Big Weekend coming up for CNU...amazing how things can change in sports. Just a few weeks back, the CNU football program was 1-4 and looking like the 2010 season was all but over.
Last Saturday, a huge road win at North Carolina Wesleyan...coupled with an Averett loss...and the Captains were in a five-way tie for the top spot in the USA South.
This past Saturday, a 37-7 drubbing of Greensboro kept CNU in a logjam with four schools for #1.
And this coming Saturday, they host Ferrum at POMOCO Stadium. Ferrum has won three straight and is one of the four teams tied for #1. Should be fun...make sure you are there during Homecoming Weekend...CNU football is back!
Monday, October 25, 2010
Wednesday, October 13, 2010
LIVE BLOG - #1 Men's Soccer at NC Wesleyan
Good afternoon fans! It's a gorgeous day here in Rocky Mount, North Carolina as the nation's #1 team, the CNU Men's Soccer team (12-0) readies to take on the N.C. Wesleyan College Battling Bishops (8-3-1) at 4:00 pm.
Stay tuned throughout the contest for live updates here at the Captains Corner!
Pre-Game:
Weather: Mid-70s, clear with a light breeze.
Stadium: Scalf Field (1,200)
Location: Rocky Mount, N.C.
Details: #1 CNU (12-0-0, 2-0-0) at N.C. Wesleyan (8-3-1, 1-0-0) ... Captains picked to win USA South in preseason, Battling Bishops picked to finish second
3:09 pm -- Less than an hour til kick-off and the Captains are getting their individual warmups in now. Trees line the perimeter of the field, providing a solid backdrop and some much-needed shade near the goals. Bishops still in the locker room as CNU warms up.
3:25 pm -- N.C. Wesleyan coming out of the locker room now. Head Coach Jason Kilby has 23 international players this season, including leading scorer Mark Wielitzka (20 pts - 8g, 4a).
3:27 pm -- Checking out Wielitzka -- he may be the biggest player CNU has faced this season. Listed at 6'7", the German forward is every bit as big as they have him listed on the roster.
Notes: CNU has the nation's best winning streak, at 12 straight games -- and have gone without a loss in 22 straight games (18-0-4) dating back through last season. NCWC is playing well at the moment, unbeaten in three straight including a 1-1 draw against nationally ranked Salisbury University, who CNU will face at the end of the month.
3:36 pm -- Just told today begins N.C. Wesleyan's Fall Break. Capacity is 1,200 here at Scalf Field and so far the Captains fans outnumber the home team's.
3:50 pm -- Starting lineups are in...Winston Mattheisen earns his third straight start for CNU. Head coach Steve Shaw liked him coming off the bench with rookie Alex Makumbi earlier this season, providing a different dynamic, but recently he's been riding his red hot All-American forward. Winny has six goals in the last six games including four gamewinners.
3:55 pm -- Game time just minutes away now. This is the first of a pair of big CNU vs. NCWC matchups this week. Today's game features the top two teams in the USA South Preseason Poll in men's soccer and this Saturday, the Christopher Newport football team will also travel to Rocky Mount for a game against the preseason favorites. Tune into the CNU/Pepsi Radio network on Xtra 99.1 FM for play-by-play with Francis Tommasino and color commentary from Tracey Cooper.
4:05 pm -- N.C. Wesleyan will have the kick-off as we get started here today. Live stats and a live video webcast are available through the Battling Bishops website. The link for the Live Stats is here and the Live Webcast is here. Stay tuned to Captains Corner for updates throughout.
4:07 pm -- As the game kicks off, the Bishops football team joins the crowd, now giving NC Wesleyan a decided advantage in the stands. Again, the school started fall break today, so the fall athletic teams are among very few students left on campus.
NOTES: NCWC holds a small advantage in the All-Time Series, as CNU has gone just 15-17-8 against the Bishops. The two teams have battled recently, going 1-1-2 in the last two years with both teams scoring seven goals. CNU defeated the Bishops in both the 2008 and 2009 USA South Championship games.
4:12 pm -- 8th minute of action -- NC Wesleyan has been the aggressor so far. Wielitzka had a header on frame that CNU keeper Justin Wolfe snared. The Captains are still looking for their first shot.
