Earned starting position on the squad as a freshman … strong forward with speed … possesses a great understanding of the game … will be counted on to be a force on the front line.

At West Virginia in 2007: Starting goalkeeper in first season of action … four-straight shutouts, tying the season record … recorded 13 shutouts on the season, surpassing All-American Nick Noble’s record of 12 set in 2005 … started every match of the season … played in all but eight minutes … allowed just 11 goals on the season, setting a new single season goals allowed average of 0.48 … had a conference and season-high 15 saves against Notre Dame, tying him for third in the WVU and BIG EAST record books for single-match saves … second behind Noble in single season goalkeeper minutes with 2,068 … named BIG EAST Rookie of the Week on Sept. 10, and Oct. 15 … named BIG EAST Goalkeeper of the Week on Sept. 17 … named to the Soccer America National Team of the Week on Sept. 18 … named to the CollegeSoccerNews.com National Team of the Week on Nov. 4 … named ECAC Player of the Week on Sept. 18. At West Virginia in 2006: Spent the season as a redshirt. In High School: Two-year captain for Rancocas Valley Regional High … First Team All-State as a junior and senior … First Team All-South Jersey as a junior and senior … 2006 regional All-American … 2006 scholar athlete … three-time team MVP … played club soccer for Match Fit … New Jersey state ODP champion … baseball team MVP as a junior … member of Carpenter Cup all-star. Personal: Son of Stephanie Fox and Eric Johnson … birthday is May 4 … BIG EAST Academic All-Star … Athletic Director’s Academic Honor Roll … majoring in industrial engineering. Johnson’s Career Statistics Year M MS Min GA Avg Sv Record 2006 Redshirt 2007 22 22 2068:42 11 0.48 77 14-6-2

At West Virginia in 2007: Only freshman to start every match … recorded three goals on the season … added two assists for eight points … finished third on the stat sheet in those categories … scored first career goal at No. 5 Duke … other two goals came against BIG EAST foes Syracuse and Providence … named BIG EAST Rookie of the Week on Sept. 17. In High School: Viewed as one of the top forwards in the country and the top players out of Western Pennsylvania in recent years … selected to the 2005 adidas Elite Soccer Program (ESP) … starred on 2005 WPIAL champion Plum High team in Pittsburgh ... scored 78 career goals to go along with 56 assists … earned numerous awards including: NSCAA regional All-America (200506), Pittsburgh Post-Gazette East High School Player of the Year (2003-06), all-state (2004-06), Pittsburgh Tribune-Review Elite 11 (2004-06) and WPIAL All-Section (2004-06) … Region I ODP selection … played club soccer for Century United. Personal: Son of Joy and Joe Paradise … birthday is Dec. 21 … Athletic Director’s Academic Honor Roll … BIG EAST Academic All-Star … majoring in business. Paradise’s Career Statistics Year M MS S 2007 22 22 36

G 3

GWG 2

A 2

Pts 8

SO 13

2007 NCAA SWEET SIXTEEN

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MOUNTAINEER NEWCOMERS Gary Clark Defender

6-0, 165, Freshman Harrisburg, Pa.

Big and fast defender … can play a number of positions along the back line … expected to make an immediate impact. In High School: Served as a captain for Central Daupin East High and was named to the Central Pennsylvania Big 11 All-Star team in 2007 … tabbed a Mid-Penn All-Star in 2006 and 2007 … was a four-time Distinguished Honor Student and member of the National Honor Society … played for the LDC United Soccer Club. Personal: Son of Gary and Christina Clark … born on April 15 … majoring in engineering.

Nick Claudio Defender

5-11, 155, Freshman Charleston, W.Va.

Product of West Virginia Olympic Development Program (ODP) … will make an immediate impact … coached by Marlon LeBlanc in the ODP Program. In High School: Earned West Virginia all-state honors at George Washington High, where he played for Head Coach Tom Hopper … helped lead GW to the 2007 state title … was the Kanawha/Putnam County Player of the Year … first-team All-Kanawha/Putnam County … first-team All-Mountain State Athletic Conference … team captain … second on the team in scoring as a senior … finished high school career with 37 goals and 38 assists … played club soccer for the WVSC Elite … West Virginia ODP team selection. Personal: Son of David and Robin Claudio … birthday is Jan. 26 … majoring in exercise physiology.

Declan Coll Midfielder

5-11, 165, Freshman Derry, Northern Ireland

International player with quality experience … possesses excellent speed with and without the ball … big-time addition to the rookie class … expected to make an immediate impact. At St. Columb’s College: Served as a starting forward for six seasons … participated in the Northern Ireland Schools Cup at every age group: U14, U16 and U18 … captained the team and scored 22 goals in his career. Derry City Academy: Selected as one of 17 players to join the club … tallied six goals in his first season … selected to play for Derry County in the 2007 Foyle Cup, which included teams such as Manchester United and Nottingham Forest … scored one goal against FC Goteborf of Sweden in a three-match campaign … served as a striker for three seasons with Don Bosco’s Boys Club team … scored 39 goals, including a debut hat trick … led his team to the Liverpool Cup held in England in 2005 … received the Top Goal Scorer award after registering 14 goals in 19 games.

Devin Colon Forward

Looks at as a sleeper in the freshman class … discovered in WVU soccer summer camps … can make an immediate impact this season. In High School: Four-year varsity player at Klein Oak High … led district in assists the last two seasons … played for the Texas FC club team where he led the team in goals his last two seasons … three-year member of the DECA business/marketing organization. Personal: Son of Jose and Marilyn Colon … birthday is Aug. 12 … enrolled in general studies.

Kona Dennis Defender

5-9, 160, Freshman Reston, Va.

Intelligent player with great speed … possesses excellent athleticism … maintains tremendous drive and determination … expected to be a major contributor to the program over the next four years. In High School: Four-year member of the Lab School of Washington … team captain as a senior … also a member of the 4x400 relay track team … is fluent in French … played club soccer for the DC United Academy. Personal: Son of James Dennis and Rose Kona … birthday is May 24 … enrolled in general studies.

Brandon Fischetti Forward

5-9, 155, Freshman Monroeville, Pa.

One of the top players out of the Pittsburgh area … natural goal scorer with excellent speed … possesses excellent ability to break down a defender in one-on-one situations. In High School: A four-year starter at Gateway High … scored 51 goals and tallied 40 assists in his career … all-WPIAL and allsection … four-year member of the honor roll … played club soccer for the Beadling Soccer Club, where he helped lead the team to three Pennsylvania West state championships … fourtime Pennsylvania ODP team captain. Personal: Son of James and Danielle Smith … birthday is Feb. 17 … majoring in business.

Personal: Son of Damien and Bernadette Coll … birthday is Aug. 17 … majoring in physical education teaching.

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5-7, 140, Freshman Spring, Texas

2007 NCAA SWEET SIXTEEN


Kurt Freemyer Forward

MOUNTAINEER NEWCOMERS

5-9, 140, Freshman Arlington, Va.

Ruben Garrido Midfielder

5-10, 160, Freshman Elkhart, Ind.

Has tremendous pace … could be the fastest player in the BIG EAST this season … will fight for a spot up front … smart, instinctual player.

One of the top players out of Indiana … two-way central midfielder … has the ability to cover a large amount of the field … will make an immediate impact on the team.

In High School: Leading scorer in 2006 and 2007 at Yorktown High … has earned numerous honors including all-Met, all-region and all-district … team MVP in 2007 … Virginia High School Academic Excellence ... member of the McLean FC club team, guiding the squad to a 2004 regional championship … also ran track for four seasons … all-district in the 55 meters and allregion in the 4x200 and 300 meters.

In High School: Started every game in his four-year career at Elkhart Central … helped lead team to a runner-up finish … Northern Indiana Player of the Year … two-time top 60 player as a junior and a senior … all-area Soccer Star … all-district … 2007 team MVP … played club soccer for Isang Jacob at the Indy Burn … three-time Indiana State Cup Champion (2005-07) … six-time Indiana State ODP team selection … 2005-06 team captain … recipient of the Scholar Athlete Award … four-year member of the Principal’s Honor Roll … National Honor Society … student council and class president … graduated 10th in his class.

Personal: Son of Dennis and Doris Freemyer … birthday is Nov. 14 … majoring in sports and exercise psychology.

Raymon Gaddis Defender

5-9, 140, Freshman Indianapolis, Ind.

One of the most sought-after players in the country last year … strong defender who is expected to make immediate impact … will look to break into the starting lineup. In High School: NSCAA high school All-American at North Central High … ranked among the top 135 players nationally in 2006-07 by ESP/adidas … 2007 ESP All-Star and top defender camp participant … two-time ESP/adidas selection … 2006 all-state first team … 2005-06 all-district, all-county, Super Team, All-MIC Conference team … 2004-06 Great Midwest Classic All Star … 2005 high school state champions … 2004-05 all-state second team … 2004 honorable mention all-county, Super Team and Star North Team … 2004-07 90’s ODP national team pool … 2003-07 90’s region II and state ODP team … 2005-07 Region II ODP Paris, France, International Tour … 2006 region II ODP Buenos Aires tournament champions … 2005 region II Barcelona, Spain International Tour … played club soccer with the Indy Burn for coach Isang Jacob … seven-time IYSA Indiana State Cup Club Champion, 2002-08 … 2008 MRL Champion … 2007 Lake Como Cup runner up in Rome, Italy … 2007 North Carolina Shootout Champion … 2006 Bethesda, Md., Thanksgiving Champion … 2006 Ohio adidas Warriors Cup and Ohio Nike Cup Champion ... 2005 Disney Predator Cup Champion … 2004 Director’s Cup Champion … four-time honor roll recipient … 2006 high school leadership award 2006 Avid Outstanding Student Award … two-time student of the month. Personal: Son of Ricky and Katrina Gaddis … birthday is Jan. 13 … enrolled in general studies.

Personal: Son of Ruben Garrido-Castro and Denese Ann Garrido … birthday is Aug. 30 … majoring in business.

Connor Gorman Defender

6-0, 160, Freshman Philadelphia, Pa.

Natural left-footed player who will look to train as a left back in WVU’s defensive system … one of the top players in the Philadelphia area last year … another freshman likely to break into the starting lineup. In High School: Earned Pennsylvania all-state honors at William Penn Charter … 2007 team captain … three-year all-league selection … 2007 league MVP … played club soccer for the Montgomery United and helped his team to the 2006 Eastern Pennsylvania state championship. Personal: Son of Charles and Maria Gorman … birthday is July 23 … majoring in business.

Adam Mills Forward

5-9, 160, Freshman Indianapolis, Ind.

One of the nation’s top attacking prospects last year … natural wing player … has the ability to be a game-changer. In High School: A four-year starter for Brebeuf Jesuit College Prep … two-time offensive MVP … named to the Indiana AllState team and Super Team … seven-time selection to the Indiana State ODP team … four-time selection to the Region II ODP team … member of the Black Student Union … played club soccer for Isang Jacob at the Indy Burn … was a seventime Indiana state cup champion from 2002-08. Personal: Son of Alan and Sally Mills … birthday is May 8 … majoring in political science.

2007 NCAA SWEET SIXTEEN

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Billy Noojin Goalkeeper

MOUNTAINEER NEWCOMERS

6-1, 180, Freshman Acworth, Ga.

Big, athletic and agile goalkeeper … looks to continue the tradition of great goalkeepers produced by WVU … expected to challenge Zach Johnson and Ryan Chance for the starting role this fall. In High School: A four-year starter at Kell … team captain in 2007 and 2008 … played club soccer for the NASA ’08 Elite team, where he was coached by WVU alumus Todd Gispert … NASA ’08 Elite team earned the 2007 Region III Premier League championship … the starting kicker on the football team from. Personal: Son of Rocky Harmon and Lucinda Harmon … birthday is Oct. 26 … majoring in athletic coaching education.

Michael Pitrolo Forward

6-2, 170, Freshman Parkersburg, W.Va.

Big, strong, forward who will challenge for playing time immediately … intelligent player with a great understanding of the game. In High School: Led Parkersburg to the 2005 and 2006 state championship, playing for coach Don Fosselman … earned allstate honors … was named the Mountain State Athletic Conference Male Academic Athlete of the Year … was a member of the National Honor Society, National Spanish Honor Society and was a Presidential Scholar … played club soccer for the WVSC Elite … team captain of the club of two-time West Virginia State Champions. Personal: Son of Bob and Joyce Pitrolo … birthday is Nov. 1 … majoring in engineering.

Alex Silva Midfielder

5-8, 171, Freshman Rio De Janeiro, Brazil

International player expected to heavily impact program … skillful midfielder who has game-changing ability … anticipated to challenge for starting role. In High School: Played with Flamengo Youth Academy in 2003 … went to Carioca Championship again in 2003 … also played in Macaé Championship that same year … stint with Fluminense Youth Academy from 1999-01 … participated in 2000 Carioca Championship. Personal: Son of Frederico Silva and Terezinha Aquino Silva … birthday is April 13 … majoring in physical education.

Stanley Travis Forward

5-9, 150, Junior Papillion, Neb.

Fleet-footed transfer from top 10 Creighton program with excellent experience … had a strong spring, scoring a goal in WVU’s first scrimmage against the Pittsburgh Riverhounds … will be a scoring threat. At Creighton (2007): Appeared in 19 contests with five starts as sophomore … totaled three goals, including one game-winner … took 13 shots with nine being on-goal … scored goal in Blue Jays’ 3-0 win over No. 5 SMU … scored game-winner in 3-1 victory at Memphis … goal in 3-1 loss to Tulsa. At Creighton (2006): Played in 18 matches off the bench as a rookie … first career goal came against Yale … found the back of the net against Central Arkansas … season-high four shots, two on-goall and one score in Western Kentucky win. In High School: Earned three letters in soccer and one in basketball at Papillion-La Vista High ... first-team all-conference and all-area as a junior when he was tabbed second-team all-state ... as a sophomore earned second-team all-conference, all-area and all-state accolades ... tallied 10 goals and 11 assists for 31 points as a senior, following a 32-point (13 goals, six assists) junior season ... totaled eight goals and six assists as a freshman, including a match against Omaha North in which he scored three goals in the span of seven minutes … member of the Nebraska ODP, competing in events in Los Angeles and Spain. Personal: Son of Stanley and Robin Travis … nickname is “Mo” … birthday is Feb. 7 … has two siblings … majoring in multi-disciplinary studies.

Kyle West Defender

5-11, 160, Junior Omaha, Neb.

Comes from national finalist Ohio State where he spent two years as a reserve right back … looking to make an immediate impact in LeBlanc’s defensive system … very fast with excellent ability to get up and down the flank … well-composed on the ball and is a good passer. At Ohio State (2007): Appeared in four games with one start. At Ohio State (2006): Saw action in 10 games, averaging 15.5 minutes per game … tallied three shots … season-high 33 minutes against Hartwick. In High School: Earned Nebraska All-State honors at Millard South … three-year starter … scored 19 goals and tallied 14 assists in prep career … Lincoln Journal Star and Omaha World Herald first team all-state … led the Patriots to district titles in 2002 and 2004 … Nebraska Olympic Development Program (ODP) selection and was a Region II team member … played club soccer for UFC Real … helped lead the team to state championships from 2003-05 … member of National Honor Society and student council. Personal: Son of Jim and Lauri West … has one brother and one sister … birthday is June 26 … majoring in exercise physiology.

30

2007 NCAA SWEET SIXTEEN


2007 NCAA SWEET SIXTEEN

31


2008 SEASON PREVIEW The 2007 West Virginia University men’s soccer season ended with the squad recording a record of 14-6-2, advancing to the quarterfinals of the BIG EAST championship and reaching the NCAA Sweet 16 for the second time in program history. So what does last season’s experience mean for 2008? The Mountaineers are looking to continue to be a force in the BIG EAST Conference, one of the toughest leagues in the country. WVU won the division title in 2006 and finished third last season in the Blue Division. The conference had seven teams qualify for the NCAA tournament, four advance to the Sweet 16 and two reach the Elite Eight. WVU was one of three league teams ranked every week last season in the national polls, reaching No. 5 in the NSCAA/ adidas poll on Sept. 17. Connecticut and Notre Dame were the only other teams in the league to do so, and will continue to work to be a mainstay in the national spotlight. “You look at the top 25 poll and WVU will be in it,” says Head Coach Marlon LeBlanc. “That is certainly a testament to the kids and how hard they work in this program. It just speaks volumes of where we are. We have certainly gained a lot of respect from our peers in terms of that we are playing the big teams and the big teams are coming to Morgantown to play us. I think that’s a direct reflection of our status nationally. “Also from a recruiting standpoint, we are seeing big dividends from being one of the top programs out there. We have a great recruiting class and recruiting is looking up already for 2009. I think the success of the program and being in the national spotlight has affected us in many positive ways.” Another indication of how the program has grown on the national scale is this season’s schedule. The slate features nine NCAA tournament participants from a year ago, including home matches against powerhouses Ohio State and Maryland. The Mountaineers have 11 home matches this season at Dick Dlesk Soccer Stadium where they hold an 18-3-1 record under LeBlanc. “Our BIG EAST schedule is tough enough already and then we throw in Ohio State, Maryland and Akron into the mix. We’re talking about three teams that were seeded in the NCAA tournament last year just on our non-conference slate,” says LeBlanc. “The team will be tested right out of the gate, and we built the schedule purposefully to play at home as much as we could to make the transition from high school to college easier on the new guys. We have a lot of home games, and I think that will help our young group a lot. I think the schedule will prepare them not just for this year but for the future.” The 2008 Mountaineer team is the youngest under LeBlanc, his third at WVU, as 14 freshmen are welcomed by 12 returning letterwinners.

32

Forward Paul Paradise

“I have a group of guys who are mostly freshmen and sophomores and that changes things a little bit,” comments LeBlanc. “I think it’s going to be a lot more hands on. There are a lot of things that you can do with an older, more experienced team in terms of letting them figure things out themselves. With a younger team you may have to tell them and show them things a little bit more. I think I have some more sleepless nights coming up for me than my first two seasons, but I’m really excited about this group. It’s so young, untested and unproven, we have a lot to be excited about but we also have a lot of work ahead of us.” With the addition of so many newcomers, and two transfers in Mo Travis from Creighton and Kyle West from Ohio State, there will be many new faces on the field. Competition for a spot on the starting 11 is one of the best attributes about this year’s young team. Last season’s goalkeeper, then-rookie Zach Johnson, had a breakout year, recording 13 shutouts and a 0.47 goals against average, both new school records. But in LeBlanc’s eyes, however, the job is wide open. “I think we have three goalkeepers who will all compete for the starting job, including Ryan Chance and newcomer Billy Noojin,” says LeBlanc. “Zach knows he has to be on his best if he is going to be our number one. The job is wide open and Zach knows that. I think he has a head start with all of the

2007 NCAA SWEET SIXTEEN


2008 SEASON PREVIEW experience he had last year and he knows the other two guys are right there with him. There will only be one No. 1 and all three of them are good enough to win the job.” On the defensive line, junior Jason Bristol returns as an upperclassman and is joined by rookie Ray Gaddis, a natural right-footed right back who is expected to step in right away. LeBlanc is also looking to newcomer Gary Clark who can play both in the middle and on the left side. Connor Gorman, Kona Dennis, Nick Claudio and Kyle West are also strong options along the back line. “We have options in the back and it’s going to take the preseason to see what the best combination will be,” says LeBlanc. “They are all very talented, comfortable on the ball and they all have pace. Bristol got an opportunity to prove himself late last year in the season so now the expectation of Jason is that we want him consistent. He’s an upperclassmen and has a lot of experience.” In the midfield, the team will look to captain and veteran Gift Maworere, a proven leader on the WVU squad. “There is no doubt that Gift will be the mainstay on our team,” remarks LeBlanc. “He is someone who is a proven winner and someone who everyone will key on when they play against us. He is an All-American candidate in my eyes and he is the guy we’re going to go behind. We hope that some of the other guys will step up and be leaders but I think our success revolves around Gift.”

Freshman Declan Coll, an international player from Northern Ireland, will compliment Maworere with his skill and pace, and will join junior Chase Dewese, who has improved over the past two years. Senior Sean Brooks brings playing time and experience in the midfield, while rookie Ruben Garrido will fight for a starting spot. Offensively, the Mountaineers will look to sophomore Paul Paradise, the only freshman to start every match last season, and recorded three goals and two assists. Sophomore Dan Hagey and a number of incoming freshmen are also capable of being front line game-breakers. “I think Paul is one we need more output from,” says LeBlanc. “He came in and did well his freshman year and scored some goals but we need more out of him, and he knows that. I think Paul is someone who can really be a bigtime player at this level.” Paradise will be joined by Mo Travis who scored two goals in the spring season and proved to have good chemistry with Paradise. “It’s a matter of seeing what the best combination is once we get on the field,” comments LeBlanc. With two successful seasons under his belt, LeBlanc is excited and ready to take his youngest team through a rigorous BIG EAST season and towards his third-consecutive NCAA appearance. “We’re ready to get on the field,” LeBlanc states.

2007 NCAA SWEET SIXTEEN

33


BIG EAST OPPONENT INFORMATION

CINCINNATI

34

CONNECTICUT

DePAUL

GEORGETOWN

Location: Cincinnati, Ohio Enrollment: 35,244 Nickname: Bearcats

Location: Storrs, Conn. Enrollment: 28,481 Nickname: Huskies

Location: Chicago, Ill. Enrollment: 23,148 Nickname: Blue Demons

Location: Washington, D.C. Enrollment: 14,148 Nickname: Hoyas

Head Coach: Hylton Dayes (Wright State, ‘88) Record at UC: 65-53-19 (Seven Seasons) Career Record: 161-138-38 (19 Seasons) 2007 Record: 9-10-1 Conference Record/Place: 5-5-1/T-5th Red Division

Head Coach: Ray Reid (Southern Connecticut, ‘82) Record at UConn: 166-59-18 (12 Seasons) Career Record: 312-76-33 (19 Seasons) 2007 Record: 20-3-1 Conference Record/Place: 8-2-1/2nd Blue Division

Head Coach: Craig Blazer (Xavier, ‘91) Record at DePaul: 43-78-11 (Seven Seasons) Career Record: Same 2007 Record: 12-8-0 Conference Record/Place: 7-4-0/1st Red Division

Head Coach: Brian Wiese (Dartmouth, ‘95) Record at GU: 13-22-1 (Two Seasons) Career Record: Same 2007 Record: 7-11-1 Conference Record/Place: 5-5-1/5th Blue Division

SID Contact: Jeremy Martin Phone: (513) 556-5191 E-Mail: Jeremy.Martin@ uc.edu www.GoBEARCATS.com

SID Contact: Alissa Clendenen Phone: (860) 486-3531 E-Mail: alissa.clendenen@ uconn.edu www.uconnhuskies.com

SID Contact: Greg Greenwell Phone: (773) 325-7546 E-Mail: ggreenwe@depaul. edu www.depaulbluedemons.com

SID Contact: Ben Shove SID Phone: (202) 687-7155 E-Mail: bjs45@georgetown. edu www.guhoyas.com

LOUISVILLE

MARQUETTE

NOTRE DAME

PITT

Location: Louisville, Ky. Enrollment: 22,000 Nickname: Cardinals

Location: Milwaukee, Wis. Enrollment: 11,000 Nickname: Golden Eagles

Location: South Bend, Ind. Enrollment: 11,603 Nickname: Fighting Irish

Location: Pittsburgh, Pa. Enrollment: 33,574 Nickname: Panthers

Head Coach: Ken Lolla (Duke, ‘83) Record at UofL: 16-17-7 (Three Seasons) Career Record: 225-102-34 (18 Seasons) 2007 Record: 11-7-4 Conference Record/Place: 6-3-2/T-2nd Red Division

Head Coach: Louis Bennett (Crewe & Alsagar, ‘82) Record at MU: 3-27-5 (Two Seasons) Career Record: 139-90-22 (12 Seasons) 2007 Record: 2-12-4 Conference Record/Place: 1-9-1/8th Blue Division

Head Coach: Bobby Clark (Jordanhill College, ‘67) Record at UND: 94-38-20 (Seven Seasons) Career Record: 247-101-45 (21 Seasons) 2007 Record: 14-5-5 Conference Record/Place: 7-0-4/T-1st Blue Division

Head Coach: Joe Luxbacher (Pittsburgh, ‘74) Record at Pitt: 186-186-47 (24 Seasons) Career Record: 210-198-51 (27 Seasons) 2007 Record: 3-13-2 Conference Record/Place: 1-9-1/T-8th Blue Division

SID Contact: Kim Pemberton SID Phone: (502) 852-7711 E-Mail: kapemb01@louisville. edu www.uoflsports.com

SID Contact: Luke DeNoble SID Phone: (414) 288-6980 E-Mail: lucas.lenoble@ marquette.edu www.gomarquette.com

SID Contact: Sean Carroll SID Phone: (574) 631-2664 E-Mail: Carroll.64@und.edu www.und.com

SID Contact: Greg Hotchkiss SID Phone: (412) 648-8240 E-Mail: ghotchkiss@athletics. pitt.edu www.pittsburghpanthers.com

2007 NCAA SWEET SIXTEEN


BIG EAST OPPONENT INFORMATION

PROVIDENCE

ST. JOHN’S

RUTGERS

SETON HALL

Location: Providence, R.I. Enrollment: 3,912 Nickname: Friars

Location: Piscataway, N.J. Enrollment: 37,072 Nickname: Scarlet Knights

Location: South Orange, N.J. Enrollment: 9,700 Nickname: Pirates

Location: Queens, N.Y. Enrollment: 19,600 Nickname: Red Storm

Head Coach: Chaka Daley (Providence, ‘96) Record at PC: 47-83-17 (Eight Seasons) Career Record: Same 2007 Record: 9-8-2 Conference Record/Place: 5-4-2/4th Blue Division

