On December 4th, the Wabash soccer team gathered together to bring closure to our 2007 season and convey excitement for the 2008 campaign.  Gathered in Trippett Hall's dining room, we welcomed players, coaches, parents, colleagues, and boosters to our annual end-of-the-season banquet.  This year's dinner provided a venue for teammates to catch up with each other, individuals to express their thoughts on the season, and coaches to give thanks to all who supported us and fought with us throughout the 2007 season.

    Of course, it was also a time to thank our outgoing seniors who will finish their Wabash academic careers in May.  Matt Potasnik, Gary Simkus, Dan Storey, Jon Miller, and Blaken Wamsley have all added much to the soccer program during their tenure at the College.  They have proved to be effective leaders for our underclassmen and have taken the responsibility to leave a Wabash soccer legacy that will last longer than their physical presence on the campus.  They will be missed, but can be proud of the message they have sent to future soccer players who will wear the Wabash jersey.

     For part of the evening, we asked one member from each class to address the crowd - give some parting words on the season and express their thoughts for the future.  Those young men were Mark Babcock (freshman), Jon Funston (sophomore), Thomas Hanewald (junior), and Matt Potasnik (senior).  Though their thoughts were worded differently, the message was consistent..."we are looking to the future of the program".  Though they could have spent much time reflecting on the heart-breaking losses, or the four games we lost in the last two minutes of the match, or the frustration of an injury-laden season...they didn't.  Each expressed his gratitude to his teammates for being there in the toughest of times.  Each identified his fellow players as a family away from home.  And each young man who stood up at that podium got a smile on his face when the 2008 season was mentioned.  

     These guys are a resilient bunch.  The past season has allowed them to come to the realization that even though the games may come and go, and some may end up in the "loss" column, there is always something to be gained from each contest.  With each match, Coach Giannini and I could see the personal relationships growing; and essentially, that is what will be remembered then their playing days have passed.  We are proud of the way these young men have conducted themselves throughout the season and know that positive attitude will provide us the momentum to hit the ground running next season (and in the spring). 

     In closing, I would like to offer some thanks to those who kept us running throughout the season.  First to the players, whose hard work will eventually allow them to reap the benefits in coming years.  To Coach Giannini, who constantly demands unrelenting passion and excellence from each player.  To Mark Elizondo, our athletic trainer, who sacrificed much to be at every practice and game with us.  To Tom Perkins, who was a constant support system for players and coaches alike.  To all of our seniors, whom I mentioned, will be sorely missed.  To the parents and families of our guys who act as encouraging life-coaches throughout their college journey.  And lastly, to the Albrecht family who attended nearly every game (away games too) and provided us with an awesome photo album of the entire season.

     So, we take a quick look back at all that has been gained in the 2007 season, but never take our eyes off the task that lies ahead in 2008.

     WABASH ALWAYS FIGHTS!!!

     -Asst. Coach Jeff Oleck