4:15 pm -- 10th minute of action -- Leading scorer Brian Lybert gets a gorgeous pass from Andrew Bonorden, but the last defender for the Bishops makes a nice tackle in the box to halt the Captains run at goal.
4:21 pm -- 17th minute of action -- Owen White sets up a shot for Javier Castrillo and the Bishops with a nice move in the box, but it sails wide left.
4:25 pm -- 20th minute of action -- Andrew Bonorden unleashes a hard line drive from 30 yards, but the Bishops keeper stops it. Fresh in off the bench, Denny Arinello sets up a corner kick with a nice ball into the middle of the box, headed away by NCWC.
4:30 pm -- 25th minute of action -- Clif Kipper slices through the Bishops defense. He's been frustrated by some 50-50 calls early in this one and took it out on a solid run through the middle of the park; he took on three Bishops by himself before ripping off a hard shot into a defender.
The Captains defense, one of the top back lines in the nation, has been tested early in this one as Wesleyan has used the long ball and speed from its forwards to get in behind the CNU defenders. Still, NCWC has just four shots to the Captains two, and they have a set piece just inside the right corner thanks to a ill-timed Bishops foul.
4:34 pm -- 28:39 -- CAPTAINS GOAL!!!!! Off the set piece, Brian Lybert gets his team-high ninth assist of the season with a beautiful ball into the center of the box, where sophomore defender Kyle Rose got his head on it right on frame past the diving keeper. The 6-2 defender scored his third goal of the season.
CNU 1, NCWC 0
That was just the third goal allowed by the Bishops in the first half this season.
4:47 pm -- 40th minute of action -- Bishops almost cash in on a defensive miscue. Hard shot by Javier Castrillo from 10 yards out sails high over Justin Wolfe's outstretched hands. Now a yellow card to freshman Alex Makumbi for the Captains with just over three minutes remaining in the first half.
HALFTIME -- CNU 1, NCWC 0
So far, the Captains has outshot the Bishops, 6-5, and really pieced together a solid second half of the first 45 minutes. CNU got the go-ahead score in the 29th minute of play off a header from Kyle Rose. Brian Lybert posted his ninth assist -- he came into the game ranked 10th in the nation in total assists and is now just one back of the national leaders with 10. He continues to have a stellar season with 21 points on six goals and nine assists.
Quick Bits:
-CNU has now scored 19 first half goals. They have 20 second half goals as part of a balanced and potent attack.
-Justin Wolfe led the way as CNU earned its 21st clean half of the year, in just 25 total played. He made two saves to help keep the Bishops off the scoreboard.
-CNU had 18 players in the first half, showcasing their depth, while NC Wesleyan subbed in just three players in the first 45.
5:07 pm -- Start of the 2nd Half -- CNU has possession to begin the second half. I believe head coach Steve Shaw will have the Captains come out firing here in the second half, even with the lead. The Bishops have displayed some solid technique in the box and the Captains can not think a one-goal lead is safe here on the Bishops home field. Brian Natale earning the second half start on the left wing for the Captains.
5:16 pm -- 54th minute of action -- Card issued to NCWC's Morten Granan for a hard tackle into CNU captain Clif Kipper. Neither team has anything going forward early in the half.
5:20 pm -- NCWC Scored the equalizer -- after some confusion, the goal is awarded to Wielitzka. The 6-7 forward made a tough play in front of the keeper, putting the ball on frame, and the Captains tried to clear out, but may have missed the clear. Either way, the ball found the right side of the net to tie the game at 1-1.
5:23 pm -- 58th minute -- Mattheisen comes right back at Wesleyan trying to get the Captains the lead again, with a tremendous hard shot to the right side, but Ville Tura made a diving save for the stop.
NOTES: Just the fifth goal scored on CNU all season and the first in league play. Wielitzka scored his league-high ninth goal.
5:29 pm -- 61st minute -- Subs checking in for CNU; Sam Venker, Alex Makumbi and Caleb Lewis. Captains pressing hard up top now.
5:34 pm -- 64th minute -- NCWC Goal -- CNU 1, NCWC 2 -- John Mendy got a long pass from Irvin Herrera and then slipped past Wolfe who slipped on the moist grass. He was able to touch it in for the score and the lead. Just the second time all year CNU is forced to play from behind and the first time anyone has scored twice against the Captains.