Head Coach: Bob Reasso (Pfeiffer, ‘73) Record at RU: 336-164-64 (27 Seasons) Career Record: 350-175-73 (28 Seasons) 2007 Record: 7-11-1 Conference Record/Place: 4-7-0/7th Red Division

Head Coach: Manfred Schellscheidt (Univ. of Sports, Cologne, Germany, ‘67) Record at SHU: 215-137-38 (20 Seasons) Career Record: Same 2007 Record: 7-11-1 Conference Record/Place: 3-8-0/6th Blue Division

Head Coach: Dr. Dave Masur (Rutgers, ‘84) Record at SJU: 252-78-50 (17 Seasons) Career Record: 305-99-56 (21 Seasons) 2007 Record: 9-7-5 Conference Record/Place: 6-3-2/T-2nd Red Division

SID Contact: Hasim Phillips SID Phone: (732) 445-4200 E-Mail: hphillips@scarletk nights.com www.scarletknights.com

SID Contact: Daniel Kuberka SID Phone: (973) 761-9493 E-Mail: kuberkada@shu.edu www.shupirates.com

SID Contact: Tim Brown SID Phone: (718) 990-1521 E-Mail: brownt1@stjohns.edu www.redstormsports.com

SYRACUSE

VILLANOVA

SID Contact: Jorge Rocha SID Phone: (401) 865-2759 E-Mail: jrocha@providence. edu www.friars.com

USF Location: Tampa, Fla. Enrollment: 43,885 Nickname: Bulls

Location: Syracuse, N.Y. Enrollment: 11,500 Nickname: Orange

Location: Villanova, Pa. Enrollment: 6,200 Nickname: Wildcats

Head Coach: George Kiefer (South Connecticut, ‘94) Record at USF: 64-38-13 (Six Seasons) Career Record: Same 2007 Record: 14-6-2 Conference Record/Place: 6-4-1/4th Red Division

Head Coach: Dean Foti (Syracuse, ’83) Record at SU: 130-150-30 (17 Seasons) Career Record: Same 2007 Record: 6-8-4 Conference Record/Place: 3-8-0/8th Red Division

Head Coach: Tom Carlin (Arcadia, ’99) Record at VU: First Season Career Record: 99-23-9 (Six Seasons) 2007 Record: 10-9-1 Conference Record/Place: 5-5-1/T-5th Red Division

SID Contact: TBA SID Phone: (813) 974-5755 E-Mail: TBA www.gousfbulls.com

SID Contact: Mike Morrison SID Phone: (315) 443-2608 E-Mail: mdmorris@syr.edu www.suathletics.com

SID Contact: Mike Sheridan SID Phone: (610) 519-4120 E-Mail: Michael.sheridan@ villanova.edu www.villanova.edu

2007 NCAA SWEET SIXTEEN

35


NON-CONFERENCE OPPONENT INFORMATION

AKRON

LAFAYETTE

MARYLAND

Location: Easton, Pa. Enrollment: 2,381 Nickname: Leopards Conference: Patriot League

Location: College Park, Md. Enrollment: 36,014 Nickname: Terrapins Conference: Atlantic Coast

Head Coach: Dennis Bohn (Columbia, ‘98) Record at Lafayette: 73-35-22 (Seven Seasons) Career Record: Same 2007 Record: 10-4-6 Conference Record/Finish: 3-1-3/3rd

Head Coach: Sasho Cirovski (Wisc.-Milwaukee, ‘85) Record at Maryland: 213-99-20 (15 Seasons) Career Record: 239-111-26 (17 Seasons) 2007 Record: 10-6-5 Conference Record/Finish: 4-3-1/5th

Location: Akron, Ohio Enrollment: 24,704 Nickname: Zips Conference: Mid-American

Location: Pittsburgh, Pa. Enrollment: 10,000 Nickname: Dukes Conference: Atlantic 10

Head Coach: Caleb Porter (Indiana, ‘98) Record at Akron: 28-9-3 (Two Seasons) Career Record: Same 2007 Record: 15-4-2 Conference Record/Finish: 4-0-1/1st

Head Coach: Jake Ouimet (Maine, ’96) Record at Duquesne: 16-18-5 (Two Seasons) Career Record: Same 2007 Record: 5-11-3 Conference Record/Finish: 3-6-0/12th

SID Contact: Paul Warner SID Phone: (330) 972-2677 E-Mail: pwarner@uakron.edu www.gozips.com

SID Contact: George Nieman SID Phone: (412) 396-5376 SID Email: nieman@duq.edu www.GoDuquesne.com

OHIO STATE

ST. FRANCIS (Pa. )

WISCONSIN-GREEN BAY

Location: Columbus, Ohio Enrollment: 55,043 Nickname: Buckeyes Conference: Big Ten

Location: Loretta, Pa. Enrollment: 2,000 Nickname: Red Flash Conference: Northeast

Location: Green Bay, Wis. Enrollment: 6,100 Nickname: Phoenix Conference: Horizon League

Head Coach: John Bluem (Hartwick, ‘75) Record at OSU: 118-81-28 (11 Seasons) Career Record: 204-108-40 (17 Seasons) 2007 Record: 17-4-5 Conference Record/Finish: 4-1-1/2nd

Head Coach: Mike Casper (UMBC, ‘00) Record at OSU: First Season Career Record: First Season 2007 Record: 9-9-2 Conference Record/Finish: 6-2-1/2nd

Head Coach: Tom Poitras (Southern Connecticut, ‘92) Record at WGB: 39-32-8 (Four Seasons) Overall Record: 158-89-29 (14 Seasons) 2007 Record: 11-5-6 Conference Record/Finish: 4-2-2/T-4th

SID Contact: Tim Stried SID Phone: (614) 292-0134 E-Mail: Stried.3@osu.edu www.ohiostatebuckeyes.com

36

DUQUESNE

SID Contact: Bob Volkert SID Phone: (814) 472-3128 E-Mail: rvolkert@francis.edu www.goRedFlash.com

SID Contact: Katie Meier SID Phone: 610-330-5122 E-Mail: meierk@lafayette.edu www.GoLeopards.com

SID Contact: Sheila Blackman SID Phone: (920) 465-5759 E-Mail: blackmas@uwgb.edu www.uwgbathletics.cstv.com

2007 NCAA SWEET SIXTEEN

SID Contact: Matt Lynch SID Phone: (301) 314-7066 SID E-Mail: mlynch@umd.edu Website: www.UMTerps.com


2007 NCAA SWEET SIXTEEN

37


2007 SEASON REVIEW The West Virginia University men’s soccer squad closed out the 2007 season with a record of 14-6-2, advancing to the quarterfinals of the BIG EAST tournament and reaching the NCAA “Sweet 16” for the second time in program history. The Mountaineers, a No. 15 seed in the NCAA tournament, received a first-round bye for the second-consecutive year after finishing the regular season in third place in the BIG EAST Blue Division with a conference record of 7-3-1. WVU was one of just three conference schools to be consistently ranked all season in the NSCAA/adidas and Soccer America polls. The Mountaineers were ranked in the top 15 for 11 weeks and in the top 10 three of the season’s 13 weeks. The WVU senior class went out in style as Andy Wright earned BIG EAST Midfielder of the Year and second team All-America honors, while teammate Dan Stratford took home All-BIG EAST Second Team honors. Stratford and Wright went on to be invited to the MLS combine. Defender Pat Carroll was named an ESPN The Magazine Third-Team Academic All-American, just the second Mountaineer in men’s soccer history to earn the award. “I benefited from having an older and experienced team,” says head coach Marlon LeBlanc. “I inherited a team that was very much junior-and senior-laden, which is always good.” Three players went on to play professionally. Wright was chosen to play for the Scunthorpe United Football Club of the English Championship in his native country of England. Stratford was drafted by D.C. United with the 10th pick in the second round (24th overall) of the Major League Soccer Supplemental Draft, while Carroll signed a developmental contract with D.C. United in March. “We had so many seniors in our defense and midfield,” comments LeBlanc. “We were strong defensively and we preach a lot of defensive principals in training and in games. One of the great things about that team was that we didn’t do anything to beat ourselves and a lot of that had to do with our senior experience; we were able to take a game plan and execute it.” The Mountaineers had seven BIG EAST Player of the Week honors in 2007 and six national honors. WVU had three players named to the Soccer America National Team of the Week in goalkeeper Zach Johnson on Sept. 18, Jason Bristol on Oct. 22 and Andrew Halsell on Oct. 30. Senior Paul Cunningham was named to the College Soccer News National Team of the week on Sept. 17, followed by Johnson on Nov. 5. Johnson was also named the ECAC Player of the Week on Sept. 18. WVU posted a 3-2 mark last season against top 10 teams. The Mountaineers defeated No. 6 Maryland on Sept. 7 and No. 5 Duke on Sept. 15; both matches were on the road. The squad then defeated Connecticut in a historical game on Oct. 19 at home. The Mountaineers’ two losses came against No. 3 Notre Dame, and in the NCAA Sweet 16 against No. 1 Wake Forest. The 2007 Mountaineer squad also rewrote the school-

38

2007 All-America midfielder Andy Wright.

record book. The team tied the 1969 record of fewest goals allowed with 11 and set a record with 14 shutouts. The squad also set the school’s consecutive-shutouts mark (6). Stratford closed his senior campaign with 27 career assists, shattering the previous record of 17. Then-rookie Johnson had a breakout year in goal, recording 13 shutouts and a 0.48 goals against average - both new school records, breaking Nick Noble’s previous marks. His 15 saves against Notre Dame were a conference season-high and tied him for first in the NCAA for saves in a single game. A total of 9,291 fans piled into Dick Dlesk Soccer Stadium through the course of the season, good enough for seventhmost in the BIG EAST. The Mountaineers averaged 1,032 fans in nine home matches. On Oct. 19, WVU hosted and defeated No. 1 ranked UConn, 1-0, in front of 1,773 spectators, good enough for the second-largest crowd in school history; the attendance was also a season-high. “Our fan support was tremendous last season and I have made it a priority that we want a sellout every game,” comments LeBlanc. “We will continue to put a good product on the field, which always helps. Win or lose, our fans come out and we had a number of sellouts in 2007. It was fantastic.” Fans also got a chance to see the Mountaineers on television as WVU played four televised games last year. The Mountaineers’ match at Ohio State on Aug. 31 was the first live soccer broadcast on the Big Ten Network. WVU’s match against No. 1 UConn was also carried live nationally, this time on the Fox Soccer Channel. The squad also had two tape-de-

2007 NCAA SWEET SIXTEEN


2007 SEASON REVIEW layed CSTV productions throughout the season, including its overtime win against sixth-ranked Maryland on Sept. 7. “I think the national exposure for our program has been tremendous and it has given our guys an opportunity to be seen on television,” says LeBlanc. “We played Maryland, Ohio State, UConn and Lafayette on television and we won three of those games. It’s no coincidence that Dan Stratford gets a goal against Maryland and an assist in the UConn win, and is now playing for D.C. United. It has been great exposure for the program.” Statistically speaking, the Mountaineers held a deep advantage over their opponents. The Mountaineers scored 24 goals, averaging 1.04 a game, with a 0.85 shot percentage. Their opponents recorded 11 goals and averaged 0.48 a game. WVU also held the corner kick advantage, taking 126 and allowing just 91. The Mountaineers lost seven seniors to graduation, but the cupboard is not bare with forwards such as sophomore Paul Paradise, who recorded three goals and two assists on the season, and Bristol, who scored three goals on four shots last season, two of which were game-winners. Then-sophomore Gift Maworere garnered All-BIG EAST Honorable Mention accolades and will return to anchor the Mountaineer midfield. Dan Hagey also returns after gaining experience at forward, while Johnson looks to return to the net for a second season. The Mountaineers will continue to grow and excel under LeBlanc, 29-9-5 after two seasons in Morgantown. His guidance, combined with returning talent and experience should prove to be the perfect recipe for future on-field success for the Mountaineer squad.

2007 ESPN The Magazine Academic All-American Pat Carroll.

2007 Results Date Opponent Score Overall Conf Att. Aug 31, 2007........at Ohio State$ .............. L, 0-1.................0-1-0................ 0-0-0............... 700 Sept 02, 2007........vs. Penn State$ ............. W, 1-0...............1-1-0................ 0-0-0............... 200 Sept 07, 2007........at #6 Maryland ............ W, 1-0 OT.........2-1-0................ 0-0-0............. 5022 Sept 10, 2007........DUQUESNE .................... W, 1-0...............3-1-0................ 0-0-0............... 937 Sept 15, 2007........at #5 Duke .................... W, 1-0...............4-1-0................ 0-0-0............. 3981 Sept 21, 2007........at St. John’s ................... L, 0-1.................4-2-0................ 0-1-0............. 1284 Sept 23, 2007........at Syracuse ................... W, 1-0 2OT ......5-2-0................ 1-1-0............. 1010 Sept 28, 2007........DE PAUL ......................... W, 1-0 ..............6-2-0................ 2-1-0............. 1130 Sept 30, 2007........#16 USF .......................... L, 0-1 2OT........6-3-0................ 2-2-0............... 916 Oct 06, 2007.........at #3 Notre Dame ........ L, 0-1.................6-4-0................ 2-3-0............. 1571 Oct 10, 2007.........at PITT ............................. W, 3-1...............7-4-0................ 3-3-0............... 217 Oct 13, 2007.........GEORGETOWN ............. W, 1-0 OT.........8-4-0................ 4-3-0............... 887 Oct 16, 2007.........NAVY ............................. L, 0-1................. 8-5-0............... 4-3-0............... 649 Oct 19, 2007.........#1 UCONN .................... W, 1-0...............9-5-0................ 5-3-0............. 1773 Oct 22, 2007.........at Marquette ................ T, 0-0 2OT........9-5-1................ 5-3-1............... 317 Oct 27, 2007.........at Seton Hall ................. W, 3-0...............10-5-1.............. 6-3-1............... 499 Oct 31, 2007.........at Lafayette .................. W, 1-0...............11-5-1.............. 6-3-1.............. 192 Nov 03, 2007........PROVIDENCE ................ W, 3-0...............12-5-1.............. 7-3-1............. 1110 Nov 07, 2007........VILLANOVA* ................. W, 2-0...............13-5-1.............. 7-3-1............... 777 Nov 10, 2007........at Louisville * ................. T, 2-2 2OT........13-5-2.............. 7-3-1............. 1587 Nov 28, 2007........VIRGINIA ^ .................... W, 1-0 ..............14-5-2.............. 7-3-1............. 1112 Dec 2, 2007..........at #1 Wake Forest % .... L, 1-3.................14-6-2.............. 7-3-1............. 1614

2007 NCAA SWEET SIXTEEN

Overall Record: 14-6-2 Conference Record: 7-3-1 Home Record: 7-2-0 Away Record: 6-4-2 Neutral Record: 1-0-0 Overtime Record: 3-1-2

$ Bert and Iris Wolstein Soccer Classic (Columbus, Ohio) *BIG EAST Tournament ^NCAA Tournament First Round %NCAA Sweet 16

39


2007 STATISTICS No. 8 10 9 2 15 22 18 14 12 4 5 17 7 24 21 16 19 6 3

Name Dan Stratford Andy Wright Paul Paradise Jason Bristol Mike Anoia Pat Carroll Tony Lindroos Sean Brooks Reed Cooper Alex Erwin Paul Cunningham Andrew Halsell Gift Maworere Dan Hagey Chase DeWese Ryan Gillespie Alex Yost Mike Brennan Donald LaGuerre Total Opponents

GP-GS 22-22 21-21 22-22 10-9 22-22 22-22 19-10 16-1 20-3 18-13 20-19 22-22 21-21 21-6 10-1 12-3 10-0 2-0 6-3 22 22

G 6 6 3 3 1 1 1 1 1 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 24 11

A 8 6 2 1 4 3 1 0 0 0 1 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 27 9

# Name GP-GS Min. 0 Ryan Chance 1-0 8:39 1 Zach Johnson 22-22 2068:42 TEAM 0:00 Total 22 2077:21 Opponents 22 2077:21

Pts 20 18 8 7 6 5 3 2 2 2 1 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 75 31

Sh 59 45 36 4 24 16 18 7 5 4 14 5 16 15 7 7 2 0 0 284 243

|---GOAL AVE.---| GA Avg 0 0.00 0 11 0.48 0 0.00 11 0.48 24 1.04

Shot% .102 .133 .083 .750 .042 .062 .056 .143 .200 .250 .000 .000 .000 .000 .00 .000 .000 .000 .000 .085 .045

GW PK-ATT 4 0-0 4 1-1 2 0-0 2 0-0 0 0-0 0 0-0 1 0-0 0 0-0 1 0-0 0 0-0 0 0-0 0 0-0 0 0-0 0 0-0 0 0-0 0 0-0 0 0-0 0 0-0 0 0-0 14 1-1 6 2-2

|----SAVES----| Saves Pct .000 0 77 .875 4 1.000 81 .880 96 .800

|--RECORD--| W L T 0 0 0 14 6 2 14 6 2 4 13 2

Sho 13 1 14 6

Overall Record: 14-6-2 BIG EAST Record: 7-3-1 Home Record: 7-2-0 Away Record: 6-4-2 Neutral Record: 1-0-0

2007 BOX SCORES GAME ONE No. 13 WVU (0-1-0) at Ohio State (1-0-0) GOALS BY PERIOD 1 2 TOTAL WVU 0 0 0 Ohio State 1 0 1 SCORING SUMMARY 1. 5:43 OSU Balc, Xavier Shots: WVU 7, OSU 12 Saves: WVU 4 (Johnson, Zach), OSU 4 (Latchem, Casey) Attendance: 700

40

GAME TWO No. 13 WVU (1-1-0) vs. Penn State (0-2-0) GOALS BY PERIOD 1 2 TOTAL WVU 1 0 1 Penn State 0 0 0 SCORING SUMMARY 1. 41:06 WVU Wright, Andy (Stratford, Dan) Shots: WVU 12, PSU 8, Saves: WVU 3 (Johnson, Zach), PSU 1 (Taylor, Conrad), Attendance: 200

2007 NCAA SWEET SIXTEEN


2007 BOX SCORES GAME THREE No. 20 WVU (2-1-0) at No. 6 Maryland (1-1-1) GOALS BY PERIOD 1 2 OT TOTAL WVU 0 0 1 1 Maryland 0 0 0 0 SCORING SUMMARY 1. 90:35 WVU Stratford, Dan (Paradise, Paul /Anoia, Mike) Shots: WVU 8, UMD 8 Saves: WVU 2 (Johnson, Zach), UMD 5 (Swaim, Will) Attendance: 5,022

GAME EIGHT No. 8 WVU (6-2-0) vs. DePaul (5-2-0) GOALS BY PERIOD 1 2 TOTAL WVU 1 0 1 DePaul 0 0 0 SCORING SUMMARY 1. 37:47 WVU LINDROOS, Tony (Wright, Andy /Carroll, Pat) Shots: WVU 11, DPU 10 Saves: WVU 4 (Johnson, Zach), DPU 4(Visser, Brian) Attendance: 1,130

GAME FOUR Duquesne (0-2-1) at No. 13 WVU (3-1-0) GOALS BY PERIOD 1 2 TOTAL WVU 0 0 1 Duquesne 0 0 0 SCORING SUMMARY 1. 88:18 WVU Stratford, Dan (unassisted) Shots: WVU 16, DUQ 4 Saves: WVU 0 (Johnson, Zach), DQU 5 (Torres, Chris) Attendance: 937

GAME NINE No. 8 WVU (6-3-0) at No. 16 USF (7-2-1) GOALS BY PERIOD 1 2 OT 2OT TOTAL WVU 0 0 0 0 0 USF 0 0 0 1 1 SCORING SUMMARY 1. 112:15 USF MITTOO, Andre (Schoendorf, Simon) Shots: WVU 11, USF 22 Saves: WVU 3 (Johnson, Zach), USF 6 (Restrepo, Diego) Attendance: 916

GAME FIVE No. 13 WVU (4-1-0) at No. 5 Duke (3-2) GOALS BY PERIOD 1 2 TOTAL WVU 0 1 1 Duke 0 0 0 SCORING SUMMARY 1. 75:40 WVU PARADISE, Paul (Wright, Andy /Anoia, Mike) Shots: WVU 9, Duke 15 Saves: WVU 3(Johnson, Zach), Duke 3 (Papadakis, Justin) Attendance: 3,981 GAME SIX No. 5 WVU (4-2-0) at St. John’s (3-3-1) GOALS BY PERIOD 1 2 TOTAL WVU 0 0 0 St. John’s 0 1 1 SCORING SUMMARY 1. 87:43 St. John’sIVO, Alexandre (penalty kick) Shots: WVU 5, STJ 6 Saves: WVU 1 (Johnson, Zach), STJ 3 (Landers, Jason, Team) Attendance: 1,284 GAME SEVEN No. 5 WVU (5-2-0) at Syracuse (4-1-3) GOALS BY PERIOD 1 2 OT 2OT TOTAL WVU 0 0 0 1 1 Syracuse 0 0 0 0 0 SCORING SUMMARY 1. 106:55 WVU PARADISE, Paul (Stratford, Dan /Lindroos, Tony) Shots: WVU 17, SU 18 Saves: WVU 8 (Johnson, Zach), SU 6(Cavicchia, Robert) Attendance: 1,010

GAME 10 No. 13 WVU (6-4-0) at No. 3 Notre Dame (8-1-2) GOALS BY PERIOD 1 2 TOTAL WVU 0 0 0 ND 0 1 1 SCORING SUMMARY 1. 62:11 ND MILLER, Ryan (LaPira, Joseph) Shots: WVU 12, ND 23 Saves: WVU 15 (Johnson, Zach), ND 6(CAHILL, Chris) Attendance: 1,571 GAME 11 No. 19 WVU (7-4-0) at Pitt (1-9-2) GOALS BY PERIOD 1 2 TOTAL WVU 2 1 3 Pitt 0 1 1 SCORING SUMMARY 1. 21:14 WVU Erwin, Alex (Stratford, Dan) 2. 28:27 WVU Wright, Andy (Anoia, Mike) (Carroll, Pat) 3. 46:25 WVU Wright, Andy (Stratford, D.) (Cunningham, Paul) 4. 56:04 Pitt Kalas, Andy (Kerr, Pat) Shots: WVU 27, Pitt 11 Saves: WVU 4 (Johnson, Zach), Pitt 12 (Marks, Jordan) Attendance: 217 GAME 12 No. 19 WVU (8-4-0) vs. Georgetown (2-5-0) GOALS BY PERIOD 1 2 OT TOTAL WVU 0 0 1 1 Georgetown 0 0 0 0 SCORING SUMMARY 1. 99:51 WVU Wright, Andy (Halsell, Andrew) Shots: WVU 12, GU 9 Saves: WVU 4 (Johnson, Zach), GU 5 (Brutto, Matthew) Attendance: 887

2007 NCAA SWEET SIXTEEN

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2007 BOX SCORES GAME 13 No. 20 WVU (8-5-0) vs. Navy (6-4-2) GOALS BY PERIOD 1 2 TOTAL WVU 0 0 0 Navy 0 1 1 SCORING SUMMARY 1. 85:00 Navy Pennington, Adam (Trespalacious, Ryan) Shots: WVU 13, Navy 7 Saves: WVU 2 (Johnson, Zach), Navy 3 (Jenkins, Thomas) Attendance: 649 GAME 14 No. 20 WVU (9-5-0) vs. No. 1 Connecticut (12-2-1) GOALS BY PERIOD 1 2 TOTAL WVU 0 1 1 Connecticut 0 0 0 SCORING SUMMARY 1. 52:35 WVU Bristol, Jason (Stratford, Dan) Shots: WVU 10, UConn, 15 Saves: WVU 4 (Johnson, Zach), UConn 3 (Ford, Josh) Attendance: 1,773 GAME 15 No. 20 WVU (9-5-1) at Marquette (2-10-3) GOALS BY PERIOD 1 2 OT 2OT TOTAL WVU 0 0 0 0 0 Marquette 0 0 0 0 0 SCORING SUMMARY None Shots: WVU 13, MU 3 Saves: WVU 0 (Johnson, Zach), MU 5(Pyzdrowski, Matt) Attendance: 317 GAME 16 No. 20 WVU (10-5-1) at Seton Hall (9-9-0) GOALS BY PERIOD 1 2 TOTAL WVU 0 3 3 SHU 0 0 0 SCORING SUMMARY 1. 50:04 WVU Stratford, Dan (Anoia, Mike) 2 54:02 WVU Anoia, Mike (Paradise, Paul), (Wright, Andy) 3. 69:56 WVU Brooks, Sean Shots: WVU 24, SHU 3 Saves: WVU 1 (Johnson, Zach), SHU 8 (McHenry, Paul) Attendance: 499 GAME 17 No. 20 WVU (11-5-1) at Lafayette (7-3-5) GOALS BY PERIOD 1 2 TOTAL WVU 0 1 1 Lafayette 0 1 0 SCORING SUMMARY 1. 60:13 WVU Cooper, Reed (Wright, Andy) (Bristol, Jason) Shots: WVU 11, Lafayette 8 Saves: WVU 5 (Johnson, Zach), Lafayette 2 (Pianko, Andrew) Attendance: 192 GAME 18 No. 20 WVU (12-5-1) vs. Providence (9-6-2) GOALS BY PERIOD 1 2 TOTAL WVU 1 2 3 Providence 0 0 0

