In sports there are few times when every team in the league is undefeated and has the same record. In fact, the only time this is true is that period before the season even starts, when each team is on a level playing field with the hopes and dreams of winning the championship. But what would happen if you just won the championship the previous season? What is the atmosphere of a team that has already achieved the highest prize?
Fortunately for the RPI men’s soccer team, this is a dilemma that they are more than happy to be facing.
The Red Hawks capped off the 2005 season in dramatic fashion with a 3-1 victory over St. John Fisher in the championship game, scoring two clutch goals in the second half to walk away with the victory. Rensselaer finished the season with a record of 11-7-2 and had two players named to the Academic All-American team; junior Ed Sellitto earned first team honors, and senior Joe Johnson received third team honors.
Now the team looks to pick up right where last season ended and build off the success that it has already tasted. Though the Red Hawks have graduated six seniors—including Johnson, a captain—their roster is comprised of many underclassmen that provide a strong foundation of youthful talent for the men’s team to work with.
Some key players who are returning include Sellitto in addition to Nick Bochette, also a captain last year, who will provide leadership and enthusiasm while manning the goal.
Many times in sports, when a team experiences great success, it is not far fetched that they will find it slightly easier to continue winning. Not to say that the RPI soccer team will run away with the league because they have won the title; simply put, the Red Hawks have seen, and as a result now understand what it takes to get the job done in terms of playing and succeeding on the highest level. Because of this, these players will be able to handle the situation when it presents itself again this season.
Rensselaer opens their season with two games in two days, Colby Sawyer and Old Westbury, home on Harkness field as they play host to the Red Hawk Classic. A new year is here, but the Red Hawks still want to have the same feel. Look for Head Coach Adam Clinton’s team to put their best efforts forward and start the season off on the right foot with a pair of victories.