5:45 pm -- 79th minute -- Captains trying to press. Set up a corner kick here with under ten minutes to go.
5:48 pm -- 82nd minute -- CAPTAINS GOAL!!!! -- Denny Arinello set up a beautiful goal for the equalizer. He had a long pass up the line to Lybert, who was just onsides and then cut in behind the defense. His pass in front of the keeper found Danny Franklin on the right side to get the score tied back up.
5:50 pm -- 83rd minute -- The game continues to heat up, physically. Now five cards issued in the game as Javier Castrillo is booked. Earlier in the half, CNU's Winston Mattheisen and Trevor Moyer earned yellows as well. The foul count is at 27, but pretty even both ways. CNU with 14 called and NCWC with 13. Now Andrew Bonorden getting booked after an aggressive play against the keeper. Six cards in all in an aggressive match, still tied at 2-goals apiece.
The Bishops have to replace their starting keeper now, as freshman Alex Bernsten enters for just his second career appearance.
5:58 pm -- 86th minute -- NCWC Goal -- The Bishops pull back ahead, 3-2 as Wolfe didn't have a chance. NC Wesleyan had a player very close to being offsides and the Captains bench erupted when there was no call. Regardless, the Bishops pull ahead with just over three minutes remaining.
FINAL -- #1 CNU 2, NCWC 3
The Captains suffer their first loss of the season, dropping to 12-1-0, 2-1-0 this season and the Bishops earn a big upset of the top-ranked team in the nation, 3-2. NCWC improves to 9-3-1, 2-0-0 this season with the victory.
CNU will return to action with a pair of games this weekend. CNU travels to Methodist on Saturday and then to Virginia Wesleyan on Sunday. Stay tuned to cnusports.com for all pertinent information and continue to follow the Captains this season!
Thanks for tuning into this live blog at Captains Corner!
Stay tuned throughout the contest for live updates here at the Captains Corner!
Pre-Game:
Weather: Mid-70s, clear with a light breeze.
Stadium: Scalf Field (1,200)
Location: Rocky Mount, N.C.
Details: #1 CNU (12-0-0, 2-0-0) at N.C. Wesleyan (8-3-1, 1-0-0) ... Captains picked to win USA South in preseason, Battling Bishops picked to finish second
3:09 pm -- Less than an hour til kick-off and the Captains are getting their individual warmups in now. Trees line the perimeter of the field, providing a solid backdrop and some much-needed shade near the goals. Bishops still in the locker room as CNU warms up.
3:25 pm -- N.C. Wesleyan coming out of the locker room now. Head Coach Jason Kilby has 23 international players this season, including leading scorer Mark Wielitzka (20 pts - 8g, 4a).
3:27 pm -- Checking out Wielitzka -- he may be the biggest player CNU has faced this season. Listed at 6'7", the German forward is every bit as big as they have him listed on the roster.
Notes: CNU has the nation's best winning streak, at 12 straight games -- and have gone without a loss in 22 straight games (18-0-4) dating back through last season. NCWC is playing well at the moment, unbeaten in three straight including a 1-1 draw against nationally ranked Salisbury University, who CNU will face at the end of the month.
3:36 pm -- Just told today begins N.C. Wesleyan's Fall Break. Capacity is 1,200 here at Scalf Field and so far the Captains fans outnumber the home team's.
3:50 pm -- Starting lineups are in...Winston Mattheisen earns his third straight start for CNU. Head coach Steve Shaw liked him coming off the bench with rookie Alex Makumbi earlier this season, providing a different dynamic, but recently he's been riding his red hot All-American forward. Winny has six goals in the last six games including four gamewinners.
3:55 pm -- Game time just minutes away now. This is the first of a pair of big CNU vs. NCWC matchups this week. Today's game features the top two teams in the USA South Preseason Poll in men's soccer and this Saturday, the Christopher Newport football team will also travel to Rocky Mount for a game against the preseason favorites. Tune into the CNU/Pepsi Radio network on Xtra 99.1 FM for play-by-play with Francis Tommasino and color commentary from Tracey Cooper.
4:05 pm -- N.C. Wesleyan will have the kick-off as we get started here today. Live stats and a live video webcast are available through the Battling Bishops website. The link for the Live Stats is here and the Live Webcast is here. Stay tuned to Captains Corner for updates throughout.