42

SCORING SUMMARY 1. 38:08 WVU Wright, Andy (Stratford, Dan) 2. 60:55 WVU Bristol, Jason (Stratford, Dan) (Wright, Andy) 3. 85:40 WVU Paul Paradise (unassisted) Shots: WVU 13, PC 4 Saves: WVU 2 (Johnson, Zach), PC 5 (Murray, Timothy) Attendance: 1,110 GAME 19: BIG EAST TOURNAMENT FIRST ROUND No. 16 WVU (13-5-1) vs. Villanova (10-9-1) GOALS BY PERIOD 1 2 TOTAL Villanova 0 0 0 WVU 2 0 2 SCORING SUMMARY 1. 14:30 WVU Bristol, Jason (Stratford, Dan) 2. 28:15 WVU Stratford, Dan (Carroll, Pat) Shots: WVU 13, VU 11 Saves: WVU 1 (Johnson, Zach), VU 2 (Friel, Jason) Attendance: 777 GAME 20: BIG EAST TOURNAMENT QUARTERFINALS No. 16 WVU (13-5-2) at Louisville (10-5-4) GOALS BY PERIOD 1 2 OT OT2 TOTAL WVU 0 2 0 0 2 Louisville 2 0 0 0 2 SCORING SUMMARY 1. 22:12 UofL Terminesi, Marco (Jonke, Frank) 2. 36:38 UofL Braun, Freddie (unassisted) 3. 63:59 WVU Stratford, Dan (unassisted) 4: 76:31 WVU Carroll, Pat (unassisted) PK Shootout Results: Louisville advances on PK’s 3-1 Shots: WVU 20, UofL 11 Saves: WVU 2 (Johnson, Zach), UofL 1 (Simolike, David), UofL Team 1 Attendance: 1,587 GAME 21: NCAA TOURNAMENT SECOND ROUND (FIRST ROUND BYE) No. 18 WVU (14-5-2) vs. Virginia (12-8-2) GOALS BY PERIOD 1 2 TOTAL Virginia 0 0 0 WVU 0 1 1 SCORING SUMMARY 1. 50:05 WVU Stratford, Dan (unassisted) Shots: WVU 13, VA 14 Saves: WVU 3 (Johnson, Zach), VA 2 (Louisignau, Dan) Attendance: 1,112 GAME 22: NCAA TOURNAMENT SWEET 16 No. 18 WVU (15-6-2) at No. 2 Wake Forest (19-2-2) GOALS BY PERIOD 1 2 TOTAL WVU 0 1 1 Wake Forest 0 3 3 SCORING SUMMARY 1. 49:33 WVU Wright, Andy (penalty kick) 2. 55:09 WF Schilawski, Zack (DaLuz, Austin/Phelan, Patrick) 3. 64:33 WF Arnoux, Cody (Bone, Corben) 4. 86:44 WF Arnoux, Cody (DaLuz, Austin) Shots: WVU 7, WF 21 Saves: WVU 6 (Johnson, Zach), WVU Team 1, WF 1 (Edwards, Brian) Attendance: 1,614

2007 NCAA SWEET SIXTEEN


2007 NCAA SWEET SIXTEEN

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RECORD BOOK Single Match Leaders Goals 1. Jack Cardosa vs. St. Francis, Pa., 1973................................... 6 2. Walt Nistorenko vs. William & Mary, 1967............................... 4 Dennis Almeida vs. Villanova, 1972........................................ 4 4. Walt Nistorenko vs. Frostburg State, 1967............................... 3 Walt Nistorenko vs. George Washington, 1967..................... 3 Walt Nistorenko vs. Pitt, 1967................................................... 3 Walt Nistorenko vs. West Virginia Wesleyan, 1967................. 3 Philip Haslam vs. Pitt, 1978........................................................ 3 Darren McBride vs. St. Joseph’s, 1991.................................... 3 Andy Leardini vs. St. Peter’s, 1994........................................... 3 Andy Leardini vs. Virginia Tech, 1994...................................... 3 Andy Leardini vs. Louisville, 1995............................................. 3 Andy Leardini vs. Pitt, 1995....................................................... 3 Andy Leardini vs. Duquesne, 1997.......................................... 3 Chin Orih vs. Duquesne, 1999.................................................. 3 Guidio Cristofori vs. Radford, 1999.......................................... 3 Dwayne Grant-Higgins vs. Radford, 2001.............................. 3 Jarrod Evans vs. Delaware, 2004............................................. 3 Dan Stratford vs. Longwood, 2004.......................................... 3

Mark Bachteler

44

Assists 1. Sung Gul Cho vs. Pitt, 1978...................................................... 3 Phil Antoon vs. St. Bonaventure, 1987..................................... 3 Omid Namazi vs. Marshall, 1987............................................. 3 Omid Namazi vs. St. Bonaventure, 1987................................ 3 Graham Evans vs. Morehead State, 1990............................. 3 Darren Eals vs. St. Bonaventure, 1991..................................... 3 Darren Eals vs. St. Joseph’s, 1991............................................ 3 Kobie Wilburg vs. Virginia Tech, 1994..................................... 3 Todd Gispert vs. Pitt, 1995........................................................ 3 Abdul Caulker vs. St. Francis, Pa., 2000.................................. 3 Points 1. Jack Cardosa vs. St. Francis, Pa., 1973..................12 (6G, 0A) 2. Walt Nistorenko vs. William & Mary, 1967................8 (4G, 0A) 3. Omid Namazi vs. Marshall, 1987..............................7 (2G, 3A) Andy Leardini vs. Pitt, 1995........................................7 (3G, 1A) Andy Leardini vs. Duquesne, 1997...........................7 (3G, 1A) 6. Walt Nistorenko vs. Frostburg State, 1967................6 (3G, 0A) Walt Nistorenko vs. George Washington, 1967....... 6 (3G, 0A Walt Nistorenko vs. Pitt, 1967....................................6 (3G, 0A) Walt Nistorenko vs. West Virginia Wesleyan, 1967..6 (3G, 0A) Philip Haslam vs. Pitt, 1978.........................................6 (3G, 0A) Darren McBride vs. St. Joseph’s, 1991.....................6 (3G, 0A) Andy Leardini vs. St. Peter’s, 1994............................6 (3G, 0A) Andy Leardini vs. Virginia Tech, 1994.......................6 (3G, 0A) Andy Leardini vs. Louisville, 1995..............................6 (3G, 0A) Chin Orih vs. Duquesne, 1999...................................6 (3G, 0A) Guido Cristofori vs. Radford, 1999............................6 (3G, 0A) Dwayne Grant-Higgins vs. Radford, 2001...............6 (3G, 0A) Jarrod Evans vs. Delaware, 2004..............................6 (3G, 0A) Dan Stratford vs. Longwood, 2004...........................6 (3G, 0A) Goalkeeper Saves 1. Mark Bachteler vs. Penn State, 1988.................................... 22 2. Brian Hartlove vs. Penn State, 1985....................................... 16 3. Chris McKinney vs. Boston, 2002............................................ 15 Zach Johnson vs. Notre Dame, 2007.................................... 15 5. Mark Bachteler vs. George Washington, 1987.................... 14 6. Mark Bachteler vs. Alderson-Broaddus, 1987...................... 13 7. Mark Bachteler vs. Ohio State, 1988..................................... 12 Mark Thienel vs. Radford, 1992.............................................. 12 Dani Braga vs. St. John’s, 1995.............................................. 12 10. Mark Bachteler vs. Ohio State, 1987..................................... 11 Mark Bachteler vs. Penn State, 1987.................................... 11 Mark Bachteler vs. James Madison, 1988............................ 11 Mark Bachteler vs. Xavier, Ohio, 1989.................................. 11 Mark Thienel vs. Old Dominion, 1992.................................... 11 Mark Thienel vs. Virginia Tech, 1992...................................... 11 Mark Thienel vs. William & Mary, 1992.................................. 11 Kyle Swarts vs. Pitt, 2000......................................................... 11

2007 NCAA SWEET SIXTEEN


RECORD BOOK Single Season Leaders Goals 1. Jack Cardosa, 1973................................................................ 29 2. Walt Nistorenko, 1967............................................................. 27 3. Nick Ivahnenko, 1966............................................................. 17 Dennis Almeida, 1972............................................................. 17 5. Ralph Rossi, 1965..................................................................... 15 Andy Leardini, 1994................................................................ 15 Andy Leardini, 1995................................................................ 15 8. Walt Nistorenko, 1968............................................................. 14 Jarrod Smith, 2006................................................................... 14 10. Bill Lanza, 1967......................................................................... 13 Ashy Mabrouk, 1982............................................................... 13 John Keating, 1988................................................................. 13 Andy Leardini, 1997................................................................ 13 Assists 1. Len Forslund, 1967................................................................... 12 Darren Eals, 1991..................................................................... 12 3. Sam Vieceli, 1973.................................................................... 10 Dan Stratford, 2006................................................................. 10 5. Graham Evans, 1990................................................................ 9 6. Manuel Matos, 1973................................................................. 8 Dan Stratford, 2007................................................................... 8 8. Dennis Almeida, 1971............................................................... 7 Ashy Mabrouk, 1982................................................................. 7 Omid Namazi, 1987.................................................................. 7 Ed Ossa, 1990............................................................................ 7 Jason Steiner, 1990................................................................... 7 Luis de la Mata, 1995................................................................ 7 Andy Leardini, 1997.................................................................. 7 Points 1. Jack Cardosa, 1973...............................................59 (29G, 1A) 2. Walt Nistorenko, 1967............................................54 (27G, 0A) 3. Nick Ivahnenko, 1966............................................34 (17G, 0A) Walt Nistorenko, 1968............................................34 (14G, 6A) 5. Ashy Mabrouk, 1982..............................................33 (13G, 7A) Andy Leardini, 1994...............................................33 (15G, 3A) Andy Leardini, 1997...............................................33 (13G, 7A) 8. Andy Leardini, 1995...............................................32 (15G, 2A) Jarrod Smith, 2006..................................................32 (14G, 4A) 10. Dennis Almeida, 1971............................................31 (12G, 7A) Shots 1. Jarrod Smith, 2005................................................................... 79 2. Walt Nistorenko, 1968............................................................. 63 3. Dan Stratford, 2007................................................................. 59 4. Omid Namazi, 1987................................................................ 56 Chin Orih, 1998........................................................................ 56 6. Chin Orih, 2001........................................................................ 55 7. Terry Parfitt, 1968..................................................................... 55 8. Dennis Almeida, 1972............................................................. 54 9. Andy Leardini, 1995................................................................ 52 Matt Tanzini, 1997.................................................................... 52 Matches Played 1. Dan Stratford, 2005................................................................. 23 Geoff Cameron, 2005............................................................ 23 Zak Boggs, 2005....................................................................... 23 Devon McTavish, 2005............................................................ 23 Reed Cooper, 2005................................................................ 23 Andrew Halsell, 2005............................................................... 23

Chris Wittig, 2005..................................................................... 23 Mike Anoia, 2005..................................................................... 23 Nick Noble, 2005 .................................................................... 23 10. Andy Wright, 2005................................................................... 22 Matt Anstey, 2005................................................................... 22 Pat Carroll, 2005...................................................................... 22 Dan Stratford, 2007................................................................. 22 Paul Paradise, 2007................................................................ 22 Mike Anoia, 2007..................................................................... 22 Pat Carroll, 2007...................................................................... 22 Andrew Halsell, 2007............................................................... 22 Goalkeeper Saves 1. Mitch Haroldson, 1984.......................................................... 120 2. Mark Bachteler, 1988............................................................ 105 3. Mark Thienel, 1992................................................................ 103 4. Mark Bachteler, 1987............................................................ 102 5. Mark Bachteler, 1989............................................................ 100 6. Mark Thienel, 1993.................................................................. 95 7. Dani Braga, 1994..................................................................... 94 8. Jon Capon, 1980..................................................................... 91 Nick Noble, 2005..................................................................... 91 10. George Rossi, 1971................................................................. 89 Nick Noble, 2006..................................................................... 89 Goals Allowed Average (Must have played in more than half of team’s total minutes) 1. Zach Johnson, 2007............................................................ 0.48 2. Nick Noble, 2006.................................................................. 0.66 3. Nick Noble, 2004.................................................................. 0.77 4. Mark Bachteler, 1989........................................................... 0.89 5. Jon Capon, 1980.................................................................. 0.92 6. Nick Noble, 2005.................................................................. 1.02 7. Carlos Iga, 1998.................................................................... 1.12 8. Jon Capon, 1981.................................................................. 1.13 9. Nick Noble, 2003.................................................................. 1.17 10. George DeAlmeida, 1982................................................... 1.19 Mark Thienel, 1992............................................................... 1.19 Shutouts 1. Zach Johnson, 2007............................................................... 13 2. Nick Noble, 2005..................................................................... 12 3. Nick Noble, 2006..................................................................... 11 4. Mark Bachteler, 1989................................................................ 9 5. Carlos Iga, 1998...................................................................... 8.5 6. Jon Capon, 1978....................................................................... 8 Jon Capon, 1980....................................................................... 8 Mark Thienel, 1993.................................................................... 8 Nick Noble, 2004 ...................................................................... 8 10. Jon Capon, 1979....................................................................... 6 Jon Capon, 1981....................................................................... 6 Nick Noble, 2003....................................................................... 6 Goalkeeper Minutes 1. Nick Noble, 2005................................................................ 2,120 2. Zach Johnson, 2007.......................................................... 2,068 2. Nick Noble, 2006................................................................ 1,994 2. Dani Braga, 1994................................................................ 1,887 3. Mark Thienel, 1992............................................................. 1,884 4. Carlos Iga, 1998.................................................................. 1,773 5. Nick Noble, 2004................................................................ 1,753 6. Mish Sapsai, 1999............................................................... 1,747 7. Mark Thienel, 1993............................................................. 1,680 8. Mark Bachteler, 1989......................................................... 1,623 9. Chris McKinney, 2002......................................................... 1,466 10. Mitch Haroldson, 1984....................................................... 1,420

2007 NCAA SWEET SIXTEEN

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RECORD BOOK Career Leaders Goals Player Years Goals 1. Jack Cardosa...................... 1971-75.................................... 54 2. Andy Leardini....................... 1994-97.................................... 47 3. Walt Nistorenko.................... 1966-67.................................... 41 4. Ashy Mabrouk...................... 1980-83.................................... 37 5. John Keating........................ 1988-91.................................... 32 Jarrod Smith......................... 2003-06.................................... 32 7. Dennis Almeida................... 1971-72.................................... 29 8. Chin Orih.............................. 1998-2001................................ 28 9. Manny Matos....................... 1971-74.................................... 26 10. Craig Patton......................... 1997-2000................................ 23 Assists Player Years Assists 1. Dan Stratford....................... 2004-07 ................................... 27 2. Andy Wright ........................ 2004-07.................................... 17 3. Len Forslund......................... 1967-68.................................... 16 Fernando Santos................. 1981-83.................................... 16 Todd Gispert........................ 1992-95.................................... 16 6. Dennis Almeida................... 1971-72.................................... 15 Sam Viecelli.......................... 1970-73.................................... 15 Manny Matos....................... 1971-74.................................... 15 Graham Evans..................... 1988-92.................................... 15 10. Walt Nistorenko.................... 1966-67.................................... 13 Hugo Palumbo.................... 1971-72.................................... 13 Ashy Mabrouk...................... 1980-83.................................... 13 Omid Namazi....................... 1984-87.................................... 13 Ed Ossa................................. 1988-91.................................... 13 Andy Leardini....................... 1994-97.................................... 13 Points Player Years Points 1. Jack Cardosa...................... 1972-75.................................. 114 2. Andy Leardini....................... 1994-97.................................. 107 3. Walt Nistorenko.................... 1966-67.................................... 95 4. Ashy Mabrouk...................... 1980-83.................................... 87 5. Dennis Almeida................... 1970-71.................................... 74 John Keating........................ 1988-91.................................... 74 7. Jarrod Smith......................... 2003-06.................................... 72 8. Dan Stratford....................... 2004-07.................................... 69 9. Manny Matos....................... 1971-74.................................... 67 10. Chin Orih.............................. 1998-2001................................ 65

4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10.

Mark Thienel......................... 1990-93.................................. 245 Bob Baker............................. 1974-77.................................. 242 Dani Braga........................... 1994-95.................................. 164 Chris McKinney.................... 2000-02.................................. 162 George DeAlmeida............ 1980-83.................................. 151 Carlos Iga............................. 1996-98.................................. 138 Mitch Haroldson.................. 1984....................................... 120

Goals Allowed Average (min. two seasons as a starter) Player Years GAA 1. Nick Noble............................ 2003-06................................. 0.88 2. Jon Capon........................... 1978-81................................. 1.22 3. Carlos Iga............................. 1996-98................................. 1.44 4. Mark Bachteler.................... 1987-90................................. 1.46 5. George DeAlmeida............ 1980-83................................. 1.50 Shutouts Player Years Shutouts 1. Nick Noble............................ 2003-06.................................... 37 2. John Capon......................... 1978-81.................................... 28 3. Mark Bachteler.................... 1987-90.................................... 18 4. Mark Thienel......................... 1990-93.................................... 15 5. George DeAlmeida............ 1980-83.................................... 14 6. Zach Johnson...................... 2007-....................................... 13 7. Bob Baker............................. 1974-77.................................... 11 8. Carlos Iga............................. 1996-98................................. 10.5 9. Chris McKinney.................... 2000-02...................................... 7 10. Bryan Givens........................ 1995-96................................... 5.4 Goalkeeper Minutes Player Years Minutes 1. Nick Noble............................ 2003-06............................... 7,179 2. Jon Capon........................... 1978-81............................... 5,235 3. Mark Thienel......................... 1990-93............................... 4,787 4. Mark Bachteler.................... 1987-90............................... 4,638 5. Chris McKinney.................... 2000-02............................... 3,198 6. Carlos Iga............................. 1996-98............................... 3,186 7. Dani Braga........................... 1994-95............................... 3,023 8. George DeAlmeida............ 1980-83............................... 2,700 9 Bryan Givens........................ 1995-97............................... 2,679 10. Zach Johnson...................... 2007-.................................. 2,068

Matches Played Player Years Matches 1. Mike Anoia........................... 2004-07.................................... 85 Dan Stratford....................... 2004-07.................................... 85 3. Pat Carroll............................ 2004-07.................................... 83 Andy Wright......................... 2004-07.................................... 83 5. Nick Noble............................ 2003-06.................................... 80 6. Matt Anstey.......................... 2003-06.................................... 78 7. Dustin Hicks.......................... 1988-92.................................... 77 8. Andy Leardini....................... 1994-97.................................... 76 9. Devon McTavish.................. 2002-05.................................... 75 10. Jarrod Smith......................... 2003-06.................................... 74 Chris Wittig............................ 2003-06.................................... 74 Tim Yianne............................ 1993-96.................................... 74 Goalkeeper Saves Player Years Saves 1. Jon Capon........................... 1978-81.................................. 342 2. Nick Noble............................ 2003-06.................................. 302 3. Mark Bachteler.................... 1987-90.................................. 327 WVU career assist record holder Dan Stratford.

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2007 NCAA SWEET SIXTEEN


RECORD BOOK

Team Records - Match

Goals: 14 vs. Charleston, W.Va., 1975 12 vs. St. Francis, Pa., 1973 10 vs. Frostburg State, 1967 10 vs. St. Francis, Pa., 1968 10 vs. Ohio State, 1968 10 vs. Towson State, 1975 10 vs. Charleston, W.Va., 1982 Most Goals by Opponent: 9 by Penn State, 1965 8 by Navy, 1969 8 by Miami, Ohio, 1994 8 by Rutgers, 2000 7 by Penn State, 1974

Team Records - Season

Most Goals: 67 in 1967 Fewest Goals: 11 in 1969 Most Shutouts: 14 in 2007 Most Wins: 15 in 2006 Fewest Wins: 2 in 1961 and 1977 Most Losses: 13 in 1997 and 2000 Fewest Losses: 1 in 1967 and 1968 Most Ties: 4 in 1974, 1984 and 1995 Fewest Ties: 0, 12 times, most recently in 2001 Most Overtime Matches: 7, 2003 Most Home Wins: 10 in 2006 Most Home Losses: 6 in 1977 and 1997 Most Road Wins: 6 in 2007 Most Road Losses: 10 in 2000

Team Records - Miscellaneous

Longest Winning Streak: 12 in 1966 Longest Unbeaten Streak (includes ties): 17 in 1967-68 Longest Losing Streak: 6 in 1989 and 2001 Consecutive Matches Scored In (regular season only): 53 in 1964-69 Consecutive Matches Scored In (including postseason): 59 in 1964-66 Consecutive Shutouts: 6 in 2007 Consecutive Matches Without Scoring: 4 in 1984 and 1989 All-Time Overtime Record: 31-22-65

Team Records - Opponents Season Most Goals: 44 in 1994 Fewest Goals: 8 in 1971 Most Shutouts: 10 in 1985

WVU career shutout leader Nick Noble.

Dick Dlesk Soccer Stadium Records - WVU

Goals: 5 (vs. Mount St. Mary’s - 9/5/04; vs. Delaware 11/2/04; vs. Seton Hall 9/23/06) Assists: 6 (vs. Mount St. Mary’s 9/5/04) Points: 16 (vs. Mount St. Mary’s 9/5/04) Shots: 28 (vs. Robert Morris 11/19/05) Saves: 9 (vs. Seton Hall 9/23/06) Fouls: 20 (vs. Cal. St.-Northridge 9/2/06) Corners: 19 (vs. Longwood 10/3/04)

Dick Dlesk Soccer Stadium Records - WVU Opponents Goals: 3 (vs. Seton Hall 9/23/06) Assists: 2 (Three times, last UNCG 11/15/06) Points: 4 (St. Francis 10/1/04) Shots: 22 (twice, last Seton Hall 9/23/06) Saves: 10 (Buffalo 8/27/06) Fouls: 24 (Buffalo 8/27/06) Corners: 8 (Four times, last Cal. St.-Northridge 9/2/06) First game: WVU 5, Mount St. Mary’s 0 September 5, 2004 First goal: Devon McTavish vs. Mount St. Mary’s; September 5, 2004 First WVU goal: Devon McTavish vs. Mount St. Mary’s; September 5, 2004 First opponent goal: Salvador Djeukeng (Marshall), September 15, 2004

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ALL-AMERICANS Ron McEachon 1967 Hartford, Conn. Ron McEachon, WVU’s first All-American, played right halfback for the Mountaineers in his senior season in 1967. As co-captain, McEachon helped the Mountaineers to an 11-1 record and a Southern Conference championship. Also elected first team all-South in 1967, McEachon helped the team to a 39-10-1 record in his four years at WVU. He currently is the head coach at Skidmore College.

Walt Nistorenko 1968 Newark, N.J. One of the most prolific scorers in Mountaineer history, Walt Nistorenko accomplished many things in just two seasons at West Virginia. Exploding onto the scene in 1967, Nistorenko became a third-team All-American for his efforts in guiding the Mountaineers to an 11-1 year and a Southern Conference championship. That year he tallied 27 goals, second all-time in WVU history. One year later, he led WVU to an 8-1-1 record, on 14 goals and six assists and the school’s first berth into the NCAA tournament. Despite losing to defending national co-champion Saint Louis, Nistorenko tallied two goals on a Billiken team that had only given up three the entire season. His record of 68 shots that season still is tops. Prior to his impressive career in Morgantown, Nistorenko was a two-time junior college All-American at Keystone Junior College. Nistorenko’s son, Walt Jr., played for the Mountaineers from 1993-96.

Pat Sullivan 1968 Rocky Hill, Conn. In the same season in which teammate Walt Nistorenko led the Mountaineers in scoring, junior Pat Sullivan anchored a Mountaineer defense that gave up just 10 goals and shutout four opponents. Playing fullback, Sullivan also led a defense that allowed just 136 shots. Sullivan joined the squad in 1968 after transferring from Mitchell Junior College.

Jon Capon 1981 Rockville, Md. In his senior season, Jon Capon was a dominating force between the posts. A two-time all-South selection, Capon allowed just 17 goals in 16 games, with six shutouts, in an 11-5 season for the Mountaineers. The three-time captain also posted a 1.13 goals against average with 1,350 minutes in the net that season. For his career, Capon saved 342 shots, best in WVU history. He also holds a career 1.22 goals against average mark and 28 shutouts, both records that stood at WVU for over 25 years.

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2007 NCAA SWEET SIXTEEN


ALL-AMERICANS Nick Noble 2006 Damascus, Md. Nick Noble put together one of the finest four-year careers in the history of WVU soccer as he topped it off by earning first team All-America honors from the National Soccer Coaches Association (NSCAA) and second team from Soccer America in 2006. The Damascus, Md., native ranked nationally throughout the season in goals against average (.63) and save percentage (.864). The 2006 BIG EAST goalkeeper of the year and first team all-conference selection holds career marks at WVU in matches played (80), goals against average (.88), shutouts (37) and minutes played (7,179), while ranking third in career saves (292). Nationally, he was selected to the CollegeSoccerNews.com and Soccer America teams a combined three times as a Mountaineer. Along with fellow senior Jarrod Smith he became the first Mountaineer men’s soccer player to earn All-America status since 1981. Noble also became the fourth WVU soccer player to be drafted by an MLS team when the Chicago Fire selected him with the seventh overall pick in the 2007 supplemental draft.

Jarrod Smith 2006 Havelock North, New Zealand Few WVU strikers put together better careers than that of Jarrod Smith. The Havelock North, New Zealand, native earned first team All-America honors from Soccer America and second team from the National Soccer Coaches Association (NSCAA). Smith also earned national honors from the ECAC, CollegeSoccerNews.com and SoccerTimes.com. The first team all-BIG EAST selection in 2006 and M.A.C. Hermann Award finalist scored 14 goals in 15 matches this season to go along with four assists. The senior forward set the BIG EAST single season conference goals record in 2006 with 12 and the single season conference point record with 28. Smith netted 32 goals in four seasons for WVU, tied for fifth all-time in school history. He is also tied for third in school history in career matches played with 74. Smith became the third Mountaineer ever drafted into the MLS when Toronto FC chose him with the first overall pick in the 2007 supplemental draft.

