MEN'S SOCCER: 2007 Season Preview
The 2006 season was a rough one for the Scots as the late hire of Coach Kronewetter allowed little time for recruiting, thus resulting in a small team with little depth. The small freshman class was hurt even more as several freshman endured season ending injuries. The returning players Kronewetter inherited had all gone through the instability that was the Alma College men’s soccer program as they had seen coaching changes every off-season. Despite all the obstacles, Alma was competitive all year and at the end of the season, the coaching staff and the players believed that they could compete with any team in the MIAA.
Heading into the 2007 season, Kronewetter is excited about the returning players who have been hard at work in their first real off-season training program and also about the talented group of freshman he has coming in to add to the mix. As much as last year was treated as a development year, this year there are high hopes that the improvements being made will not only be reflected in the teams play, but also in the wins column.
Coach Kronewetter describes his teams playing style as a technical, fast moving, attacking style that depends on strong defense. This style is popular among the Scots players because the ball movement allows everyone to be involved and keeps the Scots on the offensive by possessing the ball and thus controlling the game.
The returning players left last year excited about the improvements that had been made, and eager to get into their off-season program. The result is a skilled group of upper-classmen who are going to be expected to not only exhibit strong play and leadership on the field but also be good representatives of Alma College student athletes off the field. The incoming freshman will provide depth and hole fillers in the Scots line-up along with creating a more competitive environment on both game days and especially in practice. “We need our young guys to push the returnees. Push them for a shirt, push them for a spot on the bus, push them for playing time,” added Kronewetter on his expectations of his incoming class.
The Scots will be tested early and often as Coach Kronewetter does not believe in scheduling roll over games. Because of that, the Scots non-conference schedule includes some of the best competition in the area including Division II programs such as Northwood University and Saginaw Valley State University. The Scots will also be playing in tournaments where they will face off against the best teams in the Midwest. Kronewetter, a strong believer of improving play by playing tougher teams, has made sure that the Scots non-conference schedule will get them ready for the stiff competition they will meet in the MIAA from teams such as Hope, Calvin, Albion, and Kalamazoo who all are consistently solid in conference play.
Although the Scots finished in the bottom of the league last year, they were consistently in games late and were successful in working the ball through the mid-field and getting shots at the goal. However, the lack of depth and the inability to find the back of the net, made for many close losses for Alma. Kronewetter believes that his incoming class will definitely add depth and also give him some scoring threats. “Our incoming players are young, eager, athletic, and driven. They are going to help out immensely and will be a big key for our success this year,” added Kronewetter.
As much as this years success will depend on the contribution of the freshman, the upper classmen will be depended on to carry much of the load. Outstanding junior, Mark Daisy (Mt. Pleasant/Mt. Pleasant), was the Scots only All-MIAA player last year and will be counted on for leadership and play making. “Mark is a great guy. He is a natural forward but earned All-MIAA First Team Honors as a mid-fielder. He is an awesome competitor and plays from the heart,” reflected Kronewetter on one of his best. Sophomore James Thomson (Lachine/Alpena) started every game for the Scots in goal and will be a key to Alma’s success this season.
Returnees on the defensive include seniors and high school teammates: Scott Snyder (Macomb/Chippewa Valley), Sonny Koch (Macomb/Chippewa Valley), and Dave Henson (Clinton Twp./Chippewa valley), who together are expected to anchor the Scots D.
Kronewetter also expressed his delight in the group of talented attacking players he has returning. Ben Queen (Royal Oak/Shrine), Dave Korte (Haslett/Haslett), Dan Laatz (Cedar Springs/Cedar Springs), Kevin Cross (Columbus, Oh./Thomas Worthington), and Nate Weirauch (Dansville/Dansville) are all returnees who are expected to contribute to the Scots offensive production.
All of the gains on the field are not the only thing the Scots have to be excited about – they are also excited about the field itself. “We have the finest game field in the conference, and as we are working to make it even better, there is no doubt it provides for an awesome energetic environment for our guys to compete in. When we play at home, surrounded by loyal friends, family, and alumni- there is no greater home field advantage in the conference.” Kronewetter went on to say, “Myself being a former MIAA student-athlete, I know how important to our guys it is to have a great atmosphere to play in. The fact that I am not that far removed from my playing days allows me to understand what my players are going through on the field and in the classroom. I have a great relationship with my players, and my door is always open to them.”
He finished by saying,” This year is the first year I have a full incoming class that I have recruited and returning players that have gone through my off-season program. We are working to return Alma College to the top of the MIAA, and make it a respected program in the Midwest region. The players and I are excited about the challenge ahead of us. With continued hard work and good recruits, we will be in a position to challenge for the conference championship.”
Posted: Fri, July 6th, 2007 at 3:35PM