4:07 pm -- As the game kicks off, the Bishops football team joins the crowd, now giving NC Wesleyan a decided advantage in the stands. Again, the school started fall break today, so the fall athletic teams are among very few students left on campus.
NOTES: NCWC holds a small advantage in the All-Time Series, as CNU has gone just 15-17-8 against the Bishops. The two teams have battled recently, going 1-1-2 in the last two years with both teams scoring seven goals. CNU defeated the Bishops in both the 2008 and 2009 USA South Championship games.
4:12 pm -- 8th minute of action -- NC Wesleyan has been the aggressor so far. Wielitzka had a header on frame that CNU keeper Justin Wolfe snared. The Captains are still looking for their first shot.
4:15 pm -- 10th minute of action -- Leading scorer Brian Lybert gets a gorgeous pass from Andrew Bonorden, but the last defender for the Bishops makes a nice tackle in the box to halt the Captains run at goal.
4:21 pm -- 17th minute of action -- Owen White sets up a shot for Javier Castrillo and the Bishops with a nice move in the box, but it sails wide left.
4:25 pm -- 20th minute of action -- Andrew Bonorden unleashes a hard line drive from 30 yards, but the Bishops keeper stops it. Fresh in off the bench, Denny Arinello sets up a corner kick with a nice ball into the middle of the box, headed away by NCWC.
4:30 pm -- 25th minute of action -- Clif Kipper slices through the Bishops defense. He's been frustrated by some 50-50 calls early in this one and took it out on a solid run through the middle of the park; he took on three Bishops by himself before ripping off a hard shot into a defender.
The Captains defense, one of the top back lines in the nation, has been tested early in this one as Wesleyan has used the long ball and speed from its forwards to get in behind the CNU defenders. Still, NCWC has just four shots to the Captains two, and they have a set piece just inside the right corner thanks to a ill-timed Bishops foul.
4:34 pm -- 28:39 -- CAPTAINS GOAL!!!!! Off the set piece, Brian Lybert gets his team-high ninth assist of the season with a beautiful ball into the center of the box, where sophomore defender Kyle Rose got his head on it right on frame past the diving keeper. The 6-2 defender scored his third goal of the season.
CNU 1, NCWC 0
That was just the third goal allowed by the Bishops in the first half this season.
4:47 pm -- 40th minute of action -- Bishops almost cash in on a defensive miscue. Hard shot by Javier Castrillo from 10 yards out sails high over Justin Wolfe's outstretched hands. Now a yellow card to freshman Alex Makumbi for the Captains with just over three minutes remaining in the first half.
HALFTIME -- CNU 1, NCWC 0
So far, the Captains has outshot the Bishops, 6-5, and really pieced together a solid second half of the first 45 minutes. CNU got the go-ahead score in the 29th minute of play off a header from Kyle Rose. Brian Lybert posted his ninth assist -- he came into the game ranked 10th in the nation in total assists and is now just one back of the national leaders with 10. He continues to have a stellar season with 21 points on six goals and nine assists.
Quick Bits:
-CNU has now scored 19 first half goals. They have 20 second half goals as part of a balanced and potent attack.
-Justin Wolfe led the way as CNU earned its 21st clean half of the year, in just 25 total played. He made two saves to help keep the Bishops off the scoreboard.
-CNU had 18 players in the first half, showcasing their depth, while NC Wesleyan subbed in just three players in the first 45.
5:07 pm -- Start of the 2nd Half -- CNU has possession to begin the second half. I believe head coach Steve Shaw will have the Captains come out firing here in the second half, even with the lead. The Bishops have displayed some solid technique in the box and the Captains can not think a one-goal lead is safe here on the Bishops home field. Brian Natale earning the second half start on the left wing for the Captains.
5:16 pm -- 54th minute of action -- Card issued to NCWC's Morten Granan for a hard tackle into CNU captain Clif Kipper. Neither team has anything going forward early in the half.
5:20 pm -- NCWC Scored the equalizer -- after some confusion, the goal is awarded to Wielitzka. The 6-7 forward made a tough play in front of the keeper, putting the ball on frame, and the Captains tried to clear out, but may have missed the clear. Either way, the ball found the right side of the net to tie the game at 1-1.