Andrew Wright 2007 Liverpool, England Senior captain Andrew Wright closed his senior campaign at WVU with six goals, six assists and 18 points. Wright was named a third team All-American by the National Soccer Coaches Association of America (NSCAA) and earned BIG EAST Midfielder of the Year honors at the end of the regular season. The Liverpool, England, native also was named to the NSCAA Men’s Division I all-Northeast Region first team, the CollegeSoccerNews.com’s All-America second team and the Soccer America MVP second team. Wright finished his Mountaineer career with 18 goals, 17 assists and 53 points in 83 matches played. Wright became the fourth Mountaineer to continue his career professionally. The forward returned to England and was drafted by the Scunthorpe United Football Club of the English Championship.

2007 NCAA SWEET SIXTEEN

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INDIVIDUAL HONORS All-Americans

First Team Ron McEachen................................... 1967 Walt Nistorenko.................................. 1968 Pat Sullivan.......................................... 1968 Jon Capon.......................................... 1981 Nick Noble (NSCAA).......................... 2006 Jarrod Smith (Soccer America; CollegeSoccerNews).................... 2006 Second Team Nick Noble (CollegeSoccerNews)... 2006 Andy Wright (Soccer America; CollegeSoccerNews).................... 2007

ESPN The Magazine/CoSIDA Academic All-American

Third Team Ed Hickman......................................... 1963 Nick Ivahenko..................................... 1967

ESPN The Magazine/CoSIDA Academic All-District

BIG EAST Coach of the Year

Pat Carroll........................................... 2007

Pat Carroll........................................... 2007

GTE/CoSIDA Academic All-American

Third Team Carlos Iga............................................ 1998

Academic All-East Region

Third Team Walt Nistorenko.................................. 1967 Andy Wright (NSCAA)........................ 2007

Matt Anstey........................................ 2006 Paul Cunningham.............................. 2006

Honorable Mention Joe Okhakhu.................. 1971, 1973, 1974 Dennis Almeida.................................. 1972 Manny Matos............................ 1972, 1973 Jack Cardosa..................................... 1973 Ashy Mabrouk..................................... 1981

First Team Joe Miller............................................. 1963 Ron McEachen................................... 1967 Walt Nistorenko.................................. 1967 Pat Sullivan.......................................... 1968 Joe Okhakhu.................. 1971, 1972, 1974 Manny Matos............................ 1971, 1973 Dennis Almeida........................ 1972, 1973 Roberto Calzadilla............................. 1976 Henry Long.......................................... 1980 Nigel Grosvenor.................................. 1980 Jon Capon................................ 1980, 1981 Ashy Mabrouk..................................... 1981 Fernando Santos................................ 1983 Riku Hirn............................................... 1996

NSCAA All-Northeast

First Team Nick Noble.......................................... 2006 Jarrod Smith........................................ 2006 Andy Wright........................................ 2007 Third Team Andy Wright........................................ 2006 Dan Stratford...................................... 2007

All-Mid Atlantic Region

Second Team Jarrod Smith........................................ 2005

All-South

Second Team John Keating...................................... 1990 Eric Beckner........................................ 1992 Mark Reilly........................................... 1994

Third Team Devon McTavish................................. 2005

M.A.C. Herman Trophy Semifinalist

Jarrod Smith........................................ 2006

Soccer America National Coach of the Year Marlon LeBlanc................................... 2006

FieldTurf National Coach of the Year

Marlon LeBlanc................................... 2006

NSCAA/Adidas Northeast Coach of the Year

Marlon LeBlanc................................... 2006

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Chin Orih

2007 NCAA SWEET SIXTEEN

Paul Marco......................................... 1999 Marlon LeBlanc................................... 2006

BIG EAST Goalkeeper of the Year Nick Noble.......................................... 2006

BIG EAST Midfielder of the Year

Andy Wright........................................ 2007

All-BIG EAST

First Team Craig Patton....................................... 1999 Nick Noble.......................................... 2006 Jarrod Smith........................................ 2006 Andy Wright.............................. 2006, 2007 Second Team Andy Leardini...................................... 1995 Andy Leardini...................................... 1997 Daniel Balaguero............................... 1998 Jared Feola......................................... 1999 Nick Noble.......................................... 2005 Jarrod Smith........................................ 2005 Andrew Wright.................................... 2005 Dan Stratford...................................... 2007 Third Team Aaron Pitchkolan................................ 2004 Devon McTavish................................. 2005 Andrew Halsell.................................... 2006


INDIVIDUAL HONORS Honorable Mention Gift Maworere.....................................2007 All-Rookie Team Chin Orih............................................. 1998 Guido Cristofori................................... 1999 Preseason Team Andy Wright.............................. 2006, 2007

BIG EAST Players of the Week

Offensive: Andy Leardini......................... Nov. 6, 1995 Andy Leardini.........................Sept. 8, 1997 Craig Patton...........................Oct. 4, 1999 Craig Patton........................Sept. 13, 1999 Chin Orih...............................Oct. 25, 1999 Jarrod Smith.........................Sept. 27, 2004 Jarrod Smith.........................Sept. 11, 2006 Jarrod Smith.........................Sept. 25, 2006 Andy Wright..........................Oct. 23, 2006 Defensive: Daniel Balaguero.................Oct. 19, 1998 Jared Feola...........................Oct. 25, 1999 Kevan Ford............................Oct. 28, 2002 Andrew Halsell......................Oct. 10, 2005 Jason Bristol.......................... Oct. 22, 2007 Andrew Halsell......................Oct. 29, 2007 Jason Bristol............................Nov. 4, 2007 Goalkeeper: Carlos Iga................................Oct. 5, 1998 Carlos Iga..............................Oct. 19, 1998 Mish Sapsai............................Oct. 25, 1999 Chris McKinney.....................Oct. 28, 2002 Nick Noble...........................Sept. 27, 2004 Nick Noble.............................Sept. 5, 2005 Nick Noble............................Oct. 24, 2005 Nick Noble........................... Aug. 28, 2006 Nick Noble............................Oct. 23, 2006 Zach Johnson...................... Sept. 17, 2007 Rookie: Craig Patton.........................Oct. 13, 1997 Craig Patton........................Sept. 29, 1997 Chin Orih.................................Oct. 5, 1998 Guido Cristofori...................... Nov. 1, 1999 Guido Cristofori.....................Oct. 11, 1999 Dwayne Grant-Higgins.........Sept. 3, 2001 Justin Freeman......................Sept. 2, 2002 Nick Noble.............................Sept. 8, 2003 Jarrod Evans.........................Oct. 18, 2004 Zach Johnson...................... Sept. 10, 2007 Paul Paradise...................... Sept. 17, 2007 Zach Johnson....................... Oct. 15, 2007

Andy Halsell

NSCAA National Player of the Week

Darren Eals.......................................... 1991 John Keating...................................... 1991 Eric Beckner........................................ 1992

ECAC Player of the Week

Second Team Scott Laramie..................................... 1991 Darren McBride.................................. 1991 Spencer Knibb.................................... 1992 Todd Gispert....................................... 1993 Keith Quill............................................ 1993 Andy Leardini...................................... 1994

Jarrod Smith.........................Sept. 11, 2006 Jarrod Smith.........................Sept. 11, 2006 Zach Johnson...................... Sept. 18. 2007

SoccerTimes.com National Player of the Week

Jarrod Smith.........................Sept. 11, 2006

CollegeSoccerNews.com Team of the Week

Rusty Girton..........................Sept. 27, 2004 Nick Noble............................Oct. 24, 2005 Jarrod Smith.........................Sept. 11, 2006 Jarrod Smith..........................Oct. 16, 2006 Paul Cunningham...............Sept. 17, 2007 Zach Johnson.........................Nov. 4, 2007

Soccer America Team of the Week

Nick Noble............................Oct. 24, 2005 Nick Noble.............................Sept. 4, 2006 Zach Johnson...................... Sept. 18, 2007 Jason Bristol.......................... Oct. 22, 2007 Andrew Halsell......................Oct. 30, 2007

All-Atlantic 10

First Team John Keating...................................... 1990

2007 NCAA SWEET SIXTEEN

Atlantic 10 Tournament MVP

Mark Thienel........................................ 1992

Atlantic 10 All-Tournament

Kevin Herzog....................................... 1992 Dustin Hicks......................................... 1992 Spencer Knibb.................................... 1992 Mark Thienel........................................ 1992

All-Southern Conference

First Team Ray Lockridge..................................... 1965 Joe Topley........................................... 1965 Charlie Toth......................................... 1965 Tom Breit.............................................. 1966 Nick Ivahenko..................................... 1966 Jack Shannon..................................... 1966 Newt Weirich...................................... 1966

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YEAR-BY-YEAR RESULTS Overall Home Away Neutral OT Year Coach Captains Record Record Record Record Record 1961..... Jim Markel................Martin Pushkin...........................................................................2-5-3........... 1-1-3......... 1-4-0....... 0-0-0......... 0-0-3 1962..... Jim Markel................Jay Morris..................................................................................8-2-0........... 4-0-0......... 4-2-0....... 0-0-0......... 0-0-0 1963..... Sam Maurice............Al Baker, Jay Morris..................................................................7-3-0........... 5-1-0......... 2-2-0....... 0-0-0......... 0-0-0 1964..... Sam Maurice............Mike Cicci, Butch Rossi............................................................8-2-0........... 6-1-0......... 2-1-0....... 0-0-0......... 0-0-0 1965..... Greg Myers...............Butch Rossi................................................................................7-5-1........... 2-1-1......... 2-4-0....... 3-0-0......... 0-0-1 1966..... Greg Myers...............Tom Breit....................................................................................13-2-0......... 4-1-0......... 6-1-0....... 3-0-0......... 0-0-0 1967..... John Stewart............Nick Ivahenko, Ron McEachen, Jack Shannon...................11-1-0......... 6-1-0......... 4-0-0....... 1-0-0......... 0-0-0 1968..... John Stewart............Walt Nistorenko........................................................................8-1-1........... 2-0-1......... 6-1-0....... 0-0-0......... 0-0-1 1969..... John McGrath..........Pat Sullivan................................................................................4-5-1........... 3-3-0......... 1-2-1....... 0-0-0......... 0-0-1 1970..... John McGrath..........Bill Goggin, Jack Shannon, Pat Sullivan................................3-8-0........... 1-4-0......... 2-4-0....... 0-0-0......... 0-0-0 1971..... John McGrath..........George Rossi, Dave Tamman.................................................9-3-0........... 5-0-0......... 4-3-0....... 0-0-0......... 0-0-0 1972..... John McGrath..........Dennis Almeida, Manny Matos, Dave Tamman..................10-3-0......... 5-1-0......... 5-2-0....... 0-0-0......... 0-0-0 1973..... John McGrath..........Manny Matos, Joe Okhakhu..................................................10-2-3......... 9-1-0......... 1-1-3....... 0-0-0......... 1-0-3 1974..... John McGrath..........Manny Matos, Joe Okhakhu..................................................5-4-4........... 3-2-1......... 2-3-1....... 0-0-1......... 0-0-4 1975..... John McGrath..........Jack Cardosa, Herman Pinto.................................................8-5-1........... 6-1-0......... 2-4-1....... 0-0-0......... 0-0-1 1976..... John McGrath..........Fred Hibbs, Reed Sourbeer.....................................................6-6-1........... 4-4-1......... 2-5-1....... 0-0-0......... 0-0-1 1977..... John McGrath..........Scott Miller, Jeff Van Dine.......................................................2-9-2........... 2-6-1......... 0-3-1....... 0-0-0......... 0-0-2 1978..... John McGrath..........Jim Mathiowdis.........................................................................8-6-1........... 3-2-0......... 4-4-1....... 1-0-0......... 0-0-1 1979..... John McGrath..........Jon Capon, Mike Kuzio...........................................................8-6-2........... 6-4-1......... 1-2-1....... 1-0-1......... 3-0-2 1980..... John McGrath..........Jon Capon, Henry Long..........................................................10-2-3......... 4-1-2......... 6-1-1....... 0-0-0......... 1-1-3 1981..... John McGrath..........Jon Capon, Mark Mathiowdis................................................11-5-0......... 8-0-0......... 3-5-0....... 0-0-0......... 1-0-0 1982..... John McGrath..........Amilcar Cascais, John Dragelin, Remo Fabietti...................8-7-2........... 5-4-1......... 2-3-0....... 1-0-1......... 0-0-2 1983..... John McGrath..........George DeAlmeida, Kendall Lemmon, Ashy Mabrouk......10-7-1......... 5-1-1......... 4-5-0....... 1-1-0......... 4-0-1 1984..... John McGrath..........Geoffrey Wharton-Lake..........................................................5-8-4........... 2-3-1......... 2-4-3....... 1-1-0......... 0-0-4 1985..... John McGrath..........Abibou Niang, Tony Lopes......................................................4-12-3......... 3-3-2......... 1-7-1....... 0-2-0......... 0-2-3 1986..... John McGrath..........Pat McCloskey, Brian Hartlove...............................................7-6-3........... 4-2-2......... 3-3-1....... 0-1-0......... 0-1-3 1987..... John McGrath..........Lance Dragelin, Bob Leonard, Omid Namazi......................8-8-2........... 4-3-1......... 4-5-1....... 0-0-0......... 1-1-2 1988..... John McGrath..........John Reese...............................................................................6-11-1......... 5-2-1......... 1-9-0....... 0-0-0......... 0-0-1 1989..... John McGrath..........Mark Peterson...........................................................................9-8-1........... 5-3-0......... 4-5-1....... 0-0-0......... 0-0-1 1990..... John McGrath..........John Keating............................................................................12-5-1......... 7-1-1......... 5-4-0....... 0-0-0......... 0-0-1 1991..... John McGrath..........John Keating............................................................................9-8-0........... 4-2-0......... 4-4-0....... 1-2-0......... 0-0-0 1992..... John McGrath..........Dustin Hicks, Michael Smith, Jason Steiner............................10-7-3......... 5-2-0......... 3-5-1....... 2-0-2......... 0-0-3 1993..... John McGrath..........Keith Quill, Mark Thienel..........................................................5-12-1......... 3-4-0......... 2-7-0....... 0-1-1......... 0-0-1 1994..... John McGrath..........Mark Reilly.................................................................................10-9-1......... 6-1-1......... 1-6-0....... 3-2-0......... 2-0-1 1995..... John McGrath..........Todd Gispert, Tim Yianne........................................................5-9-4........... 4-0-3......... 1-8-1....... 0-1-0......... 0-1-4 1996..... Paul Marco...............Walter Nistorenko, Adetoye Oshoniyi, Tim Yianne...............7-12-1......... 2-6-1......... 3-6-0....... 2-0-0......... 1-0-1 1997..... Paul Marco...............Luis de la Mata, Andy Leardini, David Rorrer.......................7-13-0......... 3-6-0......... 3-6-0....... 1-1-0......... 1-3-0 1998..... Paul Marco...............Daniel Baleguero, Jared Feola, Tim Keating........................11-8-1......... 7-2-1......... 4-6-0....... 2-0-0......... 0-0-1 1999..... Paul Marco...............Jared Feola...............................................................................13-5-1......... 9-2-0......... 4-2-1....... 0-1-0......... 4-1-1 2000..... Paul Marco...............Andy Koenig, Brian Yochim....................................................4-13-1......... 2-3-1......... 2-10-0..... 0-0-0......... 0-2-1 2001..... Paul Marco...............Mike Myers, Corey Densk, Chin Orih......................................5-11-0......... 4-4-0......... 1-6-0....... 0-1-0......... 2-1-0 2002..... Keith Fulk...................Matt Mahar, Chris McKinney..................................................4-11-2......... 2-6-0......... 2-4-2....... 0-1-0......... 2-1-2 2003..... Mike Seabolt............Mehran Mostafavifar, Kevan Ford.........................................5-10-3......... 1-3-2......... 3-6-1....... 1-1-0......... 3-1-3 2004..... Mike Seabolt............Aaron Pitchkolan, Rusty Girton...............................................12-7-1......... 8-1-1......... 3-6-0....... 1-0-0......... 3-1-1 2005 .... Mike Seabolt............Devon McTavish.......................................................................13-8-2......... 9-2-1......... 4-5-1....... 0-1-0......... 1-0-2 2006..... Marlon LeBlanc........Matt Anstey, Dan Stratford, Andy Wright..............................15-3-3......... 10-1-1....... 5-1-1....... 0-1-1......... 1-3-3 2007..... Marlon LeBlanc........Andrew Halsell, Dan Stratford, Andy Wright.........................14-6-2......... 8-2-0......... 6-4-2....... 1-0-0......... 3-1-2 Totals.......................................................................................................................... 376-309-67..... 215-104-33... 137-191-28...26-18-7.... 34-22-67

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2007 NCAA SWEET SIXTEEN


SERIES RECORDS Series Last Opponent W-L-T Began Played Akron................................................... 2-6-1..........1966.......... 2005 Alabama A&M.................................... 0-1-0..........1981.......... 1981 Alderson-Broaddus............................. 7-8-1..........1972.......... 1987 American............................................. 2-1-0..........1988.......... 2006 Baltimore.............................................. 5-4-1..........1973.......... 1982 Bethany, W.Va..................................... 3-1-2..........1977.......... 1985 Boca Raton.......................................... 0-1-0..........1987.......... 1987 Boston University.................................. 0-1-1..........1988.......... 2002 Boston College.................................... 3-5-1..........1995.......... 2003 Bowling Green..................................... 1-3-0..........1979.......... 1995 Brooklyn................................................ 2-0-0..........1983.......... 1991 Bucknell................................................ 1-0-0..........2006.......... 2006 Buffalo.................................................. 1-0-1..........1989.......... 1998 UC-Santa Barbara............................... 0-1-0..........1999.......... 1999 California-Northridge.......................... 1-0-0..........2006.......... 2006 Campbell............................................. 1-0-0..........2005.......... 2005 Canisius................................................ 1-0-1..........1995.......... 1996 Central Florida..................................... 0-1-0..........1985.......... 1985 Charleston, W.Va................................ 11-0-0........1979.......... 1987 Cincinnati............................................. 3-0-0..........1986.......... 2006 The Citadel........................................... 2-0-0..........1966.......... 1986 City College of New York................... 1-0-0..........1978.......... 1978 Clemson............................................... 0-2-0..........1972.......... 1974 Cleveland State.................................. 2-9-3..........1969.......... 1994 Coastal Carolina................................. 2-1-1..........1985.......... 1994 Columbia............................................. 0-1-0..........1991.......... 1991 Connecticut........................................ 3-11-2........1984.......... 2007 Davidson.............................................. 3-0-0..........1965.......... 1967 Davis & Elkins........................................ 19-10-3......1961.......... 1992 DePaul................................................. 3-0-0..........2005.......... 2007 Delaware............................................. 1-0-0..........2004.......... 2004 Drexel.................................................... 2-0-0..........1983.......... 2003 Duke..................................................... 1-1-0..........1981.......... 2007 Duquesne............................................ 4-1-0..........1997.......... 2007 Eckerd................................................... 1-0-0..........1983.......... 1983 Fairfield................................................. 1-0-0..........2006.......... 2006 Fairmont State..................................... 8-1-0..........1961.......... 1966 Florida Atlantic.................................... 2-1-0..........1987.......... 2002 Florida International............................ 1-2-0..........1973.......... 2002 Frostburg State.................................... 13-6-4........1962.......... 1984 Frostburg JV......................................... 0-1-1..........1961.......... 1961 Furman................................................. 2-0-0..........1965.......... 1966 George Mason.................................... 0-2-0..........1998.......... 1999 George Washington........................... 10-10-2......1965.......... 1994 Georgetown........................................ 4-8-0..........1995.......... 2007 Goshen, Ind......................................... 2-0-0..........1962.......... 1963 Hartwick............................................... 0-2-0..........1997.......... 2001 Harvard................................................ 0-1-0..........2000.......... 2000 High Point............................................. 1-0-0..........2002.......... 2002 Howard................................................. 0-4-1..........1971.......... 1984 Indiana, Pa........................................... 3-1-2..........1984.......... 1989 Iona....................................................... 1-0-0..........1994.......... 1994 Jacksonville.......................................... 1-1-1..........1991.......... 1993 James Madison................................... 2-4-0..........1988.......... 1998 Jersey City State.................................. 2-0-0..........1968.......... 1969 Lafayette............................................. 1-0-0..........2007.......... 2007 Liberty................................................... 1-2-0..........1988.......... 2004 Lock Haven.......................................... 0-2-1..........1983.......... 1985 Louisville................................................ 2-1-1..........1995.......... 2007 Loyola, Md........................................... 0-3-1..........1983.......... 1987 Loyola Marymount.............................. 0-0-1..........2005.......... 2005 Marquette............................................ 2-0-1..........2005.......... 2007 Marshall................................................ 15-5-1........1983.......... 2004 Maryland............................................. 2-0-0..........1971.......... 2007 Maryland-BC........................................ 0-3-0..........1978.......... 1996 Massachusetts..................................... 3-5-0..........1988.......... 1994

Series Last Opponent W-L-T Began Played Memphis............................................... 0-1-0..........1993.......... 1993 Miami, Ohio......................................... 0-1-0..........1994.......... 1994 Monmouth........................................... 1-0-0..........2002.......... 2002 Morehead State.................................. 1-0-0..........1990.......... 1990 Morris Harvey....................................... 3-0-0..........1974.......... 1976 Mount St. Mary’s.................................. 2-1-0..........1996.......... 2004 Navy..................................................... 2-4-1..........1969.......... 2007 New York-Oneonta............................. 1-0-0..........1997.......... 1997 New Mexico......................................... 0-1-0..........2005.......... 2005 Niagara................................................ 1-0-0..........1998.......... 1998 North Adams State............................. 1-0-1..........1982.......... 1984 Northeastern........................................ 1-0-0..........2003.......... 2003 Notre Dame......................................... 4-7-1..........1995.......... 2007 Ohio...................................................... 0-2-0..........1970.......... 1971 Ohio State............................................ 9-6-3..........1963.......... 2007 Old Dominion....................................... 2-1-2..........1981.......... 1992 Oneonta............................................... 1-0-0..........2001.......... 2001 Penn State............................................ 6-19-1........1965.......... 2007 Pitt........................................................ 31-9-3........1962.......... 2007 Pitt JV.................................................... 0-2-0..........1961.......... 1961 Providence.......................................... 8-4-0..........1995.......... 2007 Quincy, Ill.............................................. 0-0-1..........1973.......... 1973 Radford................................................ 4-1-1..........1992.......... 2001 Rhode Island........................................ 5-0-0..........1990.......... 1994 Richmond............................................. 0-2-0..........1991.......... 2003 Rider...................................................... 1-0-0..........1996.......... 1996 Robert Morris........................................ 13-6-0........1985.......... 2005 Rollins.................................................... 0-1-0..........1975.......... 1975 Rutgers................................................. 3-13-2........1990.......... 2006 St. Bonaventure................................... 9-1-0..........1971.......... 1994 St. Francis, Pa...................................... 13-1-1........1964.......... 2003 St. John’s.............................................. 2-8-2..........1995.......... 2007 St. Joseph’s.......................................... 4-1-0..........1990.......... 1994 St. Leo................................................... 1-0-0..........1970.......... 1970 Saint Louis............................................. 0-2-0..........1968.......... 1973 St. Peter’s.............................................. 1-0-0..........1994.......... 1994 Seton Hall............................................ 4-9-0..........1995.......... 2007 Siena..................................................... 1-0-0..........1996.......... 1996 Slippery Rock....................................... 4-2-0..........1964.......... 1990 South Alabama................................... 0-1-0..........1993.......... 1993 South Carolina..................................... 0-1-0..........1982.......... 1982 SMU....................................................... 0-1-0..........2005.......... 2005 Southern Indiana................................. 1-0-0..........1994.......... 1994 Syracuse............................................... 4-4-3..........1995.......... 2007 Tampa.................................................. 1-1-0..........1979.......... 1985 Temple.................................................. 1-6-0..........1966.......... 2005 Towson ................................................. 9-2-1..........1971.......... 1982 UNLV..................................................... 0-0-0..........1999.......... 1999 UNC-Greensboro................................. 0-1-0..........2006.......... 2006 USF........................................................ 3-10-2........1969.......... 2007 Villanova............................................. 12-8-0........1972.......... 2007 Virginia.................................................. 2-5-0..........1981.......... 2007 Virginia Commonwealth.................... 2-6-0..........1985.......... 2003 Virginia Tech........................................ 3-7-0..........1963.......... 2004 Wake Forest......................................... 0-1-0..........2007.......... 2007 Washington, Md.................................. 1-0-0..........1980.......... 1980 West Liberty.......................................... 1-0-0..........1980.......... 1980 West Virginia Wesleyan...................... 18-6-2........1961.......... 1986 Western Illinois...................................... 1-0-0..........1982.......... 1982 Western Kentucky............................... 1-0-0..........1984.......... 1984 William & Mary..................................... 2-3-0..........1965.......... 1992 Wisconsin-Green Bay......................... First Meeting Wisconsin-Milwaukee.......................... 1-0-0..........1982.......... 1982 Wooster................................................ 4-1-3..........1968.......... 1980 Wright State......................................... 3-2-0..........1987.......... 2005 Xavier, Ohio......................................... 3-1-0..........1987.......... 1990

