Men's soccer team celebrates 2010 season

MARSHALL, Mich. -- The Olivet College men's soccer team celebrated a successful 2010 campaign as well as the departure of five seniors with an awards banquet Feb. 20 at Schuler's in Marshall.

In 2010, the Comets recorded the best record in program history by improving on their 2009 season. Olivet posted a 12-7-1 overall record, including a 7-6-1 record against MIAA opponents, and setting a new program benchmark. There were plenty of awards to pass out and much to celebrate as the team looked back on the 2010 season.

"This day was about our five seniors," said Olivet Head Coach Chad Wiseman. "They have been a huge part of the four best seasons in school history and have a lot to be proud of. They are outstanding young men and incredible student-athletes. I only wish I had more time to work with them. I am very happy that we had a day to celebrate with their families and look back on their fine careers."

The Comets posted a 5-1 non-conference record with the only blemish coming from University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh, who advanced all the way to the NCAA Division III Final Foul. In addition, Olivet was crowned champions of the Olivet/Alma Soccer Classic for the second straight year, with seniors Ethan Felsing and Mike May, sophomore Matt Garza and freshman Fred Smyser named to the All-Tournament Team.

Senior defender Matt Manning, senior forward Mike May and sophomore Matt Garza all earned first-team All-MIAA honors for their standout performance on the soccer field. It was the second consecutive year Olivet had three players named first-team All-MIAA. Other postseason honors went to Garza, who was named second-team All-Central Region and May, who was a third-team All-Region selection.

The coaches and players voted on team awards. Freshman defender Zach Piotrowski was named Most Improved Player, while fellow rookie Fred Smyser earned the Newcomer of the Year Award. The Senior Award was collected by the captain goalkeeper Ethan Felsing, and the Most Valuable Player Award being awarded to senior captain Matt Manning.

The players also have proven their commitment in the classroom as well. Their dedication to academics did not go unnoticed by the conference. The Comets had five players – Felsing, Manning, seniors Matt Jenca and Clay Robinson and sophomore Dalton Guggemos -- named to the MIAA Honor Roll of Athletes for the 2009-10 academic year.

With most of the awards already passed out, there was still one more left. This was an award that the coaching staff was very proud to hand over to its recipient. Felsing was presented with a certificate for being named to the 2010 ESPN The Magazine Academic All-District IV first-team. The award is given to athletes for combining great performances on the field, with a solid work ethic in the classroom.

Wiseman concluded the afternoon by saying, "The future looks unbelievable for Olivet College men's soccer. The expectations of this program have changed both on the field and in the classroom. We have worked hard to develop a winning culture and so far we have done that. Now it is time to take the next step and win a MIAA Championship."