By: Omar K. Elmore, Staff Writer
Walt Stevens is one of the nine true freshmen added to the Wofford Men’s Soccer team roster this season. When asked about the expectations the coaches have set for the year, his answer is simple: “They expect us to work hard for each other. We win and lose as a family”
This season marks Head Coach Ralph Polson’s ninth season running the men’s soccer program. His success as head coach is palpable as the team has won two Southern Conference titles during his relatively short tenure. The team has ended every season since 2011 with a winning overall record and with a 3-1 start to this year’s campaign, it seems they are well on their way to extending that streak. Coach Polson also holds the team to a high standard academically, earning the NSCAA academic award nearly every season he has been head coach; the award is given to teams averaging at least a 3.0 GPA.
All of this is not to say the success has been easy.
The first game of the regular season was away, against Presbyterian College, and it tested the Terriers emotionally and physically. Down 2-0 in the 55th minute, Wofford certainly could have given up and accepted the looming opening loss. Instead, redshirt-freshman Chris Welsh scored on a penalty kick and senior Charlie Heffron tied the game up in the 76th. The crowd was stunned as the home team had given up their big lead and the game went to overtime.
The Blue Hose did not stand a chance in OT.
Senior Nicky Watson ended the game with a strike from in front of the net. The goal ended the emotional roller-coaster that was the game but also set the team up for a strong season. For instance, when the Terriers went down 0-1 at the half at a home against Gardner-Webb, the team was still confident. They came back and won 2-1.
As the soccer team heads into the meat of the season, they plan to build upon the success of the last few seasons and win the big game. With the way the team has handled adversity early in the season, it seems they can overcome any challenge.
The Terriers started intra-conference play Tuesday, Sept. 8 with 10 matchups that will dictate playoff matchups. With half of these at home, including the regular season finale versus rival Furman, the Men’s Soccer Team needs support from fellow students as they aim for the first SoCon title since 2013.
Win or lose, they will do it together; that’s what families are for.