2007 NCAA SWEET SIXTEEN

53


ALL-TIME SCORES 1961 (2-5-3) Jim Markel 1-1..........T...............................Frostburg State JV 3-3..........T......................West Virginia Wesleyan 0-3..........L............................... at Fairmont State 0-4..........L..............................................at Pitt JV 0-3..........L......................... at Frostburg State JV 3-3..........T....................................... Davis & Elkins 3-0..........W...................................Fairmont State 3-5..........L...................................................Pitt JV 3-1..........W............... at West Virginia Wesleyan 0-5..........L..................................at Davis & Elkins 1962 (8-2) Jim Markel 5-0..........W....................West Virginia Wesleyan 4-1..........W.................................. Frostburg State 1-5..........L................................................... at Pitt 6-0..........W.............................. at Fairmont State 4-2..........W.................................at Davis & Elkins 6-1..........W..................................... Davis & Elkins 0-1..........L.............................. at Frostburg State 3-2..........W............... at West Virginia Wesleyan 7-0..........W...................................Fairmont State 4-1..........W................................. at Goshen, Ind. 1963 (7-3) Sam Maurice 3-2..........W.............................. at Fairmont State 2-1..........W...................................... Goshen, Ind. 3-1..........W.................................at Davis & Elkins 0-4..........L........................................................Pitt 3-0..........W....................West Virginia Wesleyan 1-3..........L.............................. at Frostburg State 4-2..........W...................................Fairmont State 0-4..........L......................................at Ohio State 3-2..........W......................................Virginia Tech 3-2..........W..................................... Davis & Elkins 1964 (8-2) Sam Maurice 3-1..........W...................................Fairmont State 4-2..........W............... at West Virginia Wesleyan 1-0..........W....................................St. Francis, Pa. 1-3..........L................................................... at Pitt 3-0..........W....................West Virginia Wesleyan 3-2..........W.................................. Frostburg State 5-1..........W.................................at Davis & Elkins 0-1..........L......................................Slippery Rock 4-2..........W..........................................Ohio State 4-0..........W..................................... Davis & Elkins 1965 (7-5-1) Southern Conference Champions Greg Myers 9-0..........W.............................. at Fairmont State 6-1..........W..................................... Davis & Elkins 2-9..........L.......................................... Penn State 2-1..........W....................West Virginia Wesleyan 1-3..........L.............................. at Frostburg State 1-3..........L................................................... at Pitt 3-5..........L................................. at Slippery Rock 1-4..........L......................................at Ohio State 1-1..........T......................................St. Francis, Pa. Southern Conference Tournament at Davidson, N.C. 1-0..........W.........................George Washington 3-2..........W............................................... Furman 4-0..........W.................................. William & Mary 3-1..........W....................................... at Davidson

54

1966 (13-2) Southern Conference Champions Greg Myers 8-1..........W...................................Fairmont State 2-4..........L................................................... Akron 3-0..........W.................................at Davis & Elkins 7-1..........W...............................at St. Francis, Pa. 3-2..........W.................................... at Penn State 2-1..........W............... at West Virginia Wesleyan 3-1..........W.................................. Frostburg State 1-0..........W.................................................. at Pitt 2-1..........W.....................................Slippery Rock 3-1..........W..........................................Ohio State Southern Conference Tournament at Davidson, N.C. 4-1..........W............................................... Furman 4-1..........W........................................ The Citadel 1-0..........W.........................George Washington 3-1..........W....................................... at Davidson NCAA Tournament at Philadelphia, Pa. 0-4..........L............................................at Temple 1967 (11-1) Southern Conference Champions John Stewart 4-3..........W............................................. at Akron 7-1..........W....................West Virginia Wesleyan 8-0..........W....................................St. Francis, Pa. 2-6..........L.......................................... Penn State 6-0..........W.................................at Davis & Elkins 5-1..........W.......................................................Pitt 4-1..........W.........................George Washington 3-1..........W.....................................Slippery Rock 4-2..........W..........................................Ohio State 10-0........W............................. at Frostburg State Southern Conference Tournament at Williamsburg, Va. 9-0..........W..............................at William & Mary 5-0..........W............................................Davidson 1968 (8-1-1) John Stewart 1-1..........T................................................Wooster 4-0..........W............... at West Virginia Wesleyan 8-0..........W............................... Jersey City State 2-1..........W.................................... at Penn State 10-2........W...............................at St. Francis, Pa. 10-0........W.....................................at Ohio State 3-0..........W.................................................. at Pitt 3-2..........W.................... at George Washington 5-1..........W.................................. Frostburg State NCAA Tournament at St. Louis, Mo. 2-3..........L.......................................at Saint Louis 1969 (4-5-1) John McGrath 1-1..........T........................................... at Wooster 3-0..........W...........................at Jersey City State 2-0..........W....................................St. Francis, Pa. 0-2..........L.......................................... Penn State 1-4..........L.................................Cleveland State 1-8..........L............................................... at Navy 1-4..........L.......................................South Florida 1-0..........W.......................................................Pitt 1-0..........W....................West Virginia Wesleyan 0-3..........L.............................................. at Akron

2007 NCAA SWEET SIXTEEN

1970 (3-8) John McGrath 0-2..........L...................................... Davis & Elkins 4-1..........W............................................ at St. Leo 3-6..........L.................................. at South Florida 0-5..........L..................................... at Penn State 6-1..........W....................West Virginia Wesleyan 1-5..........L............................ at Cleveland State 2-3..........L.....................................................Ohio 8-1..........W...............................at St. Francis, Pa. 2-5..........L................................................... Akron 1-5..........L................................... Frostburg State 0-1..........L................................................... at Pitt 1971 (9-3) John McGrath 9-0..........W....................................St. Francis, Pa. 3-0..........W............................................... Towson 0-1..........L............................................... at Navy 5-0..........W............... at West Virginia Wesleyan 9-0..........W.................................St. Bonaventure 1-2..........L................................................ at Ohio 1-0..........W.................................at Davis & Elkins 1-0..........W......................................... Penn State 4-3..........W............................. at Frostburg State 1-0..........W.......................................................Pitt 2-1..........W.......................................at Maryland NCAA Tournament at Washington D.C. 0-1..........L...........................................at Howard 1972 (10-3) John McGrath 3-1..........W...........................................at Towson 5-1..........W........................... Alderson-Broaddus 4-6..........L..................................... at Penn State 6-2..........W............................at St. Bonaventure 1-0..........W......................................South Florida 1-2..........L............................................... Howard 0-0..........W................................... Davis & Elkins$ 9-1..........W.................... at George Washington 6-0..........W...............................at St. Francis, Pa. 5-0..........W.................................. Frostburg State 1-0..........W.................................................. at Pitt 7-0..........W............................................Villanova NCAA Tournament at Clemson, S.C. 2-3..........L......................................... at Clemson $ match forfeited to WVU 1973 (10-2-3) John McGrath 7-0..........W............................................... Towson 5-0..........W............................................Baltimore 1-1..........T........................................at Quincy, Ill. 1-4..........L.......................................at Saint Louis 12-0........W....................................St. Francis, Pa. 3-1..........W......................................... Penn State 2-0..........W.......................................................Pitt 6-1..........W.................................. Frostburg State 6-0..........W.........................George Washington 1-1..........T........................ at Alderson-Broaddus 1-1..........T............................. at Cleveland State 1-0*.........W......................... Florida International 4-3..........W.................................................. Akron 2-0..........W....................................... at Villanova NCAA Tournament at Morgantown, W.Va. 1-3..........L.......................................South Florida * overtime


ALL-TIME SCORES 1974 (5-4-4) John McGrath 5-0..........W........................... Alderson-Broaddus 2-7..........L..................................... at Penn State 5-1..........W...........................................at Towson 2-2..........T......................................... at Baltimore 1-2..........L......................................... at Clemson 2-2..........T..................................... South Florida# 0-1..........L..................................at Davis & Elkins 6-0..........W.....................................Morris Harvey 2-0..........W.................................................. at Pitt 0-2..........L.................................Cleveland State 1-1..........T................................................Wooster 0-0..........T.................................... Frostburg State 4-0..........W............................................Villanova #at Clemson, S.C. 1975 (8-5-1) John McGrath 10-0........W............................................... Towson 14-0........W.....................................Morris Harvey 6-1..........W....................West Virginia Wesleyan 1-0..........W..................................... Davis & Elkins 1-0..........W............................................Baltimore 0-2..........L.......................................... Penn State 2-1..........W...................... at Alderson-Broaddus 0-3..........L...................................... at Rollins, Fla. 0-5..........L.................................. at South Florida 0-3..........L............................ at Cleveland State 1-1..........T.......................................at Ohio State 0-2..........L.............................. at Frostburg State 1-0..........W.......................................................Pitt 5-2..........W....................................... at Villanova 1976 (6-6-1) John McGrath 4-2..........W...........................................at Towson 4-0..........W.....................................Morris Harvey 0-1..........L........................................ at Baltimore 1-3..........L............................ Alderson-Broaddus 1-3..........L..................................... at Penn State 0-1..........L.......................................... at Wooster 2-3..........L..................................at Davis & Elkins 1-1..........T..................................Cleveland State 0-1..........L................ at West Virginia Wesleyan 2-0..........W..........................................Ohio State 5-2..........W.................................. Frostburg State 2-0..........W.................................................. at Pitt 3-0..........W............................................Villanova 1977 (2-9-2) John McGrath 4-0..........W............................................... Towson 1-2..........L...................................... Davis & Elkins 0-1..........L.............................................Baltimore 0-2..........L............................ Alderson-Broaddus 1-2..........L.......................................... Penn State 1-0..........W..............................................Wooster 1-1..........T................................... Bethany, W.Va. 0-4..........L............................ at Cleveland State 0-1..........L.....................West Virginia Wesleyan 0-1..........L......................................at Ohio State 1-1..........T............................... at Frostburg State 2-3..........L........................................................Pitt 1-2..........L........................................ at Villanova 1978 (8-6-1) John McGrath 3-0..........W...........................................at Towson 2-0..........W........................... Alderson-Broaddus 7-2..........W..............City College of New York#

1-4..........L........ at Maryland-Baltimore County 0-2..........L........................................ at Baltimore 0-4..........L..................................... at Penn State 0-3..........W.....................................Morris Harvey 1-0..........W......................................... at Wooster 0-0..........T................. at West Virginia Wesleyan 0-2..........L.................................Cleveland State 1-4..........L..................................at Davis & Elkins 2-0..........W..........................................Ohio State 0-1..........L................................... Frostburg State 3-0..........W.................................................. at Pitt 2-0..........W....................................... at Villanova # Baltimore, Md. 1979 (8-6-2) John McGrath 0-0..........T................................................. Towson 3-2*.........W................................Bowling Green# 0-1..........L............................ Alderson-Broaddus 1-0..........W............................................Baltimore 2-0..........W................................. Bethany, W.Va. 1-3..........L.......................................... Penn State 4-1..........W..............................................Wooster 4-0..........W.............................Charleston, W.Va. 0-4..........L.................................. at South Florida 2-1*.........W................................................Tampa 0-1..........L.....................West Virginia Wesleyan 1-5..........L............................ at Cleveland State 0-3..........L...................................... Davis & Elkins 0-0..........T............................... at Frostburg State 2-0..........W.......................................................Pitt 3-2*.........W....................................... at Villanova * overtime # Philippi, W.Va. 1980 (10-2-3) John McGrath 6-0..........W....................................... West Liberty 1-1..........T..................................Cleveland State 1-0..........W....................................... at Baltimore 3-2..........W............................ at Bethany, W.Va. 1-2*.........L................................................ Virginia 3-0..........W...............................Washington, Md. 3-0..........W......................................... at Wooster 7-0..........W........................ at Charleston, W.Va. 3-3..........T...................................at Davis & Elkins 5-2*.........W........................... Alderson-Broaddus 1-0..........W............... at West Virginia Wesleyan 2-0..........W.........................George Washington 4-0..........W.................................................. at Pitt 1-1..........T.................................... Frostburg State 1-2..........L............................................at Towson * overtime 1981 (11-5) John McGrath 3-1..........W............................................... Towson 2-0..........W............................................Baltimore 0-1..........L..................................... at Penn State 2-4..........L............................ at Cleveland State 0-3..........L............................................... at Duke 1-0..........W.................................... Old Dominion 2-0..........W................................. Bethany, W.Va. 2-1..........W...................... at Alderson-Broaddus 1-0..........W....................West Virginia Wesleyan 2-3..........L..................... at George Washington 4-0..........W.............................Charleston, W.Va. 4-0..........W..................................... Davis & Elkins 2-1..........W............................. at Frostburg State 6-1..........W.......................................................Pitt NCAA South Regional

2007 NCAA SWEET SIXTEEN

at Charlottesville, Va. 2-1*.........W...........................................at Virginia NCAA South Regional Final at Huntsville, Ala. 1-2..........L.............................. at Alabama A&M * overtime 1982 (8-7-2) John McGrath 3-3..........T................................................. Akron# 1-2..........L...............................at South Carolina 0-1..........L.......................................... Penn State 2-0..........W........................... North Adams State 0-2..........L............................ Alderson-Broaddus 0-1..........L........................................ at Baltimore 2-0..........W............... at West Virginia Wesleyan 0-3..........L............................................... Howard 3-3..........T...................................... Old Dominion 5-1..........W................................ Western Illinois@ 3-0..........W.................. at Wisconsin-Milwaukee 0-1..........L..................................at Davis & Elkins 1-0..........W.........................George Washington 10-0........W.............................Charleston, W.Va. 3-2..........W.................................. Frostburg State 2-1..........W.......................................................Pitt 0-2..........L................................................ Towson # Columbia, S.C. @ Milwaukee, Wis. 1983 (10-7-1) John McGrath 0-1..........L.................................Bowling Green# 0-4..........L.............................................. at Akron 1-4..........L..................................... at Penn State 2-0..........W................................................. Drexel 3-1..........W..................................... Davis & Elkins 1-2..........L....................................at Lock Haven 2-1*.........W.......................................................Pitt 4-2*.........W...................... at Alderson-Broaddus 1-0*.........W.......................................... Brooklyn@ 0-1..........L................................ at Old Dominion 0-0..........T................................... Bethany, W.Va. 1-5..........L.........................................Loyola, Md. 1-0..........W....................West Virginia Wesleyan 2-1..........W................................. at South Florida 4-3..........W........................................... at Eckerd 2-0..........W..............................................Marshall 2-1*.........W............................. at Frostburg State 0-1..........L..................... at George Washington * overtime # Akron, Ohio @ Norfolk, Va. 1984 (5-8-4) John McGrath 0-3..........L.................................William & Mary# 3-2..........W.......................... Western Kentucky# 1-3..........L.......................................... Penn State 2-0..........W....................................... Indiana, Pa. 0-4..........L............................ Alderson-Broaddus 0-2..........L................ at West Virginia Wesleyan 1-2..........L........................................ Lock Haven 1-0..........W.................................................. at Pitt 2-2..........T...................................at Davis & Elkins 0-0..........T........................ at North Adams State 0-4..........L.................................. at Connecticut 0-1..........L.......................................... at Marshall 0-0..........T...........................George Washington 2-1..........W.................................. Frostburg State 0-3..........L.................................... at Loyola, Md. 3-1..........W........................... at Cleveland State 0-0..........T............................................at Howard

55


ALL-TIME SCORES # Philippi, W.Va. 1985 (4-12-3) John McGrath 1-0..........W......................................... Charleston 0-3..........L............................................at Virginia 1-2*.........L.............................................. Tampa# 0-3..........L.....................West Virginia Wesleyan 1-4..........L..................................... at Penn State 0-1..........L.................................. Bethany, W.Va. 1-0..........W..................Virginia Commonwealth 1-2..........L................................... at Indiana, Pa. 0-0..........T.....................................at Lock Haven 0-0..........T.........................................................Pitt 4-0..........W.................................at Robert Morris 1-3..........L....................... at Alderson-Broaddus 0-4..........L.................................. at South Florida 0-4..........L................................ Central Florida@ 0-0..........T................................................Marshall 3-0..........W................................. Costal Carolina 0-1..........L...........................................at Howard 0-2..........L..................... at George Washington 1-2*.........L...................................... Davis & Elkins * overtime # Charlottesville, Va. @ Tampa, Fla. 1986 (7-6-3) John McGrath 0-2..........L........................................ Ohio State# 0-1*.........L...............................at Bowling Green 2-0..........W.......................................... Cincinnati 0-1..........L..........................George Washington 1-1..........T......................................... Indiana, Pa. 1-2..........L..............at Virginia Commonwealth 2-0..........W.................................................. at Pitt 0-5..........L................ at West Virginia Wesleyan 3-0..........W..................................... Robert Morris 3-2..........W........................ at Charleston, W.Va. 1-2..........L............................ Alderson-Broaddus 1-0..........W......................................... at Marshall 1-1..........T..........................................Loyola, Md. 1-1..........T.............................. at Costal Carolina 3-1..........W........................................ The Citadel 1-0..........W..................................... Davis & Elkins * overtime # Bowling Green, Ohio 1987 (8-8-2/1-1-1 A10) John McGrath 1-2..........L....................... at Alderson-Broaddus 1-0..........W.............................Charleston, W.Va. 2-2..........T.......................................at Ohio State 1-1..........T......................................... Penn State+ 0-1..........L................................... at Xavier, Ohio 2-1..........W......................................at Cincinnati 2-0..........W.......................................................Pitt 0-4..........L...................at George Washington+ 1-0..........W.................................. at Indiana, Pa. 2-3..........L...................Virginia Commonwealth 1-2..........L...................................... Robert Morris 0-1*.........L.................................... at Loyola, Md. 6-1..........W..........................at St. Bonaventure+ 0-2..........L.......................................Virginia Tech 1-0..........W.......................................Wright State 5-0..........W..............................................Marshall 3-1*.........W............................. at Florida Atlantic 0-3..........L....................................at Boca Raton * overtime + Atlantic 10 match

56

1988 (6-11-1/0-3 A10 - 4th) John McGrath 0-2..........L............................. at James Madison 0-3..........L................................... at Penn State+ 1-4..........L.............................. at George Mason 1-5..........L....................................... at American 3-1..........W.................................................. at Pitt 0-3..........L........................George Washington+ 7-1..........W....................................... Indiana, Pa. 0-0..........T............................................Ohio State 0-1..........L............................... at Massachusetts 1-4..........L........................................ at Boston U. 1-0..........W..................................... Robert Morris 2-3..........L............................... St. Bonaventure+ 2-3..........L............................................. at Liberty 2-3..........L.................................. at Virginia Tech 6-3..........W.......................................Xavier, Ohio 3-1..........W..............................................Marshall 1-3..........L..............at Virginia Commonwealth 2-0..........W..................................... Davis & Elkins + Atlantic 10 match 1989 (9-8-1/1-2 A10 - 3rd) John McGrath 4-0..........W.....................................Slippery Rock 0-1..........L..................................................Liberty 2-0..........W......................................Virginia Tech 2-0..........W..................Virginia Commonwealth 2-0..........W.......................................................Pitt 2-2..........T.................................... at Indiana, Pa. 2-0..........W.................................. at Xavier, Ohio 2-0..........W.....................................at Ohio State 0-1..........L..................................James Madison 2-0..........W..........................at St. Bonaventure+ 3-0..........W........................................... at Buffalo 1-0..........W..............................................Marshall 0-1..........L......................at Florida International 0-1..........L.................................. at South Florida 0-3..........L........................................ Penn State+ 0-3..........L...................at George Washington+ 1-3..........L..................................at Davis & Elkins 0-1..........L................................... at Wright State + Atlantic 10 match 1990 (12-5-1/4-3-1 A10 - 5th) John McGrath 5-0..........W.....................................Slippery Rock 0-1..........L...................................... Robert Morris 2-0..........W......................................... at Marshall 2-1..........W............................... at Old Dominion 4-2..........W.......................................................Pitt 4-0..........W.............................. St. Bonaventure+ 2-0..........W..........................................Ohio State 1-1..........T.........................George Washington+ 1-6..........L......................................... at Rutgers+ 6-0..........W...........................at Morehead State 0-1..........L............................................... at Navy 5-1..........W..................................... Davis & Elkins 4-2..........W.................................Massachusetts+ 2-1..........W................................... Rhode Island+ 0-4..........L................................... at Penn State+ 3-1..........W.................................. at Xavier, Ohio 3-0..........W................................. at St. Joseph’s+ 0-1..........L......................................... at Temple+ + Atlantic 10 match 1991 (9-8/3-4-0 A10 - 6th) John McGrath 2-1..........W........................................... Brooklyn# 1-2..........L......................................Jacksonville#

2007 NCAA SWEET SIXTEEN

2-1..........W..............................................Marshall 0-2..........L.......................................at Richmond 0-1..........L.........................................Columbia@ 3-0..........W.....................................at Ohio State 5-1..........W..........................at St. Bonaventure+ 1-3..........L.............................................. Rutgers+ 2-0..........W................................................... Navy 2-4..........L.............................at Massachusetts+ 2-1..........W...............................at Rhode Island+ 1-0..........W.......................................................Pitt 0-5..........L............................. at James Madison 8-0..........W......................................St. Joseph’s+ 2-3..........L.............................................. Temple+ 3-1..........W.................................at Davis & Elkins 0-2..........L...................at George Washington+ # Conway, S.C. @ Richmond, Va. + Atlantic 10 match 1992 (10-7-3/4-3-0 A10 - 4th) Atlantic 10 Tournament Champions John McGrath 0-1..........L.......................................Virginia Tech 1-3..........L.......................................... at Radford 1-2..........L...............................at William & Mary 1-1..........T....................................Old Dominion# 1-2..........L......................................... at Rutgers+ 1-0..........W................................... Rhode Island+ 4-3..........W......................................Jacksonville* 4-0..........W..................................... Robert Morris 2-0..........W.................................Massachusetts+ 6-1..........W.............................. St. Bonaventure+ 1-0..........W......................................... at Marshall 2-2..........T................................................ at Navy 1-0..........W........................... at Cleveland State 2-0..........W................................. at St. Joseph’s+ 0-4..........L......................................... at Temple+ 1-4..........L........................George Washington+ 1-0..........W..................................... Davis & Elkins Atlantic 10 Tournament at Rutgers, Piscataway, N.J. 2-0..........W.........................George Washington 0-0..........T...................................Massachusetts= NCAA South Regional at Williamburg, Va. 0-2..........L...............................at William & Mary = WVU won on penalty kicks, 4-3 # Williamsburg, Va. * Charlotte, N.C. + Atlantic 10 match 1993 (5-12-1/3-4-0 A10 - t6th) John McGrath 0-2..........L............................. Coastal Carolina# 0-5..........L.........................................at Memphis 1-2..........L...............................................Marshall 2-1..........W..............................................Radford 1-3..........L..................................at Robert Morris 4-1..........W..........................at St. Bonaventure+ 2-5..........L.............................................. Rutgers+ 0-3..........L............................. at South Alabama 0-0..........T...................................... Jacksonville@ 0-1..........L.................................. at Virginia Tech 1-2..........L...................Virginia Commonwealth 0-5..........L............................................at Virginia 3-2..........W...............................at Rhode Island+ 1-2..........L.............................at Massachusetts+ 2-0..........W................................................... Navy 1-0..........W......................................St. Joseph’s+ 0-3..........L.............................................. Temple+


ALL-TIME SCORES 1-3..........L...................at George Washington+ # Memphis, Tenn. @ Mobile, Ala. + Atlantic 10 match 1994 (10-9-1/3-4-0 A10 - t4th) John McGrath 0-3..........L.............................................. Rutgers+ 7-0..........W.........................................St. Peter’s# 4-0..........W..................................................Iona# 2-2..........T................................................Radford 3-0..........W.............................. St. Bonaventure+ 1-6..........L............................ at Cleveland State 1-8..........L.....................................Miami, Ohio@ 3-2..........W............................Southern Indiana% 3-0..........W..........................at Coastal Carolina 3-2..........W..................................... Robert Morris 0-1..........L..................................Massachusetts+ 2-1*.........W................................... Rhode Island+ 3-2*.........W..............................................Marshall 1-3..........L..............at Virginia Commonwealth 1-3..........L......................................... at Temple+ 0-1..........L.................................. at St. Joseph’s+ 1-4..........L................................................... at Pitt 1-0..........W.......................George Washington+ 4-1..........W......................................Virginia Tech Atlantic 10 Tournament at Rutgers, Piscataway, N.J. 1-5..........L....................................Massachusetts *overtime # Baltimore, Md. @ Cleveland, Ohio % Conway, S.C. + Atlantic 10 match 1995 (5-9-4/3-5-3 BE - t8th) John McGrath 0-1..........L........................................... at Akron@ 2-6*.........L................................ Bowling Green@ 3-2..........W......................................Providence+ 2-6..........L..................................at Robert Morris 1-1..........T............................................St. John’s+ 2-4..........L................................at Georgetown+ 5-2..........W.........................................at Louisville 5-2..........W..............................................Marshall 0-1..........L...................................... at Villanova+ 0-2..........L.....................................at Seton Hall+ 0-0..........T................................................ Canisius 2-2..........T................................. at Connecticut+ 0-5..........L........ at Maryland-Baltimore County 1-1..........T............................................... Rutgers+ 2-1..........W.................................... Notre Dame+ 0-4..........L............................at Boston College+ 4-1..........W.....................................................Pitt+ 1-2..........L.......................................at Syracuse+ * overtime @ Children’s Hospital Soccer Classic, Akron, Ohio + BIG EAST match 1996 (7-12-1/3-7-1 BE - 11th) Paul Marco 1-4..........L......................................... at Rutgers+ 3-2..........W................................................ Rider@ 2-0..........W............................................... Siena@ 0-1..........L.................................at Notre Dame+ 0-2..........L.............................................. Louisville 0-1..........L........................................... Syracuse+ 1-3..........L...........................................St. John’s+ 1-2..........L.......................................... at Marshall

