August 29, 2001

GENEVA, N.Y.- The Hobart College soccer team enters the 2001 season with a new look. Head Coach Shawn Griffin's first recruiting class joins 12 letterwinners to form the latest edition of the Statesmen soccer team.

Senior Jesse Martin, the top returning scorer, is back to lead a talented bunch of forwards. His speed and aggressive play created many scoring chances in 2000 and he looks to do the same this season. Two juniors are back to join Martin up front. Adam Neary had a career year for Hobart last season, starting 16 games and netting two goals and an assist. Matt Catterson also played in 16 games, while starting five and recording an assist. First-years Joel Andruski and Ricky Klotz join the Statesmen attack this season. The duo will challenge for playing time immediately. Andruski brings size, strength, and athleticism to the team. Klotz captained his Homer High School team to the Section III finals last season. He has a knack for scoring goals from the striker position.

Three veterans are back in the midfield this season. Brett Donelson looks to break into the starting lineup. The senior saw time in 14 games last season, starting two and chipping in two assists. Junior Dan Bobis started seven of the 16 games he played for the Statesmen last season. Bobis looks to make his mark on the wing. Sophomore Ted Wilson earned more playing time as the 2000 season went along, starting eight of the 12 games he played.

Six first-years join Hobart's midfield corps this season. Brian Gossling is a very fast, athletic player who could cause problems for opposing defenses. Ramez Ghaly captained his Christian Brothers Academy team last season and put up big offensive numbers (23-21-67). Juan Vargas possesses great speed, vision, and gifted feet. Danny Abroms, an All-New England and NEPSAC All-Star, has great composure and is a strong technical player. Tavish Mortimer captained his Providence Country Day team to a New England Prep School Class C Championship. Christian Buestad, another NEPSAC All-Star, brings height, athleticism, and composure to the defensive third. He played for the California Under-23 Olympic Development Program team that trained at Stanford this summer.

Senior Peter Cooke will lead the Statesmen defense again this year and serve as team captain for the second straight season. Shaun Kelly brings his strong defensive play back for his senior season. After losing his sophomore season to injury, Kelly returned to play in all 19 of Hobart's games last year, starting 16. Senior Russell Osur is one of the most experienced returning defenders. Osur started seven games before an injury cut his season short. Junior Bryan Bome moves his talents to defense this season, a transition he has made very smoothly. He started 14 games last season, scoring a goal and an assist.

Sophomore Sean Durkin will compete with four first-years for more time this season. Alex Coates, also a NEPSAC All-Star, has size, strength, and speed, attributes that should solidify the Statesmen defense. Ryan Whittaker's hard-nosed defensive qualities helped him captain his team to the Class B New England Prep School Championship last season. Ross Offinger is another strong and sizable player. He captained his Hall High School team last year. Hugh Wodlinger brings solid skills and a strong work ethic to the Statesmen.

In goal, Cory Rosier, the 1999 UCAA Co-Goalie of the Year, should be the beneficiary of a strengthened offense and tougher defense. The experience of the veteran defenders and the talents of the first-years should limit the number of scoring opportunities for opponents, while contributing to their own.

Hobart will open the season on Sept. 1, against Hiram College in the Penn State Behrend Tournament at 10 a.m. The Statesmen open up at home on Sept. 8, against St. John Fisher College at 1 p.m.