By Staff
Speical to The Star
Aug. 21, 2001
Expectations are high for a successful soccer campaign at East Central Community College, according to head coach Kenneth Thompson who begins his third season in leading the relatively new program on the Decatur campus.
The Warriors begin the 2001 campaign at 1 p.m. Monday, August 27, against visiting Gordon College of Georgia. East Central resumes competition at 4 p.m. Wednesday, September 5 at East Mississippi Community College in Scooba.
Thompson's optimism is due to in part to the returning sophomores, who include All-State midfielder Gardito Ruiz, a product of Warren Central High School; keeper Derek Dunn of Neshoba Central; forward/midfielder Braden Land of Corinth, who will also serve as team captain; defender Wes Rounsaville of Philadelphia; and utility player Billy Brake of Brandon.
Thompson said last year's record (4-15 overall, 4-11 South Division) was really not reflective of how well the Soccer Warriors performed in just their second year of competition.
Thompson is also excited by members of the 2001 recruiting class, led by forward/midfielder Patrick Johnston, a former standout at Dr. Phillips High School in Orlando, Florida.
Other newcomers include kicker Corey Kemp of Corinth, forward/midfielder Johnathan Shoemaker of Newton County, forward Brandon Ditto of Brandon, defender Nate Alexander of Corinth, forward/midfielder Kyle Miller of Neshoba Central, defender Cory McCoy of Philadelphia, defender Justin Sendelweck of Brandon, forward Riley Clark of Philadelphia, midfielder/defender Jonathan Crowe of Philadelphia, defender Charles Goodwin of Raleigh and defender Caleb May of Leake Academy.
Another factor Thompson is counting on during the 2001 season is the continuing fan support.
Also helping to boost the Colleges soccer program are the facilities, which Thompson rates as among the best in the state.
Recently added on the new field are a press box, bleachers and a scoreboard. Construction will soon begin on a concession stand/restroom facility, to be located between the soccer and softball fields.
The complete 2001 soccer scheduled is listed below:
August 27, Gordon College 1 p.m.; Sept. 1, open date; Sept. 5, at East Mississippi, 4 p.m.; Sept. 8, Hinds (home), 2 p.m; Sept. 11, Copiah-Lincoln (away), 2 p.m.; Sept. 15, Gulf Coast (home), 2 p.m.; Sept. 19, Pearl River (away), 2 p.m.; Sept. 21, Wallace State 1 p.m.; Sept. 25, at Mississippi Delta , 2 p.m.; Sept. 29, Holmes, 2 p.m.;
Oct. 3, at Gulf Coast 7 p.m.; Oct. 6, at Jones, 10 a.m.; October 9, Pearl River , 4 p.m.; October 13, Copiah-Lincoln 2 p.m.; October 20, Jones 10 a.m.; and October 23, at Itawamba.
The top two teams in the North and South divisions will compete in the state tournament scheduled October 26-27.