2-0..........W..........................................Villanova+ 2-1*.........W...........................at Mount St. Mary’s 1-2..........L.................................. at Providence+ 2-1..........W................................................at Pitt+ 1-1..........T................................. Boston College+ 1-0..........W......................................... at Canisius 1-6..........L................................ at Connecticut+ 0-3..........L.....................................at Seton Hall+ 2-3..........L...................................... Robert Morris 1-0..........W................................... Georgetown+ 1-2..........L............. Maryland-Baltimore County 2-3..........L.....................................St. Francis, Pa. * overtime @ TSU Invitational, Towson, Md. + BIG EAST match 1997 (7-13/3-8 BE 11th) Paul Marco 0-1..........L..................................at Robert Morris 5-1..........W.......................................... Duquesne 2-3*.........L...........................................Hartwick@ 1-0..........W.................................... at Oneonta@ 2-3..........L......................................................Pitt+ 0-2..........L...................................... at Villanova+ 1-4..........L................................at Georgetown+ 0-3..........L..................................... Notre Dame+ 1-2..........L..........................................Seton Hall+ 4-3*.........W....................................Connecticut+ 2-1..........W......................................Providence+ 1-2..........L............................. at James Madison 2-1..........W............................. at Florida Atlantic 2-3*.........L................................ Mount St. Mary’s 0-1..........L................................ Boston College+ 0-1..........L...................................... at St. John’s+ 2-1..........W......................................at Syracuse+ 1-2*.........L...............................................Marshall 2-4..........L.............................................. Rutgers+ 3-0..........W....................................St. Francis, Pa. * overtime @ Governor’s Cup, Oneonta, N.Y. + BIG EAST match 1998 (11-8-1/4-6-1 T8TH) Paul Marco 7-0..........W......................................at Duquesne 3-0..........W.....................................St. Francis, Pa 3-0..........W..............................................Niagara 4-1..........W................................................ Buffalo 0-1..........L................................ at Connecticut+ 2-3..........L.....................................at Seton Hall+ 2-0 .........W............................... Boston College+ 3-0..........W................................................at Pitt+ 2-0..........W................................. at Providence+ 0-3 .........L.................................... Georgetown+ 1-2..........L......................................... at Rutgers+ 2-0..........W......................................... at Marshall 1-1..........T...........................................Syracuse*+ 1-0..........W..........................................St. John’s+ 1-0..........W.................................James Madison 1-2..........L...........................................Villanova+ 2-1..........W..................................... Robert Morris 0-2..........L ................................at Notre Dame+ 0-4..........L.............................. at George Mason BIG EAST Tournament at Storrs, Conn. 0-4..........L................................at Connecticut&

2007 NCAA SWEET SIXTEEN

1999 (13-5-1/8-3-1 3rd) Paul Marco 5-0..........W.......................................... Duquesne 1-2..........L............................................... at UNLV 2-3..........L...........................UC-Santa Barbara# 3-1..........W.....................................................Pitt+ 2-1..........W............................................ Marshall* 3-2..........W..................................... Wright State* 1-1 .........T..................................... at St. John’s*+ 4-2..........W......................................at Syracuse+ 3-1..........W..................................George Mason 2-0..........W......................................Providence+ 2-1..........W..................................... at Villanova+ 3-4..........L.............................. at Georgetown*+ 2-1..........W......................... at Boston College*+ 3-0..........W.........................................Seton Hall+ 0-3..........L.....................................Connecticut+ 1-0..........W.................................... Notre Dame+ 2-1..........W............................................. Rutgers+ 4-3..........W........................................at Radford* BIG EAST Tournament at Morgantown, W.Va. 1-2..........L...........................................Syracuse& * overtime + BIG EAST match & BIG EAST tournament 2000 (4-13-1/1-9-1 12th) Paul Marco 3-1..........W........................................... St. Francis 0-3..........L.......................................at Duquesne 1-2..........L.................................at Providence*+ 0-1..........L.......................................... at Harvard 2-1..........W.................................at Robert Morris 0-8..........L......................................... at Rutgers+ 0-4..........L...........................................St. John’s+ 1-1..........T...........................................Syracuse*+ 0-2..........L................................... at Wright State 1-2..........L...................................... at Villanova+ 0-1..........L.................................................at Pitt+ 2-0..........W............................... Boston College+ 2-3..........L.................................... Georgetown+ 2-1..........W........................................at Radford* 1-2..........L.......................................... at Marshall 1-3..........L.....................................at Seton Hall+ 0-2..........L................................ at Connecticut+ 0-2..........L ................................at Notre Dame+ * overtime + BIG EAST match 2001 (5-11-0/1-9-0 12th) Keith Fulk 0-1 .........L......................................at Ohio State 3-2..........W............................................ Radford* 2-1..........W.................................. Oneonta State 1-2..........L.............................................. Hartwick 2-0..........W.....................................................Pitt+ 1-2..........L..........................................Seton Hall+ 1-2..........L...................................Georgetown*+ 1-3..........L.............................................. Rutgers+ 0-3..........L.....................................Connecticut+ 0-3..........L..................................... Notre Dame+ 2-3..........L................................ Boston College+ 3-0..........W..............................................Marshall 1-2..........L...........................................Villanova+ 0-1 L.....Virginia Tech+ 2-1..........W....................................Robert Morris* 1-2..........L...........................................St. John’s+ * overtime + BIG EAST match

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ALL-TIME SCORES 2002 (4-11-2/1-8-1 13th) Keith Fulk 1-0..........W...........................................High Point 1-0..........W....................................... Monmouth* 0-3..........L........................................Saint Francis 0-2..........L............................... at Connecticut + 3-4..........L.............................. at Virginia Tech*+ 1-2..........L............................... Boston College + 1-0..........W..................................... Robert Morris 3-4..........L..............................vs. Florida Atlantic 1-2..........L......................at Florida International 0-0..........T................................................ at Pitt*+ 1-2..........L.........................................Syracuse *+ 0-1..........L................................. at Providence + 1-1..........T.......................... at Boston University * 2-3..........L..........................................Villanova + 1-0..........W................................. at Seton Hall *+ 0-1..........L............................................. Rutgers + 0-1..........L................................... Georgetown + * overtime + BIG EAST match Conference alignments: 1961-64..Independent (25-12-3) 1965-67..Southern Conference (31-8-1) 1968-86..Independent (136-105-32) 1987-94..Atlantic 10 Conference (69-68-10) 1995-99..BIG EAST Conference (44-56-8) 2003 (5-10-3/1-6-3 13th) Mike Seabolt 1-2..........L........... at Virginia Commonwealth# 1-2..........L.................................. at Richmond#* 1-0 .........W................................... at Villanova+* 1-0 .........W........................................... at Drexel* 1-0 .........W...................................... at St. Francis 2-0 .........W..................................... Robert Morris 0-1 ........L.................................at Notre Dame+ 0-1 ........L.......................................Providence+ 3-3 ........T.................................... Connecticut+* 0-2 ........L............................at Boston College+ 1-2 ........L..................................at Northeastern 0-0 ........T ..................................... at Syracuse+* 1-2 .........L............................................at Virginia 2-5..........L..........................................Seton Hall+ 3-3..........T..................................................... Pitt+* 0-2..........L......................................... at Rutgers+ 1-2..........L...................................... at St. John’s+ 1-0 .........W.................................... at Marshall@* * overtime + BIG EAST match # Nike/Alltell Soccer Classic, Richmond, Va. @ Charleston, W.Va.

1-0..........W..........................................Villanova+ 2-1..........W................................................... Pitt+* 0-0..........T..............................................Rutgers+* 5-0..........W........................................... Delaware BIG EAST Tournament Quarterfinals at Jamaica, N.Y. 1-0..........W...................................at St. John’s+^ BIG EAST Tournament Semifinals at Storrs, Conn. 0-1..........L.............................. vs. Connecticut+! * overtime + BIG EAST match # Virginia Tech Tournament ^ BIG EAST Quarterfinals (Jamaica, N.Y) ! BIG EAST Semifinals (Piscataway, N.J.) 2005 (13-8-2/6-4-1 3rd Blue Division) Mike Seabolt 2-0..........W.........................................Campbell$ 2-0..........W............................................. Temple$ 3-0..........W.......................................Wright State 0-1..........L.............................................. at SMU& 0-2..........L............................... vs. New Mexico& 3-0..........W......................................... at Rutgers* 1-2..........L.......................................at Villanova* 0-1..........L..................................... South Florida* 2-0..........W.............................................. DePaul* 3-0..........W..................................... Robert Morris 3-3..........W................................ at Notre Dame* 2-0..........W.................................................at Pitt* 1-0..........W.................................... Georgetown* 1-1..........T............................. Loyola Marymount 1-3..........L......................................at Seton Hall* 2-0..........W...................................... at American 1-0..........W.......................................Providence* 0-1..........L..................................... Connecticut* 3-1..........W................................... at Marquette* BIG EAST Tournament First Round at Morgantown, W.Va. 1-0..........W............................................... Rutgers BIG EAST Tournament Quarterfinals at Tampa, Fla. 1-4..........L.................................. at South Florida NCAA Tournament First Round Morgantown, W.Va. 1-0..........W..................................... Robert Morris NCAA Second Round Akron, Ohio 0-5..........L................................................... Akron $ WVU Labor Day Tournament & SMU Radisson Hotel Classic * BIG EAST match

2004 (12-7-1/5-4-1 7th) Mike Seabolt 0-2..........L...................................... at St. John’s+ 5-0..........W............................... Mount St. Mary’s 2-1..........W.........................................vs. Liberty# 0-1..........L............................... at Virginia Tech# 2-1..........W............................................ Marshall* 0-2..........L................................ at Connecticut+ 1-0..........W.................................... Notre Dame+ 1-0..........W.......................................... Syracuse+ 1-2..........L................................at Georgetown+ 1-2..........L...........................................St. Francis* 3-0..........W......................................... Longwood 0-1..........L.....................................at Seton Hall+ 2-1..........W.................................at Robert Morris 3-2..........W................................at Providence+*

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2007 NCAA SWEET SIXTEEN

2006 (15-3-3/9-0-1 1st Blue Division) Marlon LeBlanc 1-0..........W.............................................Fairfield$ 0-0..........T................................................ Buffalo$ 1-0..........W..............................................Bucknell 2-1..........W..................................... Cal St. North. 2-0..........W.........................................Cincinnati* 2-1..........W............................................Louisville* 2-2..........T.................................................. at USF* 3-0..........W......................................... at DePaul* 1-2..........L.......................................... at Virginia* 5-3..........W......................................... Seton Hall* 2-1..........W.................................... at Penn State 3-0..........W................................at Connecticut* 4-0..........W........................................Marquette* 2-1..........W...........................................American 2-0..........W............................... at Georgetown* 2-1..........W..................................... Notre Dame* 1-0..........W..................................at Providence* BIG EAST Tournament Quarterfinals at Morgantown, W.Va. 1-0..........W...................................................... USF BIG EAST Tournament Semifinals at Piscataway, N.J. 0-0..........T.......................................... vs Rutgers^ BIG EAST Tournament Finals at Piscataway, N.J. 0-1..........L.............................. vs #25 St. John’s^ NCAA Second Round Morgantown, W.Va. 1-2..........L............................ UNC-Greensboro& $ Labor Day Shootout Presnted by Jersey Subs * BIG EAST match % WVU Advanced on PKs, 4-2 2007 (14-6-2/7-3-1 3rd Blue Division) Marlon LeBlanc 0-1..........L .................................at Ohio State 1-0..........W..................................vs. Penn State$ 1-0 OT.....W.......................................at Maryland 1-0..........W ........................................ Duquesne 1-0..........W ............................................ at Duke 0-1 .........L ...................................at St. John’s* 1-0 O2....W ..................................... at Syracuse* 1-0..........W ............................................ DePaul* 0-1 O2....L......................................................USF* 0-1..........L................................. at Notre Dame* 3-1..........W ................................................at Pitt* 1-0 OT.....W.................................... Georgetown* 0-1..........L.................................................... Navy 1-0..........W.................................... Connecticut* 0-0 TO2...T..................................... at Marquette* 3-0..........W.....................................at Seton Hall* 1-0..........W.......................................at Lafayette 3-0..........W ......................................Providence* BIG EAST Tournament First Round at Morgantown, W.Va. 2-0..........W ...........................................Villanova BIG EAST Tournament Quarterfinals at Louisville, Ky. 2-2 TO2 .. T........................................at Louisville% NCAA Second Round Morgantown, W.Va............................................ 1-0..........W............................................... Virginia NCAA Sweet 16 Winston-Salem, N.C. 1-3..........L..............................at #1 Wake Forest $ Wolstein Soccer Classic, Columbus, Ohio % WVU Lost on PKs, 3-1 * BIG EAST match


2007 NCAA SWEET SIXTEEN

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PROFESSIONAL MOUNTAINEERS Player (WVU letterman) Pos Years Dennis Almeida (1971-72) Cleveland Cobras (ASL) D 1973-79, 1981 Pat Carroll (2004-07) D.C. United (MLS) D 2007-Current Darren Eals (1991) New York Fever (A League) M 1995-96 Richmond Kickers (USISL) 1997 Todd Gispert (1992-95) M 1996-97 Atlanta Ruckus (A League) Brian Hartlove (1985-86) Baltimore Spirit (NPSL) GK 1992-94 Slade Jones (1995-99) Charleston Battery (A-League) F 2000 Ashy Mabrouk (1980-83) Pittsburgh Spirit (MISL) S 1984 Manny Matos (1971-74) Philadelphia Atoms (NASL) M 1975-76 Rhode Island Oceaneers (NASL) M 1978 Ron McEachen (1964-67) Connecticut Wildcats (ASL) M 1973-74 Pittsburgh Miners (ASL) M 1975 Miami Toros (NASL) M 1976 Rhode Island Oceaneers (ASL) M 1977 New England Revolution (MLS) Asst. Coach 1996-98 Devon McTavish (2002-05) D.C. United (MLS) M/D 2006-Current Wayne Morgan (1987-91) Queen’s Park Rangers F.C. (English F.A. Premier Division) F 1993 Omid Namazi (1984-87) Washington Diplomats (NASL) M 1988-90 Los Angeles Salsa (APSL) M 1991-93 Baltimore Spirit (NPSL) M 1994-98 Delaware Wizards (USISL) M 1995-98 Thierno Niang (1987-88) Kahn’s Professional Club (France) D 1991-93 Nick Noble (2003-06) Chicago Fire (MLS) GK 2007-current Jyler Noviello (2005-06) Wilmington Hammerheads (USL) F 2007-current Adetoye Oshoniyi (1993-96) Roanoke Wrath (MLS) M 1998 Craig Patton (1997-2000) Cleveland Crunch (MISL) F 2002 Aaron Pitchkolan (2002-2004) FC Dallas (MLS) D 2005-Current Jarrod Smith (2003-06) Toronto FC (MLS) F 2007-current Dan Stratford (2004-07) D.C. United (MLS) M 2007-Current Matt Tanzini (1997-98) Buffalo Blizzard (MISL) F 2000 Sam Viecelli (1970-73) Pittsburgh Miners (ASL) M 1975 Andy Wright (2004-07) Scunthorpe United M 2007-Current (FC of the English Championship)

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David Beckham (LA Galaxy) with former Mountaineer Aaron Pitchkolan (FC Dallas) in a 2008 charity preseason MLS match.

Key ASL APSL MISL MLS NASL NPSL USISL USL A-League

American Soccer League American Professional League Major Indoor Soccer League Major League Soccer North American Soccer League National Professional Soccer League United Systems of Independent Soccer Leagues United Soccer League United States Soccer

2007 NCAA SWEET SIXTEEN


PROFESSIONAL MOUNTAINEERS

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STRENGTH AND CONDITIONING Athletic excellence and strength and conditioning go hand-in-hand at West Virginia University. WVU’s strength and conditioning staff ensures all student-athletes are on year-long programs designed to continue improving the fitness capabilities needed in their sports To keep athletes in peak physical condition, West Virginia offers a variety of training areas and an array of strength programs designed to increase performance. All student-athletes will also have their own program individually calculated and updated throughout the year. Equipped with excellent amenities and staffed by some of the finest strength coaches in the nation, athletes who come to West Virginia know that they are in good hands when it comes to their athletic capacity. Soccer’s Primary Training Concentrations The main training area focuses for the men’s soccer team are anaerobic conditioning, aerobic conditioning, total body power and explosiveness, agility and quickness, speed, core strength, neural recruitment, balance and proprioception. Weight Lifting The lifting portion of the soccer routine is used to improve overall strength, power and explosion. This is accomplished through cycled periodization of Olympic lifts, conventional weight lifting techniques, plyometrics, core, injury prevention exercises, agility and speed work. Athletes are also advised on proper nutrition.

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Being Flexible An increase in stride length, frequency and range of motion in joint to tendon relationships is directly correlated to speed, agility and injury prevention. Therefore it is important to make flexibility an area of emphasis. Good flexibility helps to improve speed, agility and reduces the risk of injury. Each workout is preceded with a dynamic flexibility routine with regular stretching and followed by a post-flexibility routine at the end of every workout. Proper Nutrition Each athlete is educated on correct dietary habits and essential vitamins and minerals necessary to be an elite athlete. The athletes have the opportunity to meet with nutritionists, go on guided grocery store tours and receive diets designed specifically for them. Core Training For men’s soccer players, the abdominal and low back regions are the units that tie the upper and lower extremities’ power together. In order to have excellent maneuverability and transfer of power, an athlete must have superior balance and strength in this core region. Training of the core region occurs three times per week using balance balls, medicine balls and other soccer specific drills. Conditioning Rigorous conditioning designed to elicit physiological changes in the body’s bioenergetics systems occurs 3-4 days a week with an emphasis on soccer-specific anaerobic and aerobic conditioning.

2007 NCAA SWEET SIXTEEN


STRENGTH AND CONDITIONING

Gift Maworere

The Weight Rooms Accomplishing those conditioning requirements occurs in several campus weight rooms. Housing almost 15 tons of total weight, the Mountaineer weight room is located in the Puskar Center at Mountaineer Field. The 22,000-square foot weight room features a threelane track for conditioning and 40 times, one of only two collegiate weight rooms to have such a track. Seven power platforms and 40 pieces of Hammer Strength weight equipment make the facility the envy of all opponents. Weight rooms also exist in the WVU Coliseum and Shell Building facilities. These weight rooms are located directly beside the soccer playing and practice fields, allowing for workouts to be scheduled as needed around practices throughout the year. These weight rooms are also located near the outdoor and indoor tracks, providing year-round surfaces for soccer conditioning. Strength and Conditioning Mission Statement To provide athletes with the knowledge, character, extrinsic motivation, discipline and training to reach their potential both personally and athletically. Student-athletes are offered the opportunity to train in some of the nation’s best facilities and with one of the nation’s best staffs. Physical development and dominance have been and continue to be traits that are equated with WVU. The athlete’s self confidence and unwavering dedication have driven him into the nation’s spotlight. This is made possible through the give-and-take relationships between the athletes and staff.

The WVU strength and conditioning staff is committed to enabling athletes to achieve their dreams. WVU Strength and Conditioning Philosophy The WVU strength and conditioning staff is dedicated to developing the athlete and more specifically the person. Their primary goals are to improve athletic performance, injury prevention, promote self image and confidence and develop mental toughness. The training cycles transcend all aspects of physiological development. Athletes are trained in areas of speed, agility, quickness, explosive training, Olympic weight lifting, conventional weight lifting, band training, injury prevention movements, plyometrics, core, balance, functional training, bioenergetics related to individual sport, nutrition, flexibility, medicine ball training, proprioception, balance ball training and various other practices. Through the use of those tactics, speed, agility, strength, power, force, acceleration, deceleration, mobility, top speed, explosiveness, reaction, conditioning, balance, core stability, confidence, mental toughness, good nutrition habits, kinesthetic awareness and proprioception are focused upon. All of theses dimensions of training are adapted and phased regularly for the individual athlete’s needs and the demands of his specific sport. This is accomplished through the use of periodization. It is the belief of the strength staff that providing an all-encompassing, sport specific, individualized program will enable athletes to reach their physiological potential. With positive reinforcement and a structured, disciplined atmosphere, athletes will elicit confidence and mental strength to ensure success in all of life’s endeavors.

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DICK DLESK SOCCER STADIUM Completed in early August 2004, renovations to Dick Dlesk Soccer Stadium (formerly the Mountaineer Soccer Complex) have made the home of men’s and women’s soccer at West Virginia University one of the nation’s finest facilities. The stadium itself, named in honor of a generous gift on behalf of Mr. Dlesk, is a two-level, 1,650-seat stadium that features grandstand bleachers, a five-booth press box, an on-site locker room, restrooms and concession booths. The women’s team played the first-ever game in Dick Dlesk Soccer Stadium on Sept. 1, 2004, with redshirt freshman Natalie Cocchi scoring the facility’s first goal to lift the Mountaineers to a 1-0 shutout of Purdue. The stadium was dedicated on Sunday, Sept. 5, 2004, prior to the women’s match against Virginia and the men’s match versus High Point. Now three seasons old, the playing field at Dick Dlesk Soccer Stadium is a custom, natural grass surface. An extensive drainage and irrigation system is also in place to prevent inclement weather from harming the playing surface. Likewise the Mountaineers have a new practice facility, used for the first time in the spring of 2004, located adjacent to Hawley Field. The practice field features the same custom surface as the game field and has lights that can illuminate to near game-field conditions.

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Conveniently located beside the Coliseum, Dick Dlesk Soccer Stadium first opened as the Mountaineer Soccer Complex in 1997. Since its inception, the facility has seen many great achievements by both the men’s and women’s soccer teams. The men’s team opened the complex by posting winning seasons two out of the complex’s first three years. During WVU’s first full season at DDSS in 2004, the squad posted a solid 8-1-1 record at home, including a win over No. 8 Notre Dame. In 2005, the men played host to the first round of the NCAA tournament for the first time since 1973, defeating Robert Morris 1-0 to advance to the second round. The 2006 season was the most memorable for the men’s team thus far. The team won 10 home games and knocked off No. 6 Notre Dame en route to winning the BIG EAST regular season championship. West Virginia awarded a No. 6 seed in the NCAA tournament and hosted UNC-Greensboro in a second round game at DDSS. The 2007 team posted a 7-2 mark at home while knocking off top-ranked Connecticut, 1-0, on Oct. 19, in front of a capacity crowd. The Mountaineers also hosted NCAA action and defeated Virginia, 1-0, at Dick Dlesk. To date the men’s team is 62-62-7 at Dick Dlesk Soccer Stadium.

2007 NCAA SWEET SIXTEEN


“Dick Dlesk Soccer Stadium is one of the premiere stadiums in the country. It’s 120 x 80 yards in size and is one of the biggest in NCAA. There are permanent stands, a lockerroom and concession area: everything you want in a college soccer stadium.” - Head Coach Marlon LeBlanc, 2006 Soccer America National Coach of the Year

2007 NCAA SWEET SIXTEEN

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CAPERTON INDOOR FACILITY Opened in August, 1998, the Caperton Indoor Facility provides a big plus for all of West Virginia’s student-athletes. It’s versatile in its uses and eases minds when it comes to bad weather. There were times through the years when practice had to be halted because of bad weather, but that’s not the case now. The indoor building takes care of all those worries, and gives WVU an added dimension in its game preparation. Located adjacent to the Puskar Center and Mountaineer Field, the Caperton Indoor Facility is equipped with a 90-yard Field Turf playing surface with seven yards of safety zone surrounding the entire field. Total length of the facility from wall to wall is 105 yards, and the Mountaineers’ sparkling indoor facility exceeds 75,000 square feet of practice room. The Caperton Indoor Facility is versatile in its uses. Not only does it serve as a practice facility for men’s and women’s soccer, but it is also used by football and baseball during the winter months or when inclement weather arises.

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2007 NCAA SWEET SIXTEEN


CAPERTON INDOOR FACILITY Safety netting surrounding the entire playing surface allows for four separate batting cages and the ability to divide the playing surface in half. Locker rooms for male and female athletes are in the facility along with a fully equipped training room, restrooms, 4,500 square feet of storage and a facilities office. Skylights provide natural lighting in the building and it is equipped with camera platforms for filming. The back of the indoor facility provides easy access to WVU’s 170-yard grass practice field. The modern structure features the flying WV logo on its exterior, while former football captain John Thornton of the Cincinnati Bengals sponsored the painting of the large “West Virginia” script murals on the interior. Named in honor of former governor Gaston Caperton, the facility gives West Virginia’s student-athletes a safe and secure practice home away from the inclement weather. The Caperton Indoor Facility gives West Virginia University yet another component in one of the finest and most complete men’s soccer complexes in the nation.

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STUDENT-ATHLETE SERVICES The WVU Department of Intercollegiate Athletics is committed to the promotion of the academic achievement of student-athletes as well as their athletic accomplishment and their personal and career development. In support of this position, West Virginia University offers a variety of services and programs to help student-athletes maximize their academic potential. Department staff members work with coaches, on campus student service providers and faculty to help student-athletes meet the unique demands of the classroom, the sporting arena and the personal-social challenges they face as developing adults. Academics have been at the forefront of the success enjoyed by the Mountaineer soccer program. While many of the headlines center on the Mountaineers’ accomplishments on the playing field, West Virginia athletes have also made some noteworthy strides in the classroom. One person who is quick to point that out is athletic director Ed Pastilong, who, along with Coach LeBlanc, has made academics a priority. Open last fall was the brand new $1.3 million Athletic Academic Performance Center in the WVU Coliseum. The leadership gift for the facility was provided by former Mountaineer great Jerry West and his wife Karen. The West’s gift to the Athletic Academic Performance Center is in memory of Jerry’s brother, David, who was killed during the Korean Conflict, and in honor of his long-time friend and WVU teammate Willie Akers and wife, Linda. The 8,000-square-foot Academic Center is six-times larger than existing space. It will provide individual and group study areas as well as a state-of-the art computer lab and will be utilized by more than 450 male and female studentathletes. “The Athletic Academic Performance Center is a significant development for an academically oriented institution such as West Virginia to recognize the special needs required for a modern student-athlete’s success both as an athletic competitor on the field of play and in the classroom,” says Garrett Ford, Associate Athletic Director for Student Services. The study center provides a quiet atmosphere and will be open seven days a week and all student-athletes are encouraged to use it. Athletes can use the center between classes or after practice in the evenings, with flexible hours tailored to make the most of a student-athlete’s limited time. Athletes may come and go as they please, but make no mistake, they must make the grade. To help them do that, academic counselor Ehren Green oversees the men’s soccer program to make sure that every student-athlete has the best possible opportunity to obtain a college degree. This process begins as soon as a recruit signs a letter-of-intent to play for the Mountaineers. “We know everything about incoming freshmen academically before they arrive in the fall,” says Ford. “We know which students are ahead of others and which will require more assistance. Our planning begins well before they step foot on campus.”