5:23 pm -- 58th minute -- Mattheisen comes right back at Wesleyan trying to get the Captains the lead again, with a tremendous hard shot to the right side, but Ville Tura made a diving save for the stop.
NOTES: Just the fifth goal scored on CNU all season and the first in league play. Wielitzka scored his league-high ninth goal.
5:29 pm -- 61st minute -- Subs checking in for CNU; Sam Venker, Alex Makumbi and Caleb Lewis. Captains pressing hard up top now.
5:34 pm -- 64th minute -- NCWC Goal -- CNU 1, NCWC 2 -- John Mendy got a long pass from Irvin Herrera and then slipped past Wolfe who slipped on the moist grass. He was able to touch it in for the score and the lead. Just the second time all year CNU is forced to play from behind and the first time anyone has scored twice against the Captains.
5:45 pm -- 79th minute -- Captains trying to press. Set up a corner kick here with under ten minutes to go.
5:48 pm -- 82nd minute -- CAPTAINS GOAL!!!! -- Denny Arinello set up a beautiful goal for the equalizer. He had a long pass up the line to Lybert, who was just onsides and then cut in behind the defense. His pass in front of the keeper found Danny Franklin on the right side to get the score tied back up.
5:50 pm -- 83rd minute -- The game continues to heat up, physically. Now five cards issued in the game as Javier Castrillo is booked. Earlier in the half, CNU's Winston Mattheisen and Trevor Moyer earned yellows as well. The foul count is at 27, but pretty even both ways. CNU with 14 called and NCWC with 13. Now Andrew Bonorden getting booked after an aggressive play against the keeper. Six cards in all in an aggressive match, still tied at 2-goals apiece.
The Bishops have to replace their starting keeper now, as freshman Alex Bernsten enters for just his second career appearance.
5:58 pm -- 86th minute -- NCWC Goal -- The Bishops pull back ahead, 3-2 as Wolfe didn't have a chance. NC Wesleyan had a player very close to being offsides and the Captains bench erupted when there was no call. Regardless, the Bishops pull ahead with just over three minutes remaining.
FINAL -- #1 CNU 2, NCWC 3
The Captains suffer their first loss of the season, dropping to 12-1-0, 2-1-0 this season and the Bishops earn a big upset of the top-ranked team in the nation, 3-2. NCWC improves to 9-3-1, 2-0-0 this season with the victory.
CNU will return to action with a pair of games this weekend. CNU travels to Methodist on Saturday and then to Virginia Wesleyan on Sunday. Stay tuned to cnusports.com for all pertinent information and continue to follow the Captains this season!
Thanks for tuning into this live blog at Captains Corner!
Tuesday, October 12, 2010
Tuesday Means New Rankings
CNU teams this week again either move up or stay in place in new rankings released today.
Men's soccer remains #1 in the nation for the third straight week!
Volleyball moves up a notch to #5...and field hockey holds tight at #7.
GO CAPTAINS!!!
Men's soccer remains #1 in the nation for the third straight week!
Volleyball moves up a notch to #5...and field hockey holds tight at #7.
GO CAPTAINS!!!
Wednesday, October 6, 2010
Great Week for CNU!
Last weekend was a perfect one for the Captains...two great wins for men's soccer in Texas, two road victories for field hockey, football got into the win column, and volleyball and women's soccer continued to roll.
The new polls this week have the men's soccer team still #1 in the nation, and volleyball all alone in the #6 spot this week. Field hockey has moved up to #7.
Family Weekend is coming up...lots of home events...and a lot to cheer about. Volleyball has a huge match Friday night at the Freeman Center at 8 pm vs. Wisconsin-Oshkosh...football has a battle with Averett Saturday at 1 at POMOCO Stadium...men's soccer plays Saturday night at home under the lights against Ferrum...and field hockey is home Friday and Saturday night at 6 each night...
Get ready to cheer on the Captains!
The new polls this week have the men's soccer team still #1 in the nation, and volleyball all alone in the #6 spot this week. Field hockey has moved up to #7.
Family Weekend is coming up...lots of home events...and a lot to cheer about. Volleyball has a huge match Friday night at the Freeman Center at 8 pm vs. Wisconsin-Oshkosh...football has a battle with Averett Saturday at 1 at POMOCO Stadium...men's soccer plays Saturday night at home under the lights against Ferrum...and field hockey is home Friday and Saturday night at 6 each night...
