By now, everyone knows that UDPride covers Flyer soccer like no other, and this year is no exception as the mens team readies itself for yet another run at the Atlantic-10 title. Looking to qualify for the four-team postseason conference tourny yet again, Dayton must replace many seniors who completed their eligibility in 2001. But many starters return along with most of the defense and nearly all of the scoring leaders. A large and very talented recruiting class will make things more interesting. So what’s it all mean? That’s for Head Coach Dave Schureck to explain as he answers questions on the 2002 season, player personnel, the tough schedule, and everything else.

UDP: Without going into great detail, what taste did 2001 leave in your mouth after the season-ending loss to UMass in the A-10 semifinals? By and large, did the team meet expectations or were you left with the impression that some things were left on the table?

DS: “Immediately following the season, we were all a bit dissappointed. However, looking back at the season on a whole, we took away a lot of positives. If you take any one single game from last year, then you can break it down and offer up a lot of advice on how to perform better. And we struggled, as a team, coping with that after the season. We then stepped back and looked at the season as a whole. We saw a different picture. A different line-up in each of the first 7-8 games; injuries to key players; a team bringing it together to finish 1/2 game from regular season crowns; big victories over Akron, URI, and UMASS. That team showed character and heart. These traits carried over into the spring. Unless you win and are playing in December, I believe there is always something left on the table.”

UDP: The Flyers appear to be a much different team in 2002, at least personnel-wise. The loss of so many seniors should mean playing time and leadership is up for grabs. Will youthful exuberance end up a strength for this team until long-term college experience develops, especially in the underclassmen?

DS: “Like every year, you can’t replace what has graduated, but you hope that others step up and fill those roles in their own ways. We did graduate a number of players, but if you look at what we return there is reason to be excited. Isename, Rolfe, and Nsien return, and they were the top three scorers. Clanton, Thomas, Hinshaw, and Graham comeback with lots of defensive experience. In the midfield, Porto, Stebbins, and Suzuki have many minutes. Kurdziel had two terrific games in the net last season. Yes, we lost some valuable players, but on the other hand we have a lot of experience that will be back.”

UDP: This year’s incoming class is large, a result of the large senior class that departed a year ago — and you mined the same geographical recruiting regions that have been good to the program — the tri-state and the Southwest. Briefly discuss your impressions on the newcomers and what recruiting focus you took on to address the needs of the program.

DS: “We are very excited about the newcomers. As a group they are as talented a class to come to UD, we expect great things over four years. Not only are they talented, but they come with some high level experience. Out of the class, there are 6 State ODP players, 4 Regional ODP, several state championships, 3 regional titles, 2 national runner-up trophies, and one national crown. Every player coming in played in their State title game for club this summer. I could go into the high school awards, but that would be too long. Do we expect them to contribute? Absolutely, we have the same expectations with them as we do the rest of the team.”

UDP: How do you see the A-10 shaking up this year? It appears the familiar names at the top — namely UMass, GW, URI, Richmond, and Dayton will all be there — but are the bottom-feeders closing the gap and will there be any surprises?

DS: “The conference has improved significantly over the last three years. There isn’t a team that can’t win. We are focused on what we can control, and that is how we play. If we play with our heart and dedication to attack, we will have an exciting season.”

UDP: The 2002 schedule is once again demanding, with the first five games on the road — all of them against good opposition. Combined with the conference slate, is appears a good start to the season is paramount. The Flyers ran into some bad luck in the waning moments a year ago to Virginia Tech and UC to open the season. What’s your opinion of the schedule compared to years past and will the first five games take on any more significance?

DS: “I think it is as tough a schedule as we have had in a few years. Our first four contests are all potential top 30 programs. We have the three other A-10 tourney participants from last year on the road. No doubt it is tough, but to win championships you have to go through some tough places.”

UDP: What are going to be the strengths of the team this year and where do you see the Flyers needing the most improvement, or, time to develop?

DS: “Always a tough question until you see the guys for a few days. However, with the majority of our attack coming back, we believe we will have some danger going forward. The focus for us during preseason will be developing the on field chemistry with so many new faces.”

UDP: Denny Clanton appears to be a player who has the potential to be the best defender in the conference this year and pehaps one of the elite in the Great Lakes Region. What’s Clanton’s importance to the team and has his play over the first two years been everything you expected when you signed him over several high-profile schools?

DS: “Denny has been more than we expected. He has taken on a captain’s role and he has been a leader in his play since day one. Coming to UD over the high-profile schools is what we expect as a coaching staff. We feel very strongly about our program and the talent here. We now have to come through.”

UDP: Which players may surprise fans this year with a breakout season? What’s the status is redshirt freshmen Jesse Faily who spent all of last year rehabbing from injuries?

DS: “First, Jesse should be 100% recovered from his injuries. He played in the spring and showed some promise. I am not real sure what a breakout season is, but Rolfe, Hinshaw, and Stebbins were all playing well in the spring.”

UDP: Every year coaches learn a little more about their craft and a little more about the program and players they oversee. If there’s any lesson or appreciation to take away from last year, what would it be and will it have any significance in how you approach the upcoming year?

DS: “I learned that you need some downtime, both as a coach and a player. We were so caught up in being the best team, we forgot to be the best we can be. Instead of pressing the gas for 90 minutes every game and 2 hours every practice, we are going to have changes of pace.”

UDP: Finish this sentence. “The Flyers will qualify for the A-10 Tournament if…”

DS: “I leave this one for you and the readers to speculate.”