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Besides keeping in touch with freshmen, incoming student-athletes are encouraged to attend freshman orientation sessions offered for all West Virginia University students during the summer prior to their arrival on campus. This is where new students can learn more about the Morgantown campus and, most important, register for classes. During pre-registration, all student-athletes, from incoming freshmen to graduating seniors, get advice in scheduling the courses to keep them on track in their degree programs. During the second week of classes, freshmen are enrolled in mandatory study halls, monitored by Ford and his staff. Those who do well during the first semester are given the option of attending study hall, but if their GPA drops below a certain mark, they must return to the mandatory sessions. During the semester, department officials keep a careful record of each athlete’s academic progress. Class and study hall attendance are checked regularly, periodic grade reports are obtained from instructors, and parents, coaches and players are kept up-to-date on their academic progress. These measures are succeeding in a noticeable way. Last semester, a record 402 student-athletes earned a place on the Athletic Director’s Academic Honor Roll with at least a 3.0 grade-point average. In another program, former Mountaineer athletes are returning to school to complete work on their degrees, some after as many as 10 years away from Morgantown. “At West Virginia University, we do everything in our power to assist our student-athletes as they work toward graduation,” Pastilong says. “We only have one rule -- they must do the best they can possibly do. We can assure every student-athlete that the University and the athletic department will do our best. We expect our students to do their best for us. “Together, we cannot help but succeed. Our success is measured by how much personal growth we see in our young people, and I am proud of every one of our student-athletes in this regard.”

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STUDENT-ATHLETE SERVICES At West Virginia University “Once a student, always a student” When a member of the Mountaineer coaching staff preaches the virtues of receiving a good education, they’re not just blowing smoke. WVU athletic director Ed Pastilong has made student academic achievement his primary focus since his appointment as athletic director in 1989. Under Pastilong’s direction, West Virginia has made it a prerogative to graduate its student-athletes. And it’s happening. But for those who don’t graduate with their class, there’s still hope. A post-eligibility program was created at the beginning of Pastilong’s administration to give those student-athletes who are close to graduating an opportunity to come back to school to complete their degrees. Since its creation, dozens of students have participated, with a success rate of better than 80 percent. More than 25 student-athletes from all sports participated in the post-eligibility program last year. In 1992, under the direction of associate athletic director Garrett Ford, WVU joined the growing list of schools that are a part of an NCAA-sponsored consortium. Similar to the post-eligibility program in providing former student-athletes a chance to continue work toward their degrees, the closely screened consortium requires participants to be more involved in community-related activities. The consortium students are often much older athletes, who left the University to pursue professional sports or business careers, but now wish to return to complete their degrees. NCAA Certification West Virginia was among the first schools in the nation to undergo the NCAA recertification process, working with those committees throughout the spring and summer of 2000 to gain full NCAA certification in 2001. West Virginia was compliant in all five areas: governance and commitment to compliance; academic integrity; fiscal integrity; gender equity; and sportsmanship. WVU was one of the first schools nationally to volunteer for the NCAA’s pilot certification program in 1991, and was one of five schools originally certified at that time. The program was re-certified by the NCAA in 1996, and this latest notification marks the third consecutive certification for WVU. WVU initiated the process by conducting a self-study that included members of the University faculty, staff and studentathletes, as well as athletic department personnel. Following that self-study, conducted during 1994, a group of administrators from other NCAA Division I institutions visited the Morgantown campus to examine the results of the self-study’s findings. That visiting group then reported back to the NCAA Committee on Athletics Certification, which issued the official certification.

Graduation Rates West Virginia University’s graduation rate for studentathletes has been impressive, to say the least, over the past seven years. The ratio of student-athletes graduating to the general student body has increased almost every year. “I’m quite pleased to see that our graduation rates are maintaining a more than respectable level,” says WVU athletic director Ed Pastilong. “I want to compliment our student-athletes for their attention to academics, I want to compliment assistant athletic director Garrett Ford and his excellent staff in student services for their efforts in assisting our students, and I want to compliment our coaches for being so conscientious toward our students’ needs.” The graduation rate for student-athletes is based upon the number of students who entered the University receiving athletic scholarship aid in a given academic year, and their progress over six years. The most recent figures are based upon the progress of student-athletes who entered WVU during 1993-94. CHAMPS Life Skills The many challenges that today’s college studentathletes face, both on and off the playing field, are unparalleled in the history of higher education. To help student-athletes better meet the demands of college life and beyond, the NCAA has developed the CHAMPS (Challenging Athletes Minds for Personal Success)/Life Skills model for programming. In the spring of 1995, WVU created its own CHAMPS/Life Skills program. Five “commitment” areas critical to success in college are part of WVU’s model. They are: 1) academic excellence, 2) personal development, 3) career development, 4) athletic excellence, and 5) community service.

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STUDENT-ATHLETE SERVICES Commitment to Academic Excellence The purpose of activity this area is to support the academic progress of the student-athlete toward classroom successes leading to graduation. Services provided linked to this component include tutoring, academic counseling and advising, orientation classes and structured study sessions. A 1-credit, student-athlete-focused orientation course (SEP 170) is offered in the fall and spring semesters to help freshmen and transfer student-athletes adjust to college life. Screening assessments and testing for learning disabilities are available. Commitment to Athletic Excellence The purpose of this area is to offer athletic programs that are broad-based, equitable, and dedicated to the well-being of the student-athlete. The WVU CHAMPS/Life Skills program supports and encourages a broad program of sports on the collegiate level, as well as acts a resource for the coaching and support staff of the athletic programs. Commitment to Personal Development The purpose of this area is to support the development of a well-balanced lifestyle for student-athletes, encouraging emotional well-being, personal growth and decision making skills. CHAMPS/Life Skills services provided within this component include personal counseling, health presentations, improving communication skills, and presentations on social development and fiscal responsibility. Confidential, free personal counseling, career counseling, learning disability screening and sport psychology performance services are available to all student-athletes. Visit psychologist and program coordinator Dr. Ed Etzel in Rm. 275a of the Coliseum, call 304-293-7062 or e-mail edward.etzel@mail.wvu.edu.

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Commitment to Service The purpose of this component is to engage interested student-athletes in service to his or her campus and surrounding communities. Activities for student-athletes within this component include peer education, guest speaking at campus and community events, and mentoring local children. A vital part of the CHAMPS Life Skills program is the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC), consisting of 2 student-athlete leaders from each varsity team. Commitment to Career Development The purpose of this component is to encourage studentathletes to consider, develop and pursue career and life goals in a timely manner. The CHAMPS/Life Skills program can help fulfill this purpose by offering team career development presentations, sport career retirement programs, and individually by working in conjunction with the WVU’s psychologist and the WVU Career Services Center to identify interests, career goals, resumes, and job search process. A practical 1-credit special topics course (SEP 493) is offered in the fall and spring semesters for junior and seniors to help transition from college to the world of work or graduate school. A vital part of the CHAMPS Life Skills program is the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC), consisting of 2 student-athlete leaders from each varsity team. For more information, contact Dr. Ed Etzel at (304) 293-7062 or e-mail edward.etzel@mail.wvu.edu. You can also visit CHAMPS/Life Skills office and GA Samantha Monda in Room 288 of the Coliseum or contact her at wvuchamps@gmail.com.

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COLISEUM ACADEMIC PERFORMANCE CENTER “The Athletic Academic Performance Center is a significant development for an academically oriented institution such as West Virginia to recognize the special needs required for a modern student-athlete’s success both as an athletic competitor on the field of play and in the classroom.” - Garrett Ford, Associate Athletic Director for Student Services

“The Coliseum Academic Performance Center for WVU student-athletes provides our kids every opportunity to be successful on the field and in the classroom. West Virginia University’s commitment to academics is second to none and is certainly evidenced by one of the most impressive academic support centers in the country. Our student-athletes are provided the best of everything, to reach each individuals goal of succeeding in every facet of collegiate life.” - Marlon LeBlanc, Head Men’s Soccer Coach

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COLISEUM ACADEMIC PERFORMANCE CENTER

“The Coliseum Academic Performance Center (CAPC) is a first-class academic services facility for Mountaineer athletics. It provides student-athletes with all the necessary resources needed to succeed in the classroom. The CAPC assists student-athletes in their ultimate goal of earning a degree.” - Ehren Green, Educational Counselor for Men’s Soccer

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BIG EAST CONFERENCE The BIG EAST Conference 222 Richmond Street, Suite 110 Providence, RI 02903 www.bigeast.org (401) 272-9108 – phone (401) 751-8540 – fax Commissioner ............................................................Michael A. Tranghese Senior Associate Commissioner ..........................................John Marinatto Associate Commissioner (Football) .............................. Nick Carparelli, Jr. Associate Commissioner (Compliance/Governance) ............Joseph D’Antonio Associate Commissioner (Women’s Basketball & Sport Admin.) ...............Donna DeMarco Associate Commissioner (Men’s Basketball) ........................... Dan Gavitt Associate Commissioner (TV & Men’s Basketball Scheduling) ............. Tom Odjakjian Associate Commissioner (Communications) .................... John Paquette Associate Commissioner (Olympic Sports) ......................... James Siedliski Assistant Commissioner for Compliance ..................... Jennifer Condaras Assistant Commissioner/Women’s Basketball Officiating ............ Barbara Jacobs Director of Business Affairs ........................................................ Susan Eaton Director of Communications ............................................... Chuck Sullivan Director of Communications .............................................Rachel Margolis Director of Men’s Basketball Operations .......................... Shawn Murphy Director of Sport Administration ......................................... Mia Brickhouse Director of Sport Administration ................................Robert Weygand, Jr. Director of Marketing and Web Development ................ Ben Fairclough Assistant Director of Communications .............................. Michael Coyne Assistant Director of Compliance .......................................................... TBA Coordinator of Men’s Basketball Officiating ............................ Art Hyland Coordinator of Football Officiating .....................................Terry McAulay Assistant to the Commissioner ............................................ Lisa Zanecchia Administrative Assistant for Sport Administration .....................Lois DeBlois Administrative Assistant for Compliance ............................ Wanda Factor Administrative Assistant ............................................................. Linda Yates Assistant to the Senior Associate Commissioner .................Sarah Emmett Receptionist ........................................................................Kathy Kirkpatrick Administrative Fellow ............................................................................... TBA Football Administration Assistant ...................................... Owen Salvestrini

Mike Tranghese

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John Paquette

Chuck Sullivan

Rachel Margolis

Mike Coyne

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Starting Behind, Pulling Ahead The BIG EAST Conference began sponsoring men’s soccer in 1982 and began regular-season league competition three years later – much later than formation of many other leagues. Despite just more than 20 years of experience, the league has two national champions by two different teams, five College Cup appearances, 15 quarterfinal-round advances, several consistently top 20 programs and a staggering record of NCAA appearances by multiple teams especially given the small NCAA field size of 48. The BIG EAST also boasts several well-respected head coaches with extensive accolades and experience. Getting It Done in the Postseason In the last seven seasons, the BIG EAST has sent an average of six teams to the NCAA Division I Men’s Soccer Championship, accounting for 1/8 of the 48-team field. Each of the last three years, the league has seen a record seven teams advance to NCAA postseason play. Every year since 1998, the BIG EAST has witnessed at least one team advance to the NCAA Sweet 16, a team reach the quarterfinals in eight of the last 10 years, and in 2002, populated the topeight seeds with three selections when the NCAA bracket was announced. Since the conference’s last national champion in 2000, teams in the BIG EAST have amassed 49 wins, and have a total of 71 all-time victories in the postseason.


BIG EAST CONFERENCE In the Spotlight As the BIG EAST has continued to flourish, it became the largest Division I Conference in 2005-06 with its 16 total members. On top of that, the conference boasts more than 300,000 students in major television markets, representing more than 30 million households and more than 26 percent of the television population. The addition of five institutions in 2005 brought added television coverage to the BIG EAST. In 2007, a total of eight games were nationally televised; four contests were picked up by CBS College Sports Network, two aired as part of the NSCAA/FoxSoccer Channel College Game of the Week, two were shown on ESPNU and BIG EAST Television produced and distributed the championship final. Additionally, many schools made local television arrangements to air their matches, totaling 11 additional BIG EAST televised contests. The league reaches more than 25 percent of all US markets – the largest coverage of any conference in Division I. Seven BIG EAST schools are located in the top 13 media markets and 12 are located in the top 33 media markets. Rank Designated Market Area (DMA) TV Homes 1.........New York.........................................................7,391,940 2.........Los Angeles.....................................................5,647,440 3.........Chicago..........................................................3,469,110 4.........Philadelphia....................................................2,435,600 5.........Dallas-Ft. Worth..............................................2,435,600 6.........San Francisco-Oak-San Jose........................2,419,440 7.........Boston (Manchester).....................................2,393,960 8.........Atlanta............................................................2,310,490 9.........Washington, D.C.............................................2,308,290 10.......Houston...........................................................2,050,550 11.......Detroit..............................................................1,925,460 12.......Phoenix (Prescott)..........................................1,802,550 13.......Tampa-St. Pete (Sarasota)............................1,783,910

Taking the Next Step With the caliber of the BIG EAST soccer players continuing to amaze those surrounding the sport, it has caught the eye of Major League Soccer. Through the 12-year existence of the professional league, a total of 86 BIG EAST players have been drafted. Currently, the league has 25 former student-athletes on MLS rosters. Ranked Amongst the Elite The success by schools in the BIG EAST in 2007 was enjoyed throughout the league and was noticed throughout the nation. Eight of the 16 teams in the league finished the 2007 ranked in the top 45 of the Division I Soccer Rating released by the NCAA – the most of any conference. The league also had four top 20 programs, including 15thranked West Virginia, a feat matched only by the ACC; the BIG EAST also had five schools ranked in the top 30, secondmost of any other conference. Another display of the BIG EAST’s depth was shown in the final NCAA Division I Soccer RPI Rankings. Following the 2007 season, the league landed eight teams in the top 45 and 12 teams in the top 100, the most of any conference. Other conferences that had teams in the top 50/top 100 of the RPI include: Atlantic 10 (2/5); ACC (6/8); Big 10 (7/7); Pac-10 (3/6). Producing the Best As the competition in the BIG EAST continues to escalate, players from each of the 16 schools have stepped up their game. The Missouri Athletic Club (M.A.C.) Hermann Trophy, considered the soccer’s Heisman Trophy, is awarded to the top male and female NCAA Division I athlete. In the last eight years, four BIG EAST men’s soccer players have captured the award, including back-to-back winners in 2006 and 2007. Also, the BIG EAST has earned 78 NSCAA/adidas All-Americans and a league-best seven were named following the 2006 season; 24 of the 78 were named first-team honorees.

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The BIG EAST also takes great pride in off-the-field accomplishments. In 2007, 38 student-athletes were tabbed as Academic All-Americans, including 14 firstteam selections, seven BIG EAST Scholar-Athletes of the Year, 34 BIG EAST Scholar Athletes and numerous selections to the BIG EAST Academic All-Star Team, which is part of the league’s annual academic awards program. Working with the Finest Coaches To be the best, it helps to learn from the best. The BIG EAST boasts two NSCAA/adidas National Coach of the Year Award winners. The league has also had three Soccer America Coaches of the Year, one of them being West Virginia’s Marlon LeBlanc who earned the award in 2006, his first year as head of the Mountaineers. First-Rate Officials In September of 1997, long before many conferences began the practice of staffing officials for Olympic Sports, the BIG EAST Conference broke new ground by hiring a full-time officials’ assignor. Under the supervision of Roger Taylor, the league has lifted the program to new heights and into one of college’s finest officiating staffs and to a newly-implemented assessment program.

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WEST VIRGINIA UNIVERSITY Through teaching, discovery and outreach, West Virginia University helps people start making their mark on the world. The University’s top priority is education. Here, teaching means much more than lecturing. WVU faculty are mentors who engage and involve students through service learning projects, hands-on research, the newest technology, studyabroad programs and innovative curricula. Students emerge from WVU with a broad liberal arts education and a thorough preparation for successful careers. Fall 2007 student enrollment on the main campus was 28,113, the highest in WVU history. And beyond record numbers, the incoming freshman class continued a pattern of increasingly high academic credentials. Fifteen WVU colleges and schools offer 185 degree programs from the bachelor’s through the doctoral and first-professional levels. In 2005-06, WVU awarded 5,623 degrees. The University offers a wide array of majors, including a highly competitive doctoral program in physical therapy, the nation’s first entirely web-based integrated marketing communications master’s degree, and top-tier engineering, education, business, agriculture, creative arts, and journalism programs. A partnership with the FBI created the world’s first university-level degree program in forensic and investigative science. Students study the biology and chemistry of crime-fighting and prepare to create technologies that enhance safety in an ever more dangerous world. The schools of medicine, dentistry, nursing and pharmacy offer a wide range of health science programs at the Robert C. Byrd Health Sciences Center. WVU is also home to the state’s only law school. WVU students receive more than $239 million a year in grants, loans, work study, fee waivers and scholarships. Awards are based on financial need and academic ability. About 67 percent of WVU undergraduates receive some financial aid; almost half of the aid given to resident undergraduates is as grants and scholarships. Donors to WVU have contributed to the institution’s growing national stature. In the past year, the WVU Foundation disbursed more than $40 million on behalf of the University, and over the past 10 years, it has provided WVU more than $350 million in direct support. The Foundation’s assets are approaching $1 billion and it’s endowment is in excess of $450 million.

by BizJournals.com and as the best small city in the East by Prometheus Publications. Forbes magazine named Morgantown the nation’s 5th “Best Small Metro,” and Inc., an online entrepreneurial Web site and magazine, ranked it 15th in “Overall Best Cities.” Kiplinger’s Personal Finance magazine listed it 29th among “50 Smart Places to Live.” Recreational and job opportunities were among the factors Men’s Journal magazine cited in naming Morgantown the nation’s third-best small city. A parenting magazine ranked Monongalia County as having one of the country’s top 100 school districts. And WVU’s campus offers one of the nation’s safest college environments—Reader’s Digest ranked it 18th among 135 U.S. colleges and universities and gave WVU an A for its strong commitment to safety. WVU’s main Morgantown location includes three distinct campuses—Downtown, Evansdale, and the Health Sciences campus. The Personal Rapid Transit (PRT) system—named top people-mover in the nation—has shuttled people among the campuses since the U.S. Department of Transportation built it 30 years ago. WVU was named one of the nation’s “Best Workplaces for Commuters” for its innova-

The State’s Flagship University Located in Morgantown, WVU’s main campus is within easy traveling distance of the metropolitan areas of Pittsburgh, Pa., about 70 miles to the north, and Baltimore, Md., and Washington, D.C., about 200 miles to the east. Morgantown itself is a comfortably sized community of more than 50,000, including WVU students. Morgantown was named the No. 1 small city in America

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tive and effective transportation services for employees and students. The University strives constantly to improve its facilities to offer students a top-notch living and learning experience. The Student Recreation Center boasts a six-lane lap pool and a warmer leisure pool; a 20-person whirlpool; seven courts for basketball, volleyball and badminton; fitness machines and free weights covering 17,000 square feet; and a 50-foot climbing wall. Cutting-edge learning tools await students at the Downtown Campus Library. Group viewing rooms with large plasma screens and wireless keyboards enable students to craft team presentations or watch assigned films on DVD. At other study areas, powerful PCs offer blazing Internet connections. The library also provides laptops with wireless Internet connections for use throughout the building. In the Life Sciences Building, psychology and biology students learn in sophisticated research labs and multimediaequipped lecture halls. The building houses a computer lab, therapy and observation rooms and a greenhouse. In 2006, Lincoln Hall opened as WVU’s first residence hall to operate on an innovative residential college model. Residential colleges—associated in the past mainly with Oxford and Cambridge Universities and U.S. Ivy League institutions—create a small but diverse learning community within a larger institution. Several buildings on the Downtown Campus have recently undergone complete renovations to meet the educational needs of 21st century learners. Colson Hall now houses the Department of English. A $28 million renovation turned Brooks Hall into an environmentally friendly “green building” that houses the Department of Geology and Geography. Oglebay

Hall, one of 10 campus buildings on the National Register of Historic Places, underwent a $23 million renovation to become a state-of-the-art home to WVU’s Forensic and Investigative Science Program. A new lecture hall, Ming Hsieh Hall, opened adjacent to Oglebay. Not all WVU students are in Morgantown. The University’s statewide campuses include the Charleston Division and the Eastern Division of the WVU Health Sciences Center, WVU at Parkersburg, the WVU Institute of Technology in Montgomery, Potomac State College of WVU in Keyser and six extended learning regional centers. WVU is a leader in distance education. Extended Learning sponsors offers hundreds of classes each term accessible through the Internet, the Interactive Video Network, or in classrooms around the state. Exceptional Faculty and Students The WVU community takes pride in its top-notch faculty. Many are nationally and internationally recognized experts in their fields. In the past 19 years, the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching has honored 16 WVU faculty as West Virginia Professors of the Year. Seven WVU faculty have been named Professor of the Year by the Faculty Merit Foundation, and University faculty consistently win Fulbright grants that provide teaching and research opportunities around the globe. The work of outstanding teachers is reflected in students’ accomplishments. WVU has produced 25 Rhodes Scholars; only six public universities have produced more. Many students have received other prestigious scholarships; WVU students have received 19 Truman Scholarships, 30 Goldwater Scholarships, two Udall Scholarships and two Marshall Scholarships. In

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WEST VIRGINIA UNIVERSITY 2006, a WVU student was the only person in the nation to win both the Goldwater and the Truman awards. WVU is a Truman Honor Institution—only 17 schools earned that distinction in 1996, the inaugural year. WVU students are nurtured and challenged. The University Honors College involves about 1,400 students each year. WVU’s commitment to students does not focus solely on the high achiever, however. The University supports all students by continually improving the libraries, providing learning centers, computer labs, health service, a counseling center, a disabilities office, a career planning and placement center and an array of other student services. The Center for Civic Engagement helps students help others while growing intellectually through service-learning projects and trips. WVU offers a comprehensive First-Year Experience to help students adjust to college life. Advising, entertainment, and some classes take place in the residence halls, and faculty mentors live next door to help students make the most of their WVU experience. A ceremony welcomes freshmen to campus each fall and introduces them to the University’s academic opportunities. The campus also celebrates the start of the academic year with FallFest, a major concert and activities that include film festivals, comedy acts, and more. WVUp All Night offers students free refreshments and safe, fun weekend activities, including free concerts, films, comedy clubs, astrobowling, billiards, dancing and much more — all in the Mountainlair student union. This innovative program has attracted national media attention and was the focus of a Good Morning America segment. On the strength of WVUp All Night, The Templeton Guide listed West Virginia University among the leading institutions addressing character development. The unique Mountaineer Parents Club, which has chapters throughout West Virginia and across the nation, connects parents with campus life and provides support and encouragement to students. The club, founded by former First Lady Susan Hardesty, currently involves more than 18,500 families. A toll-free helpline (1-800-WVU-0096) enables parents to seek information or share compliments, suggestions, and concerns. To enhance campus life, the University secures a wide range of entertainment—bigname concerts and lecturers, films, cultural events, art exhibits, and special events such as Homecoming, Mountaineer Week (a tribute to Appalachian culture) and Fall Family Weekend. Many events, such as the Festival of Ideas lecture series, expose students to a

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rich diversity of cultures, theories, and ideas. And, with more than 300 student organizations flourishing—including academic, service, political, religious and recreational groups—every student has a chance for extracurricular involvement. A unique student athletic booster club, the Mountaineer Maniacs, supports 17 varsity sports programs. An award-winning marching band, some 325 members strong, is a source of pride statewide. WVU is committed to promoting diversity on campus and protecting the rights of all people to benefit from WVU educational opportunities. Creating New Knowledge Since its founding in 1867 as a land-grant institution, WVU has developed into the state’s flagship research university. The Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching classified WVU as a Research University (High Research Activity). University faculty members secure $138 million annually in sponsored contracts and research grants. WVU faculty members are studying gene mapping, developing new anti-cancer and anti-diabetic drugs, helping forensic investigators solve crimes, creating better materials for building bridges and conducting other cutting-edge research to help improve people’s lives. The University’s international leadership in biometrics led the FBI to name WVU its lead academic partner in biometrics research. Besides having worldwide significance on security issues, this partnership provides WVU students with an academic opportunity unmatched at any other institution in the United States.

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WEST VIRGINIA UNIVERSITY WVU, historically a leader in energy research, is also poised to help our nation develop more environmentally friendly, sustainable energy sources. Notably, the University partnering with Carnegie Mellon University and the University of Pittsburgh to conduct up to $26 million in research to develop clean and efficient technologies for the use of fossil fuels. The results of its work could reduce our nation’s dependence on foreign oil. And, as gas prices soar and concerns about climate change grow, WVU remains a leader in research on alternative fuels. We are providing the research muscle to help create a greener country and a greener world. Researchers at WVU’s Robert C. Byrd Health Sciences Center contribute to the health of the state and the world through cutting-edge projects that are focused on areas of health that are especially important to West Virginia. WVU is also the home of the Blanchette Rockefeller Neurosciences Institute, dedicated to the study of Alzheimer’s and other diseases that affect the brain. At WVU today, there are more than 60 specialized research centers and institutes.

