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HC Men's Soccer Team Looks to Kick Start 2004 Season

Release Date:
September 1, 2004
Contact:
The Office of Sports Information
(716) 649-7900 ext. 333

September 1, 2004

 

The 2004 Hilbert College men's soccer team hopes to improve on their 3-15 record from last year as they move to the revamped Allegheny Mountain Collegiate Conference (AMCC).  Taking over as the team’s head coach is Tim Kronenwetter, who brings a vast knowledge of the game to a squad that is returning a solid group of core players that will be counted on immediately to provide leadership and stability.

 

Returning on offense is two-time first team Northeastern Athletic Conference (NEAC) selection Jacob Opala (West Seneca, NY/West Seneca West). The senior is one goal shy of tying former Hawk Ryan Aconfora's (‘01) record for career goals.  oining him up top will be freshman William Sporney (West Seneca, NY/Bishop Timon), who will be counted on to spark the offense with quickness and sound fundamentals.

 

Two-time NEAC selection and career assist leader Chris Fassel (Kenmore, NY/Kenmore West) returns at center midfield, and will be a primary play-maker for the Hawks offense. Joining him will be 2003 second team All-NEAC selection Tim Jordan (Hamburg, NY/Frontier) and returning starter Dan Russell (Marilla, NY/Iroqois). Russell was the second leading goal scorer for the Hawks in 2003 and looks to continue his scoring success. Looking to make an impact this season is freshman Pat Kane (West Seneca, NY/West Seneca West), who provides size and strength, and a keen ability to move the ball. Newcomers Trung Luong (West Seneca, NY/ West Seneca West) and Robert Minkel (Hamburg, NY/Hamburg) will provide depth at midfield.

 

Senior Sam Gioia (West Seneca, NY/West Seneca West) will be the anchor of the defense. Also returning is sophomore Josh Krupski (Marilla/Iroqious), and newcomers Adam Moody and Peter McCafferty (Buffalo/Bishop Timon).

 

Looking to patrol the net this year could be newcomer McCafferty. Coach Kronenwetter may also utilize a veteran or two to provide stability in goal.

 

The Hawks are entering a new era as a member of the AMCC. Kronenwetter is hopeful  his team will adjust to the obstacles and challenges that lay ahead, as the new coaching staff hopes to steer the men’s soccer program down the right path to success.

 

The Hawks open the 2004 season on Sept. 4 at home against D’Youville College. Game time is at 1 p.m.


Hilbert College, located in suburban Hamburg, N.Y., south of Buffalo, is a private four-year college founded in 1957 in the Catholic Franciscan tradition. With nearly 1,100 students, Hilbert is a dynamic Western New York college that offers career-focused majors, including one of the top criminal justice programs in the region, and more than 50 minors and concentrations. The college’s engaging, student-centered campus community offers numerous leadership, internship and service learning opportunities from which students launch successful careers while making positive changes in their communities. Hilbert has expanded its academic offerings with the college’s first graduate programs, one a master’s in criminal justice administration and the other a master’s in public administration, and new Accelerated Degree Programs geared to adult learners.