Get ready to cheer on the Captains!
Friday, October 1, 2010
Big Weekend for CNU Teams
Lots of CNU action this weekend...and all of it is away from home.
The CNU men's soccer team this week became the top-ranked squad in the nation in Division III, and Steve Shaw's team doesn't have much time to celebrate. They are in Texas getting ready for some very stiff competition this weekend.
The Captains play at Trinity tonight at 7 pm and then take on Southwestern Sunday afternoon at 1 pm. Both games will be played in San Antonio, and both against top-notch foes. This will be a tremendous test and a great preview of what lies ahead in the NCAA Tournament.
The CNU football team also has a great test Saturday night. The Captains are winless, and open USA South play at Shenandoah. Both teams are 0-3, and a win could really get the Captains back in the right direction. The game kicks off at 7 pm.
CNU volleyball has plenty of action Saturday with a tri-match at Ferrum. The Captains, ranked #6 in the nation, play Methodist at 2 pm and Greensboro at 4 pm.
Field Hockey has two away games this weekend, playing at Wesley Saturday at noon and then at Washington (MD) on Sunday at 2 pm.
And the women's soccer team plays at St. Mary's Sunday at 2 pm.
Lots of travel for the Captains...plenty of miles and hopefully plenty of wins...stay at CNUsports.com for all the latest scores and news.
The CNU men's soccer team this week became the top-ranked squad in the nation in Division III, and Steve Shaw's team doesn't have much time to celebrate. They are in Texas getting ready for some very stiff competition this weekend.
The Captains play at Trinity tonight at 7 pm and then take on Southwestern Sunday afternoon at 1 pm. Both games will be played in San Antonio, and both against top-notch foes. This will be a tremendous test and a great preview of what lies ahead in the NCAA Tournament.
The CNU football team also has a great test Saturday night. The Captains are winless, and open USA South play at Shenandoah. Both teams are 0-3, and a win could really get the Captains back in the right direction. The game kicks off at 7 pm.
CNU volleyball has plenty of action Saturday with a tri-match at Ferrum. The Captains, ranked #6 in the nation, play Methodist at 2 pm and Greensboro at 4 pm.
Field Hockey has two away games this weekend, playing at Wesley Saturday at noon and then at Washington (MD) on Sunday at 2 pm.
And the women's soccer team plays at St. Mary's Sunday at 2 pm.
Lots of travel for the Captains...plenty of miles and hopefully plenty of wins...stay at CNUsports.com for all the latest scores and news.
Thursday, September 30, 2010
Big win for Women's Soccer
The weather was far from ideal, but the win Wednesday night for the CNU women's soccer team was a big one. Ruth Keegan's team got off to a rocky start this year, but they seem to be coming together at just the right time.
Conference play is coming up for all CNU teams, and any time you can beat a Salisbury team is a quality win. CNU is now over the .500 mark at 5-4-1.
Let's see if the Captains can use the win as a springboard...they play Sunday at St. Mary's before USA South play opens up next weekend.
Conference play is coming up for all CNU teams, and any time you can beat a Salisbury team is a quality win. CNU is now over the .500 mark at 5-4-1.
Let's see if the Captains can use the win as a springboard...they play Sunday at St. Mary's before USA South play opens up next weekend.
Tuesday, September 28, 2010
Volleyball Moving Up
Tonight at the Freeman Center the CNU volleyball squad hosts Shenandoah in USA South action. The doubleheader action begins at 5 pm....
The new volleyball poll released today has the Captains tied for the #6 spot in the country...come out and support Lindsay Birch's outstanding squad tonight!
The new volleyball poll released today has the Captains tied for the #6 spot in the country...come out and support Lindsay Birch's outstanding squad tonight!
Men's Soccer adds another #1
Clean sweep for the men' s soccer squad...the Captains are #1 in the nation in both the d3soccer.com poll as well as the national coaches poll...first time ever!
CNU #1 in Men's Soccer
Congrats to Steve Shaw and the CNU men's soccer team. The Captains are the new #1 team in the country in Division III according to the weekly poll from d3soccer.com. The Captains are 8-0 so far and play at Virginia Wesleyan Wednesday night.
