Different teams with different purpose, soccer looks for national titles
CU’s mens club soccer teams are entering this season with high hopes after strong finishes in each of their last two seasons.
There are two men’s teams that play in the same league. For the most part, the gold team would be considered the “A” team, while the black team tends to be looked at as the “B” team.
Senior captain Garrett Locketz, 21, leads the black team.
“The gold team is better, but it’s kind of mixed up a little bit,” Locketz said. “The best players on the black team are better than the worst players on the gold team.”
With a new coach and many new faces, the teams will face a tough challenge of reliving the success of the past two seasons.
“It’s definitely a rebuilding season, especially because we have an entirely new coaching staff,” Locketz, an integrated physiology major, said.
Chris Ellis heads the new coaching staff. Ellis has a busy season in front of him – he is also the head coach of the CU girl’s club soccer team.
“It is a luxury to be able to work with the men and the women at the University of Colorado,” Ellis said. “Coaching both the men and women has made me a more rounded coach. Each level presents different challenges that must be conquered.”
The players see their new coaching staff as a blessing in disguise.
“Since they coach the girl’s team also, they have a full load, but that definitely leads to a lot of experience,” Locketz said.
Ellis further explained the difference between the gold and black teams.
“Our ultimate goal as a club is to have our gold team as the top team in the region.” Ellis said. “The black team will compete to win the open division. The quest for two national championships is the driving force behind our motivation.”
After losing seven seniors from last year’s gold team to graduation and having them replaced by freshman, the upper-classmen have to take on certain leadership roles, both on and off the field.
“Certain leadership positions need to be taken with the seniors on the team,” Locketz said. “We have to be role models not only on the soccer pitch, but also let the younger guys know that they have to get their school work done.”
While the gold team won a national championship in 2005, the team is coming off a top 10 finish at the national tournament last year.
“The potential of both teams in 2007 is exciting in 2007,” Ellis said. “The student body will enjoy watching our teams play and their presence at games is welcomed with open arms.”
Even though the university doesn’t support a division one soccer team, the players are still passionate about the game.
Tyler Huntley, 20, is a geography major, and a team veteran.
“It’s always tough when we lose,” Huntley said.
Contact Campus Press Writer Derek Schimmel at derek.schimmel@colorado.edu