Serving the State Sharing WVU knowledge with state citizens and the nation is a major component of the land-grant mission. For nearly 100 years, West Virginians have trusted their WVU Extension Service agents to be their local source of reliable and timely information. Working with more than 472,000 youths and adults each year, WVU’s Extension Service helps people improve their lives in all 55 counties of West Virginia. With an office in each county, WVU Extension faculty and staff are nurturing learning partnerships with families, businesses and local organizations. These partnerships bring results. Families live healthier, more satisfying lives; youths who “learn by doing” in 4-H develop leadership skills; farmers and others use resources more wisely; local firefighters and first-responders employ the latest rescue techniques; and citizens revitalize their communities. The four Health Sciences schools at WVU train hundreds of West Virginians to serve as doctors, dentists, nurses, pharmacists, therapists, and health technicians. All Health Sciences students have access to the high-tech facilities on campus and participate in educational experiences in rural and urban areas of West Virginia. WVU’s health professionals serve more than a quarter-million people each year, at three medical campuses in Morgantown, Charleston and the Eastern Panhandle. In Morgantown, the WVU Hospitals complex includes a children’s hospital, a psychiatric hospital, a trauma center, a cancer center and the state’s most advanced diagnostic and treatment facilities. The WVU Eye Institute provides the entire state with vision-related health services.

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ATHLETIC DIRECTOR ED PASTILONG It is truly a great time to be a Mountaineer. Just ask West Virginia University Director of Athletics Ed Pastilong. Never has total athletic success befallen Morgantown quite like it has over the last five years. And it’s all happened under Pastilong’s watch. During his 19-year tenure, Pastilong has spearheaded WVU’s growth into one of the nation’s finest athletic departments on and off the playing fields as it competes in 17 varsity sports. He’s done this through leadership efforts in meeting the demands of running a top-tier organization by keeping up with the times. His vision has helped guide, mold and shape the student-athlete experience into a positive one here at WVU through a successful, across-the-board, total athletic program. During his tenure, Pastilong has spearheaded more than $65 million in facility renovations, witnessed the department’s budget increase from $20 million to more than $40 million, steered WVU into the BIG EAST football conference in 1991 and into full-fledged member status in the league in 1995. He also initiated the Athletic Director’s Academic Honor Roll, where more than 3,600 student-athletes have been recognized for outstanding work in the classroom, and the WVU sports Hall of Fame, where 115 former Mountaineers have been so honored. The facility upgrades and capital improvements alone have been staggering. Since 1989, WVU has made tremendous strides to its football facility, Mountaineer Field at Milan Puskar Stadium. Suites to three sides of the stadium, Touchdown Terrace, the Caperton Indoor Practice Facility, new locker rooms, the Reynolds Family Academic Center and the Donald J. Brohard Hall of Traditions highlight the making of WVU’s football facility into one of the nation’s finest. Other facility improvements under Pastilong’s tenure include renovations to the WVU Coliseum and Hawley Field and the construction of Dick Dlesk Soccer Stadium, Cary Gym for Mountaineer Gymnastics and a state-of-the-art wrestling facility. And a new basketball practice facility is on the horizon in the near future. On the playing fields, the last five years have arguably been the most successful in the history of West Virginia University athletics. As proof, look no farther than WVU’s No. 30 national ranking in the 2007-08 U.S. Sports Academy Directors’ Cup - its best finish ever. Success hasn’t just been limited to on the field, either, as community service has also been at the forefront of WVU’s recent successes. All of WVU’s sports are involved in various levels of community service from the football team and its affiliation with the WVU Children’s Hospital to the women’s soccer, women’s basketball and gymnastics teams being involved in Breast Cancer Awareness through national “Think Pink” Initiatives. Other varsity sports volunteer their time at local elementary schools’ read-a-louds and at other various community service initiatives.

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There’s no doubt that West Virginia University is currently experiencing a Golden Era. With great leadership, tremendous insight and a heartwarming personality, Ed Pastilong can proudly claim it all happened on his watch. Pastilong joined the athletic department as football recruiting coordinator in 1976 and two years later became its scholarship officer. In 1979, he was named assistant athletic director for facilities and operations. He spearheaded the planning and management of all home athletic contests, as well as the scheduling and the maintenance of the Coliseum and stadium; Pastilong was also on the board for the planning and building of Mountaineer Field. He remained director of athletic facilities until his promotion to associate athletic director in 1987. Prior to West Virginia, Pastilong served football coaching stints at Scott High in Madison, W.Va., and at Salem College, where he tutored the Tigers from 1969-75, winning more games than any other West Virginia Intercollegiate Athletic Conference team during that period. He was also the school’s dean of health and physical education from 1972-75. He received his bachelor’s degree from WVU in physical education in 1966, and later earned a master’s degree from WVU. As a Mountaineer player, Pastilong lettered in 1964 and 1965, completing 37 of 115 passes for 728 yards and six touchdowns. Pastilong and his wife, Mona, have two daughters – Kim DeFelice and her husband, Anthony, and Amy Richter and her husband, Pat, and four grandsons, Michael and Nick DeFelice and Ryan and Shawn Richter.

The Pastilong family: Front row (L to R): Ryan and Shawn Richter, Michael and Nick DeFelice. Back row (L to R): Pat and Amy Richter, Ed and Mona Pastilong, Kim and Anthony DeFelice.

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MOUNTAINEER ATHLETIC CLUB The Mountaineer Athletic Club is the fundraising organization within the Department of Intercollegiate Athletics at West Virginia University. Mountaineer Athletic Club funds are invested and administered by the WVU Foundation. The MAC’s mission is to provide annual scholarship support to West Virginia University student-athletes and raise private support for capital projects, endowments and other needs as prioritized by the WVU Department of Intercollegiate Athletics. Annual Giving & Season Ticket Priority By participating as a MAC donor through the ticket priority program, you not only receive exclusive benefits but also play an important role in ensuring the quality of the athletic program. Annual gifts enhance season ticket sales, provide financial support for the scholarship program and assure MAC donors’ season-to-season preferred seating in football and men’s basketball. For information on the MAC Annual Giving and Ticket Priority programs, call 1-800-433-2072 or visit MountaineerAthleticClub.com.

Endowed Scholarships Increasing the athletic scholarship endowment for studentathletes at West Virginia University will allow Mountaineer coaches to continue to recruit the highest caliber athletes, while offsetting the rising costs of tuition. Endowing a scholarship creates a sense of pride, knowing that you have helped fund not only a student-athlete’s education, but also his or her athletic dream. Jerry West Society Formed in 1996 in honor of WVU’s most famous athlete, the Jerry West Society offers exclusive membership to those who make commitments of support to the MAC in the form of planned gifts. Qualifying support includes bequests, trusts, annuities, directed retirement assets, life insurance and real estate. The MAC can provide you the necessary language to ensure that your planned gift intentions are clearly expressed.

Capital Improvements West Virginia University has embarked on an aggressive athletic facilities capital improvement plan. This investment will improve recruiting, allow WVU teams to be competitive at a higher level and increase revenue opportunities while enhancing fan comfort.

WVU Varsity Club WVU athletic history dates back to a fall day in 1891 when a less-than-well organized group of University students gathered in a pasture outside of town to take on Washington & Jefferson in a sport called football. Baseball and basketball soon followed, offering many deserving student-athletes the chance to proudly wear the Old Gold and Blue. Today, former Mountaineers number in the thousands and the WVU Varsity Club provides a way for all former WVU student-athletes and coaches to remain in contact with their athletic program, team and teammates.

Supporting Our Olympic Sports Currently, WVU sponsors 17 varsity sports, and similar to major gifts, contributions to our Olympic sports (Baseball, Women’s Basketball, Women’s Cross Country and Track, Gymnastics, Rifle, Rowing, Men’s Soccer, Women’s Soccer, Men’s and Women’s Swimming and Diving, Women’s Tennis, Volleyball and Wrestling) are tax-deductible. Our coaches and student-athletes in these sports rely on private support for locker room improvements, equipment purchases and many other expenses not covered in their operating budgets.

Basketball Legacy Fund The Basketball Legacy Fund was created to enhance “all things basketball” and enable WVU’s men’s and women’s teams to better compete for conference and national championships. Legacy Fund gifts are primarily utilized to enhance recruiting efforts via charter airplane travel for our coaching staffs (similar to the mission of Football’s 1100 Club). In addition to supplementing travel during sanctioned NCAA recruiting periods, proceeds to the Basketball Legacy Fund may also be used for facility and locker room improvements.

1100 Club The goal of the 1100 Club is to provide a significant portion of the resources necessary to successfully recruit blue-chip football student-athletes at the regional and national level. Membership has grown to more than 350 members who give a minimum of $1,100 annually to support this pursuit of excellence. These funds help offset the escalating costs associated specifically with airplane travel during NCAA-sanctioned football recruiting periods. Members of the 1100 Club take pride knowing that their involvement truly has an impact on WVU’s quest for BIG EAST and national championships and Awinning the right way.@

Wheels Club The Wheels Club is comprised of automobile dealers who donate the use of vehicles to the Department of Intercollegiate Athletics for use in recruiting and travel by the Mountaineer staff. Wheels Club donors receive MAC benefits and are recognized at the Director level within the MAC Annual Giving and Season Ticket Priority program.

All-American Society Recognition in the MAC’s All-American is reserved exclusively for those who have gone the extra mile in support of the Mountaineers. All major gifts and pledges benefitting the intercollegiate athletic program at WVU, above and beyond ticket priorities, at $50,000 and above qualify for involvement.

Coaches Caravan The annual Coaches Caravan includes stops across the state and region that enable WVU fans to meet with WVU coaches, student-athletes and athletic staff members in a casual environment. Front Row Magazine This quarterly magazine is offered exclusively to all MAC donors who give $100 or more to any of the programs noted during the fiscal year in which the gift is made. For more the latest news and updates on the Mountaineers or for information on the MAC Annual Giving and Ticket Priority programs, call 1-800-433-2072 or visit MountaineerAthleticClub.com.

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2007-08 ATHLETICS BY THE NUMBERS Team Record Baseball..................................................................................35-21 Men’s Basketball....................................26-11 (NCAA Sweet 16) Women’s Basketball............................. 25-8 (NCAA 2nd round) Cross Country........................BIG EAST Champions (9th NCAA) Football..........11-2 (BIG EAST Champions/Fiesta Bowl Champs) Gymnastics............. 23-8 (EAGL Champions/NCAA Regionals) Indoor Track...............................................................7th BIG EAST Outdoor Track...........................................................8th BIG EAST Rifle....................................... 8-3 (6th at NCAA Championships) Men’s Soccer........................................ 14-6-2 (NCAA Sweet 16) Women’s Soccer.......... 18-5-2 (BIG EAST Champs/NCAA Elite Eight) Men’s Swimming and Diving..........................2-4 (4th BIG EAST) Women’s Swimming and Diving....................3-4 (3rd BIG EAST) Tennis........................................................................................14-8 Volleyball...............................................................................16-14 Rowing........................................................................8th BIG EAST Wrestling....................................................................8-5 (3rd EWL)

1 Fiesta Bowl Championship 1 EAGL Tournament Championship 1 BIG EAST regular season championship 1 Conference Coach of the Year 2 BIG EAST Tournament Championships 5 ESPN/CoSIDA academic All-Americans 9 ESPN/CoSIDA academic all-District selections 10 Major individual award winners 14 First team All-Americans 28 Conference event championships 39 All-Conference honorees

2007-08 First Team All-Americans Marie-Louise Asselin – Cross Country, Indoor and Outdoor Track (3k and DMR) Keri Bland – Cross Country and Indoor Track Amanda Cicchini – Women’s Soccer Kevin Donohue – Swimming Brandi Eskew – Rifle Karly Hamric – Indoor Track Lafe Kunkel – Rifle April Rotilio – Indoor Track Steve Slaton – Football Ryan Stanchek – Football Major Award Winners Ashley Banks – BIG EAST Co-Offensive Player of the Year Carolyn Blank – BIG EAST Championship Most Outstanding Defensive Player Kim Bonilla – BIG EAST Championship Most Outstanding Offensive Player Meg Bulger – BIG EAST Women’s Basketball Sportsmanship Award Jedd Gyorko – BIG EAST Rookie of the Year Darris Nichols – BIG EAST Men’s Basketball Sportsmanship Award Ted Talkington – BIG EAST Men’s Basketball Scholar Athlete of the Year Patrick White – Fiesta Bowl Offensive MVP/BIG EAST Offensive Player of the Year Reed Williams – Fiesta Bowl Defensive MVP Andy Wright – BIG EAST Midfielder of the Year

Andy Wright

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Conference Event Champions Kayla Andrews – BIG EAST 100 Free Champion Marie Louise-Asselin – BIG EAST 3,000m Indoor Champion Keri Bland – BIG EAST 1,000m Indoor Champion and ECAC 1,500m Outdoor Champion Kurt Brenner – EWL Champion Morgan Callaway – BIG EAST 100 and 200 Back Champion/500 Free Champion Chelsea Carrier – BIG EAST 100m Hurdle and ECAC 60m Champion

2007 NCAA SWEET SIXTEEN


2007-08 ATHLETICS BY THE NUMBERS Kevin Donohue – BIG EAST 100 and 200 Breast Champion Clara Grandt – ECAC 10k Outdoor Champion Lindsey Largo – BIG EAST 1650 Free Champion Mehgan Morris – EAGL Uneven Bars and Floor Exercise Champion Michael Walker – BIG EAST 200 Back and 400 IM Champion Jared Villers – EWL Champion 200 Medley Relay – BIG EAST Champions (Morgan Callaway, Stephanie Shupe, Kitti Veisz, Kayla Andrews) 400 Medley Relay – BIG EAST Champions (Morgan Callaway, Stephanie Shupe, Kitti Veisz, Kayla Andrews) ESPN The Magazine CoSIDA Academic All-Americans Ashley Banks – Women’s Soccer Pat Carroll – Men’s Soccer Alex Ruoff – Men’s Basketball Reed Williams – Football Nick Delic – Men’s Swimming Marie-Louise Asselin – USTFCCCA Ashley Banks – NSCAA Scholar All-American Kim Benda – College Rowing Coaches’ Association Keri Bland – USTFCCCA Kim Bonilla – NSCAA Scholar All-American ESPN The Magazine CoSIDA Academic All-District Marie-Louise Asselin – Cross Country Sparkle Davis – Women’s Basketball Nick Delic – Men’s Swimming Kailee Goold – Volleyball Krystle Kallman – Women’s Soccer Coaching Honors Sean Cleary – Mid-Atlantic Region Coach of the Year Jon Hammond – GARC Coach of the Year Bob Huggins – West Virginia State Sportswriters Coach of the Year Nikki Izzo-Brown – Mid-Atlantic Region Coach of the Year All-BIG EAST Joe Agreste – Baseball Joe Alexander – Men’s Basketball and All-Tournament Marie-Louise Asselin – Cross Country Ashley Banks – Women’s Soccer Greer Barnes – Women’s Soccer and All-Tournament Vince Belnome – Baseball Keri Bland – Cross Country Carolyn Blank – Women’s Soccer and All-Tournament Kim Bonilla – Women’s Soccer and All-Tournament Meg Bulger – Women’s Basketball Kerri Butler – All-Tournament (women’s soccer) Amanda Cicchini – Women’s Soccer and All-Tournament Mike Dent – Football Johnny Dingle – Football

Coach Bob Huggins Keilein Dykes – Football Deana Everett – Women’s Soccer Clara Grandt – Cross Country Jedd Gyorko – Baseball Greg Isdaner – Football Tyler Kuhn – Baseball Marc Magro – Football Gift Maworere – Men’s Soccer Pat McAfee – Football LaQuita Owens – Women’s Basketball Justin Parks – Baseball Darius Reynaud – Football Robin Rushton – All-Tournament (women’s soccer) Olayinka Sanni – Women’s Basketball Steve Slaton – Football Dan Stratford – Men’s Soccer Patrick White – Football Eric Wicks – Football Andy Wright – Men’s Soccer All-EAGL Amy Bieski – Gymnastics Jaime Gold – Gymnastics Mehgan Morris – Gymnastics Shelly Perkat – Gymnastics Kiersten Spoerke – Gymnastics Chelsi Tabor – Gymnastics Erica Watson – Gymnastics

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EXCELLENCE IN ATHLETICS As West Virginia University athletics currently reaps the rewards and benefits associated with being in a “golden era,” it would be hard-pressed to find another year in school history where across-the-board excellence in athletics found its way to the state’s flagship university as it did in 2007-08. For proof, look no farther than the numbers. After winter competition, WVU stood sixth nationally in the U.S. Academy’s Director’s Cup. Of WVU’s 17 varsity sports, 16 qualified for postseason action. Four teams won league conference championships. Nine teams qualified for the NCAA postseason or tournament action. Ten student-athletes earned major awards. Fourteen won first team All-America honors. Twentyeight conference event champions and 39 all-conference honorees capped what some called the most successful athletic season in school history. WVU was one of just two programs nationally to have its football team win a BCS bowl game and its men’s basketball team advance to the NCAA Tournament Sweet 16, have back-to-back 10-win seasons in football, back-to-back 20-win seasons in men’s basketball and consecutive 20-win seasons in women’s basketball in the last two years and one of just two programs to have its men’s and women’s soccer teams reach the Sweet 16 this past season. Leading the way was the football team, which posted its third consecutive 11-win season, its fourth BIG EAST championship in the last five years and a remarkable 48-28 victory over Oklahoma in the Tostitos Fiesta Bowl. WVU finished in the Top 10 for the third consecutive season, a first in the school’s rich pigskin tradition. In fact, WVU is one of just four football programs nationally to finish in the Top 10 in the last three years. Pat White was named the BIG EAST Offensive Player of the Year for the second straight season prior to copping Fiesta Bowl offensive MVP accolades. Some weren’t sure what to think would happen to the Mountaineer men’s basketball team under first-year coach Bob Huggins. A 26-11 season later that included a BIG EAST semifinal appearance for the second time in four years and a berth in the NCAA’s Sweet 16 for the third time in four seasons after a second-round win over national power Duke convinced everyone that WVU is in good hands. All-BIG EAST first team and all-tournament performer Joe Alexander led the way for the Mountaineers while Darris Nichols won the conference’s sportsmanship award. Alex Ruoff was named to the ESPN The Magazine CoSIDA Academic All-American team. The women’s soccer team won its first-ever BIG EAST tournament championship and qualified for its eighth straight NCAA tournament, advancing to its first-ever Elite Eight appearance. WVU posted a school-record tying 18-5-2 record, which marks the sixth time in the last eight seasons that the Mountaineers have posted at least 15 wins. Seven studentathletes earned all-BIG EAST recognition led by conference co-Offensive Player of the Year and ESPN The Magazine CoSIDA Academic All-American Ashley Banks. The cross country team won its first-ever BIG EAST championship and placed ninth in the NCAA championship for its highest-ever finish. Marie Louise-Asselin and state native Keri Bland were All-Americans. The gymnastics team won its sixth EAGL championship and advanced to its NCAA regionals for the 30th time in last 31 seasons with a 23-8 record. Seven gymnasts were all-conference led by state native Mehgan Morris’ uneven bars and floor exercise championships.

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The men’s soccer team posted a 14-6-2 overall record led by BIG EAST Midfielder of the Year Andy Wright. The Mountaineers advanced to the NCAAs Sweet 16 for the second consecutive season while three student-athletes were named all-BIG EAST. Defender Pat Carroll was named to the ESPN The Magazine CoSIDA Academic All-American team. Women’s basketball spent the entire season in the Top 20 for the first time in school history and posted the second-most wins in school history with a 25-8 record. The Mountaineers advanced to their second consecutive NCAA tournament second round and played in their third BIG EAST semfinal in the last five years. Olayinka Sanni was on the all-BIG EAST first team for the second consecutive while Meg Bulger won the BIG EAST sportsmanship award. Rifle posted an 8-3 record and posted a sixth-place finish at the NCAA championships behind the All-American performances from Brandi Eskew and Lafe Kunkel. The men’s and women’s swimming and diving teams set 14 school records and three conference records at the BIG EAST championship. The Mountaineers won 10 event championships and swimmer Kevin Donohue became the first-ever individual swimmer at WVU to earn All-America honors after his fifth-place finish in the 100 breast at the NCAA championships. Indoor track saw Asselin, Bland, April Rotilio and Karly Hamric post All-American times in the distance medley relay while Asselin was also All-America in the 3,000 meters. In outdoor track, Bland became the first woman and just the second performer in school history to post All-America honors in three sports as she finished 10th in the 1,500 meters. Chelsea Carrier won the BIG EAST 100-meter hurdle and the ECAC 60-meter while Clara Grandt won the ECAC 10,000 meters. BIG EAST Rookie of the Year Jedd Gyorko guided the baseball team to a 35-21 record with five all-BIG EAST selections while wrestlers Kurt Brenner and Jared Villers won EWL championships. Rowing’s Kim Benda was named a CRCA national scholar athlete, women’s tennis qualified for its fourth-straight BIG EAST tournament with a 14-8 record and volleyball won 13 more games than it did in 2006-07.

Pat White

2007 NCAA SWEET SIXTEEN


MEDIA INFORMATION Media Services

MSNsportsNET.com

The West Virginia University sports communications office will be available throughout the entire 2008 men’s soccer season to accommodate any media requests. Following are some guidelines that should make it easy for media members to cover the West Virginia men’s soccer team. Any additional questions should be directed to graduate assistant Ira Green.

Comprehensive Men’s soccer Coverage All news releases are posted to MSNsportsNET.com. Media can access the latest happenings of Mountaineer men’s soccer by checking in regularly to MSNsportsNET.com’s home page or the men’s soccer page. Game Releases Game releases are made available in PDF format on MSNsportsNET.com. This complete informational packet will be available one day prior to gameday.

At the Game Complete statistics are provided to all working media at halftime and postgame. Requested team members and Coach LeBlanc will be available for interviews following a 15-minute grace period. During the Week Any member of the media wishing to interview a player or member of the coaching staff during the week should contact West Virginia men’s soccer contact Ira Green at the sports communications office via phone, (304) 293- 2821, at least 24 hours in advance. Electronic Media Services Updated game notes and statistics will be available on www.MSNsportsNET.com. Members of the media interested in coaches and player head shots and select action shots can request a photo CD from the WVU sports communications office. Game Services The sports communications staff will be at your service throughout the match. All media will be provided with game programs, rosters, press guides and other pertinent information. Computer generated statistics will be available at halftime and at the match’s conclusion. BIG EAST Media Services For the latest news about the BIG EAST conference visit the BIG EAST’s website at www.bigeast.org. The site contains information on all BIG EAST schools, including individual pages for every school and every sport. The following information is updated daily:

Game Coverage MSNsportsNET.com is the place for media and fans to go for the latest on West Virginia men’s soccer. In 2008, streamed audio and video broadcasts will be available via MSNsportsNET.com. Live stats are also available to keep track of every score and save. Extensive postgame coverage can also be found on MSNsportsNET.com, including game recaps, photo galleries from home matches and postgame notes. Team Coverage Looking for information on any Mountaineer player or coach? It’s all on MSNsportsNET.com. Player and coaching staff bios are available at the click of a finger. Statistics and Records Updated following each game, MSNsportsNET.com is your place to find the latest statistics for Mountaineer men’s soccer. Not only will you find this season’s stats, but you will also be able to find the WVU record book for some historical perspective. And Much More Updated daily, MSNsportsNET.com also provides ticket information, radio and television listings, viewer surveys, trivia contests, links to other great sports sites, the BIG EAST and information on West Virginia’s 16 other varsity sports. Log on by typing in www.MSNsportsNET.com to get the latest Mountaineer news.

BIG EAST standings Statistics for conference games and all games Weekly award winners Conference notebooks Team-by-team statistics

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MEDIA INFORMATION WVU Sports Communications

Directions to Dick Dlesk Soccer Stadium

Sports Information The West Virginia University sports communication office is located in the WVU Coliseum near the Red Gate. The main sports communications office is Room 107 with additional offices in Room 104.

From I-68 Take the Pierpont Road (mile marker 7) exit and follow signs toward the football stadium. At the second traffic light, turn right on Route 705. Turn left at the sixth traffic light onto Van Voorhis Road. The road becomes Patteson Drive at University Avenue. Proceed up Patteson to the light at Jerry West Boulevard. Go straight at the light into the Coliseum parking lots. Turn right on to Gale Catlett Drive. Parking for soccer is available in the Shell Building lot. Dick Dlesk Soccer Stadium is located below the Shell Building lot.

Mailing Address Sports Communications Office West Virginia University P.O. Box 0877 Morgantown, WV 26507-0877

From I-79 Take the Star City/WVU (mile marker 155) exit. Follow signs to West Virginia University. Cross the Star City bridge and proceed up Monongahela Boulevard past Texas Roadhouse. Dick Dlesk Soccer Stadium is just ahead on the right. Parking is available in the Shell Building lot.

Overnight Shipping Address Sports Communications Office West Virginia University 107 Coliseum Monongahela Blvd. Morgantown, WV 26505 Phone Information Office: 304-293-2821 Fax: 304-293-4105 Press Box: 304-293-6480 Men’s Soccer Contact Ira Green Sports Communications Graduate Assistant E-Mail: Ira.Green@mail.wvu.edu Staff Michael Fragale: Assistant Athletic Director, Communications Bryan Messerly: Sports Information Director Joe Swan: Sports Publications Director John Antonik: Director of New Media Mike Montoro: Director of Football Communications Phil Caskey: Assistant Sports Information Director Tim Goodenow: Assistant Sports Publications Director Lisa Ammons: Administrative Assistant Amy Prunty: Program Assistant Cheryl Maust: Program Assistant Ira Green: Graduate Assistant Allison Hoehn: Graduate Assistant Shannon McNamara: Graduate Assistant Stephen Stone: Graduate Assistant Grant Dovey: Student Assistant Kelly Tuckwiller: Student Assistant

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2008 West Virginia University Men's Soccer Guide by Joe Swan - Issuu