Last year, in a year that saw the Captains advance all the way to the Elite 8 of the NCAA Tournament, CNU was also ranked #1 in the nation during the season by the National Soccer Coaches Association. That ranking didn't come until mid-October, and marked the first time in school history a team sport had been ranked #1 in the country.
By all accounts, this is a team with strong talent and resolve. Should be a fun ride for CNU as
the season progresses.
Last year, in a year that saw the Captains advance all the way to the Elite 8 of the NCAA Tournament, CNU was also ranked #1 in the nation during the season by the National Soccer Coaches Association. That ranking didn't come until mid-October, and marked the first time in school history a team sport had been ranked #1 in the country.
By all accounts, this is a team with strong talent and resolve. Should be a fun ride for CNU as
the season progresses.
Thursday, September 2, 2010
In anticipation for the season opener against powerhouse Wesley this weekend, head coach Matt Kelchner has had to make decisions at key positions. Last year, both the quarterback and running back positions were in flux throughout the season, due to unfortunate injuries.
This year, at least at quarterback, the decision has been made.
“Matt [Long] is right now the number one quarterback,” said Kelchner. “He’ll go into it starting and we’ll play it from there.” Long started last season, but was hampered by a knee injury.
That’s not to say that other players haven’t been given consideration.
“Christian Woelfel-Monsivais and Aaron Edwards have had good preseasons, [Antonio] Epps has played it,” said Kelchner, adding that Epps has also been playing some wideout in preseason.
While Long looks to be the go-to quarterback come Saturday, the decision hasn’t been so simple at running back.
“Right now we’ve got four running backs listed on the depth chart ready to play at tailback, and we’ve got two or three listed that are h-back,” said Kelchner. He’ll rotate players throughout the game, keeping everybody as fresh as possible through the final whistle.
“I want to give two or three guys a chance to play who haven’t played much at that position and see what they do in a game situation,” said Kelchner. “We’ve got some talent, we’ve got some experience there, but we don’t have a lot of quality reps at tailback.”
When I asked if he’s been working all of those players throughout the preseason, he answered immediately—“Every one of them. They’re all getting reps. They’re all gonna be ready to play.”
Look for some hungry players in the backfield this weekend, all of them with something to prove.
Some images from Tuesday's practice:
I’ll be out of town this weekend, so look for a football recap next week, as well as the beginning of coverage of the rest of the CNU fall sports. Go Captains!
This year, at least at quarterback, the decision has been made.
“Matt [Long] is right now the number one quarterback,” said Kelchner. “He’ll go into it starting and we’ll play it from there.” Long started last season, but was hampered by a knee injury.
That’s not to say that other players haven’t been given consideration.
“Christian Woelfel-Monsivais and Aaron Edwards have had good preseasons, [Antonio] Epps has played it,” said Kelchner, adding that Epps has also been playing some wideout in preseason.
While Long looks to be the go-to quarterback come Saturday, the decision hasn’t been so simple at running back.
“Right now we’ve got four running backs listed on the depth chart ready to play at tailback, and we’ve got two or three listed that are h-back,” said Kelchner. He’ll rotate players throughout the game, keeping everybody as fresh as possible through the final whistle.
“I want to give two or three guys a chance to play who haven’t played much at that position and see what they do in a game situation,” said Kelchner. “We’ve got some talent, we’ve got some experience there, but we don’t have a lot of quality reps at tailback.”
When I asked if he’s been working all of those players throughout the preseason, he answered immediately—“Every one of them. They’re all getting reps. They’re all gonna be ready to play.”
Look for some hungry players in the backfield this weekend, all of them with something to prove.
Some images from Tuesday's practice:
I’ll be out of town this weekend, so look for a football recap next week, as well as the beginning of coverage of the rest of the CNU fall sports. Go Captains!
Wednesday, September 1, 2010
Four more days 'til Wesley
On Friday, CNU football scrimmaged against the Fork Union Military Academy at home. While there was a small crowd gathered, and the Captains won 13-8, the focus was less on the scoreboard and more on preparing players for live game action.
“Scrimmage went like most scrimmages—some good, some bad,” said head coach Matt Kelchner. His main goal was to “see who would play hard, see who would play with intensity and see who knew what their assignments were.”
