August 29, 2002

GENEVA, N.Y. – The Hobart Statesmen are setting their sights high for the upcoming 2002 season. Returning seven starters from the 2001 squad that featured 12 first-year players and another pool of talented first-years, Head Coach Shawn Griffin has high expectations for this team.

The Statesmen began their rebuilding process during the 2001 season with Griffin’s first recruiting class. The team, consistently starting six first-year players, finished the season with a 7-9-3 record.

A trio of first-year players led the way for the Statesmen in the final third of the field. Joel Andruski (Shenendehowa/Clifton Park, N.Y.) and Ricky Klotz (Homer/Cortland, N.Y.) led the Hobart attack, netting five and four goals, respectively. Juan Vargas (Del Valle/El Paso, Texas) completed the trio providing a goal and four assists on the year.

The Hobart defense was anchored by veteran defenders in seniors Peter Cooke (Jamesville-DeWitt/Fayetteville, N.Y.) and Russell Osur (Millburn/Short Hills, N.J.). Cooke garnered player of the week honors in the UCAA as well as earning a spot on the All-UCAA second-team for his composure and good play in the back. During his four years with the Statesmen Cooke scored six goals and recorded five assists for 17 points.

The 2002 squad brings with it many new faces and an international flavor. The combination of those returning and the talented group of newcomers is something Griffin is excited to see.

The Statesmen’s top scorer of 2001, Andruski, will not return for the 2002 season, but Hobart expects other players to step in to fill the opening. Klotz, with good size at 6-foot-1 will be a force opposing defenses will have to deal with both in the air and on the ground. Senior Matt Catterson (Clinton/Clinton, N.Y.) returns for his final season trying to break into the starting lineup for the Statesmen frontline after scoring twice and assisting on another score in 2001.

Three first-year players will be competing for starting spots up top for Hobart. John Rosenbaum (Ostra Reals Gymnasium/Solna, Sweden) is a proven goal scorer and will provide a challenge to opposing defenders. Ben Polk (Western Reserve Academy/West Hartford, Conn.) brings with him both size and skill that could also land him some playing time up front. Chris Rogers (Hebron Academy/Marietta, Ga.) could see time up top, but his physical presence and athleticism could put him in any third of the field providing depth for the Statesmen.

Seven players return to Hobart’s midfield corps. Rookie Award winner, Vargas will run on the flanks for the Statesmen using his speed and vision to help spark the Hobart attack. Sophomore Dan Abroms (Pomfret School/New Canaan, Conn.) will also have an impact in the midfield with his technical skill and athletic ability. After showing steady improvement throughout the past year, sophomore Ramez Ghaly (Christian Brothers Academy /Syracuse, N.Y.) carries the potential to contribute in either the middle or defensive third of the field for the Statesmen.

The skill level in the midfield continues with four talented first-year players fighting for a position. Micke Subotowicz (Farsta Gymnasium/Stockholm, Sweden) is a very gifted player that will bring great experience and leadership to the field. He has the ability to provide an attacking spark to the Hobart offense. Jamie Smith (Cheshire/Cheshire, Conn.) is a smart technical player who Griffin expects to contribute quality minutes for the Statesmen. Eduardo Ponce deLeon’s (Northfield-Mt. Hermon/Puebla, Mexico) good defensive instincts could put him either in a defensive midfield role or as a member of the back line. Jose Hernandez (Hillcrest/Jamaica, N.Y.) will vie for a position on the outside where he can use his speed and technical ability to run at defenses.

Despite losing senior starters Cooke and Osur from the back line, Griffin will look upon his younger players to make a smooth transition. Anchoring the back line will be co-captains Rosier in goal and Bryan Bome (Marcellus Central/Syracuse, N.Y.). Rosier’s leadership and experience will be key to the success of the Hobart defense. Bome returns to the defensive third of the field after he made the transition from midfield to defense in 2001. Blessed with good size and athletic ability, Rookie Award recipient, Christian Buestad (Northfield-Mt. Hermon/Orinda, Calif.), will be a force at center back. Joining him will be sophomores Alex Coates (Avon Old Farms /Belvedere, Calif.), rebounding from a season-ending injury, and Ross Offinger (Hall School/West Hartford, Conn.) who contributed solid play on the outside for the Statesmen.

Two first-year players could see playing time in the back as well. A strong physical presence on the field, Kaj Ranen (Ostra Reals Gymnasium/Stockholm, Sweden) could see some time during the 2002 season. Valentin Meloty-Kapella (Northfield-Mt. Hermon/Palo Alto, Calif.) also hopes to push into the starting 11 for the Statesmen.

Hobart will open the season hosting Geneseo on Aug. 31 at 1 p.m. at Cozzens Field. The Statesmen will travel the following weekend, Sept. 7-8, to the Diadora Soccer Showdown where they will face Keene State and NCAA Quarterfinalist Wheaton (Mass.).