2012

WEEKOF AI~ ! J S-t' 1'1; 20\2 East Central soccer teams ·set high expectations for 2012 from school reports

evaluating talent fgr both squads, and I feel that we were able to acquire some reallygood players to rep– resent us in 2012." Thompson said the

. scorer in the MACJC North Division last season and fin– ished third in the state. She was the only freshman in the state selected to the All– Region 23Team." Thompson had praise for several freshmen mem– bers of both squads. 'The men have numerous players with out– standing soccer credentials joining the squad this year," he stated. He mentioned twinsWill and Russ Thompson, both forwards, and Jesse Vaughn and Jordan Walker, both defenders. "All of these players are from Newton County and have extensive soccer playing careers." Other top newcomers include defender Forest Muller, forward Clint McGraw and midfielder Taylor Potter. "Each ofthese players will be asked to contribute heavily to the team this season," said Thompson. Thompson noted the women "have several out– standing players" joining the squad this year, including MAC All..State keeper AlanaTurner, and defender Paige Gower of State Class 1-2-3A runner– up Clarkdale.Another incoming freshman expected to "contribute heavily" is midfielder Morgan Luke ofNewton County. Thompson said the men's team can best be

described as a "technically sound" team "with an upbeat personality." He added theWarriors "have also bonded quickly, which is important for success on the field." "Committed to work for their goals" best describes the women's squad, said Thompson. "The women have bonded quickly as well." Fans attending this year matches will be treated "to an attractive attacking style of soccer,"Thompson said. "Matches should be heavily contested from start to finish with a never– say-die attitude," he stated. 'The women will present a more methodical style of soccer that will allow them to conserve energy for the final push in matches when many games are won." petitive on the pitch, Thompson expects both teams to do well academi- cally, as is the trait ofmany ofhis teams. The 2011 women's teamwas named NJCMWomen's Soccer AcademicTeam of the Year, the third such honor for the program in its seven-year history. "This year's group has no reason to fall off the pace set by former teams, as both teams are loaded with not onlygood soccer players but outstanding stu– dents as well,"Thompson said.

DECA1UR- With the start of soccer season just a few days away, East Central Community College coach Kenneth Thompson said he is "cautiously optimistic" that the 2012 campaign will be a successful one for both the men and women. TheWarriors begin season actionThursday by hostingWallace State at 5 p.m. on the Decatur campus. Both EC squads will battle Pearl River Com– munity College on Sat– urday. Game times are 3 and 5 p.m. on the EC pitch. "We have set high expectations of ourselves and with both groups," said Thompson, who has led the Warriors since 1999 and started thewomen's pr

men's team has "quality depth"for the first time in along time. "We may be able togo close to tw

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Thompson

positions and not have any really notice– able drop off," he added. On the women's side, Thompson said he should be able to field a team "that will compete at a much higher level this year." He noted several freshmen played in state champi– onship matches last year for their high schools in their respective divisions. Thompson said the top men's team returnees include 2011 MACJC All– State keeperJared Canoy and midfielder McGee Led– better. "Jared looks to have another banner year between the sticks," said Thompson. McGee was the leading scorer in 2011 and "looks to add to his total this year." The ECCC women return All-Region 23 selec– tion KelseyTadlock of Newton County. "Kelsey was the leading

In addition to being com- ..

APPEARED IN:

CARTHAGINIAN-----– NEWTON COUNTY APPEAL ---- SPIRIT.OF MORTON---,------ MERIDIAN STAR-~----

NESHOBA·DEMOCRAT - - -– SCOTT COUNTYTIMES---– WINSTON COUNTY JOURNAL__

CLARION-LEDGER------

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