Kelchner was paying particular attention to position assignments, noting which players lined up and executed plays successfully. As opposed to a regular season game, however, the team spent minimal time preparing a game plan specifically tailored for Fork Union.
Their main goal is to beat Wesley College, ranked third in the nation, in the season opener this Saturday. In fact, Kelchner’s had his eye on that game since last season. He held 16 practices in the spring, and 22 more this season, all looking forward to the home opener.
“You’re looking at 38 practices with the same stuff, and we should have it repped out enough that we are very sharp and very precise,” said Kelchner.
“The other things we had to find out was some special teams issues, some kicking game depth. We wanted to get some young kids on the field,” he added. “We did have some young guys that really raised up, showed us that they can get on the field and help us Saturday with special teams work.”
That trend continued in Tuesday’s practice. To end the day, the special teams ran field goal drills at varying distances and positions on the field. On the last play, a 40-yard attempt, Kelchner announced that the team wouldn’t run if the field goal was good.
Players on the sidelines watched intently as the squads lined up and hiked the ball. Sophomore James Azzarelli's kick was good, and the team erupted into cheers and rushed the field as the ball easily sailed through the uprights.
Four more days ‘til Wesley.
 |
| Sophomore LB Terrell Fowler makes a backfield tackle. |
 |
| Head coach Matt Kelchner gives a universal sign of approval to the offense on the field. |
Their main goal is to beat Wesley College, ranked third in the nation, in the season opener this Saturday. In fact, Kelchner’s had his eye on that game since last season. He held 16 practices in the spring, and 22 more this season, all looking forward to the home opener.
“You’re looking at 38 practices with the same stuff, and we should have it repped out enough that we are very sharp and very precise,” said Kelchner.
 |
| Sophomore DB Dorion Jackson intercepts a pass to end the scrimmage. |
“The other things we had to find out was some special teams issues, some kicking game depth. We wanted to get some young kids on the field,” he added. “We did have some young guys that really raised up, showed us that they can get on the field and help us Saturday with special teams work.”
That trend continued in Tuesday’s practice. To end the day, the special teams ran field goal drills at varying distances and positions on the field. On the last play, a 40-yard attempt, Kelchner announced that the team wouldn’t run if the field goal was good.
 |
| Sophomore K James Azzarelli kicks a field goal in practice. |
Players on the sidelines watched intently as the squads lined up and hiked the ball. Sophomore James Azzarelli's kick was good, and the team erupted into cheers and rushed the field as the ball easily sailed through the uprights.
Four more days ‘til Wesley.
Friday, August 27, 2010
Welcome
Welcome to Captains Corner, the official CNU sports blog! This will be the best place online to get an in-depth look at all of the Christopher Newport University athletics programs before, throughout, and after the season. I'll be profiling athletes and coaches, following evolving story lines, and just generally keeping up with the pulse of CNU sports.
Who am I?
My name is Ryan Kelly. I'm a senior here at CNU with a background in journalism, having contributed to The Captain's Log for years as a reporter, editor, and photographer. Recently I've worked with the office of communications and public relations as well as the athletics department. I plan to tap in to my experience with print journalism and photography to cover CNU sports in a way that's never been done before.
Your part
This blog will rely heavily on you, the reader. I'll do my best to keep up with every sport, but there will inevitably be worthwhile stories that slip under my radar. With your input, I can provide coverage for everybody that deserves it. Please comment on blog posts, or feel free to e-mail me directly if you have any suggestions.
Thanks for stopping by, and I hope you enjoy all the content to come. Go Captains!
Don't forget to follow along with updates on Facebook and Twitter.
Who am I?
My name is Ryan Kelly. I'm a senior here at CNU with a background in journalism, having contributed to The Captain's Log for years as a reporter, editor, and photographer. Recently I've worked with the office of communications and public relations as well as the athletics department. I plan to tap in to my experience with print journalism and photography to cover CNU sports in a way that's never been done before.
Your part
This blog will rely heavily on you, the reader. I'll do my best to keep up with every sport, but there will inevitably be worthwhile stories that slip under my radar. With your input, I can provide coverage for everybody that deserves it. Please comment on blog posts, or feel free to e-mail me directly if you have any suggestions.
Thanks for stopping by, and I hope you enjoy all the content to come. Go Captains!
Don't forget to follow along with updates on Facebook and Twitter.
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