fort lewis men's soccer
Welcome to the world of Fort Lewis Men’s Soccer! If you’re a soccer enthusiast looking for a team that brings excellence, passion, and enjoys a rich history, then Fort Lewis Men’s Soccer is the right fit for you. Established in 1980, the soccer program has a record for being one of the most consistently successful programs in NCAA Division II history, with multiple championship titles under their belt. Time and time again, the program has produced some of the finest talent in the soccer universe. In this blog post, we’ll delve into the program’s history, its notable players and achievements, and what makes it tick in terms of Training and preparation for games. Join us, and let’s venture into the world of Fort Lewis Men’s Soccer!

Introduction to Fort Lewis Men’s Soccer

Fort Lewis College is a public liberal arts college that is devoted to providing high-quality higher education to its students. It is located in Durango, Colorado and it is home to the Skyhawks Men’s Soccer Team. Fort Lewis Men’s Soccer team is a member of the Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference (RMAC) and it has established itself as a dominant team in the conference. The team has a long-standing tradition of excellence, both on and off the field, and it is known for its commitment to academic and athletic success.

The Fort Lewis Men’s Soccer program was established in 1972, and since then, it has been one of the most successful programs in the country. The team has won numerous conference championships and has qualified for the NCAA Division II Tournament every year since 1984. The head coach of the team is Oige Kennedy, who has been with the team since 2019 and has brought a new level of excitement and energy to the program.

The philosophy of the Fort Lewis Men’s Soccer team is based on developing student-athletes who are committed to both academic and athletic success. The team encourages its players to strive for excellence both on and off the field, and it provides them with the tools and resources they need to succeed. The coaches, staff, and players work together to create a culture of positivity, excellence, and success both on and off the field. The primary goal of the program is to help its players achieve their full potential and to prepare them for success in all areas of life.

Conference Championships NCAA Division II Tournament Appearances NCAA Division II Tournament Wins
23 39 33

History of Fort Lewis Men’s Soccer

Fort Lewis Men’s Soccer team has quite a rich history. The team was founded in 1970, and since then, has become one of the most prominent teams in NCAA Division II. It has established a remarkable record of success with conference championships, national titles, and several notable players. Looking back at the history of this team, it is clear that it has not been immune to obstacles and challenges, but it has persevered through it all to become the team we know today.

One can trace the roots of Fort Lewis Men’s Soccer back to the early 1970s, when the program was first established. In those early years, the team struggled to get its footing, but with the acquisition of head coach Bill Hempen in 1987, the team began to take shape. Hempen played an instrumental role in shaping the team’s culture and developing talented players. Under his leadership, the team won four consecutive conference championships from 1989 to 1992.

Year Achievement
1993 NCAA Division II National Champions
1994 NCAA Division II National Runner-Up
1996 NCAA Division II National Champions

In the 1990s, Fort Lewis Men’s Soccer team reached new heights continued to flourish. In 1993, they won a national championship, defeating Southern Connecticut State in the final. The team made it to the National Championship game again in 1994, but this time they lost to Seattle Pacific University. Fast forward two years, in 1996, they won their second national title against Seattle Pacific University, the same team that beat them two years prior.

Throughout the team’s history, there have also been several notable players who have left indelible marks on the program. One of them is Logan McMenamie. McMenamie played for the team from 2007 to 2010 and was a two-time All-American. He is the leading goal scorer in program history, scoring 67 goals in his career. Other influential and talented players include Richie Schantz, John Cunliffe, and Alex Cram.

In conclusion, Fort Lewis Men’s Soccer team has a history full of ups and downs. The program has not only seen success in conference championships but has also come out on top in national championships as well. This team has demonstrated a consistent level of excellence throughout its history and has produced some exceptional players. It has gone from strength to strength under excellent coaching, played with grit and determination, and established itself as one of the finest men’s soccer teams in the country.

Notable Players and Achievements

Fort Lewis Men’s Soccer has been a dominant force in the sport for decades. Throughout the years, the team has produced many notable players and achieved numerous accolades. Let’s take a closer look at some of the most remarkable players and achievements in the history of Fort Lewis Men’s Soccer.

One of the most notable players in the history of Fort Lewis Men’s Soccer is Jamie Lorentzen. Lorentzen played for the team from 2000 to 2003 and was a crucial part of Fort Lewis’ success during that time. He was named an All-American three times and was the National Player of the Year in 2002. Lorentzen’s brilliant performances helped Fort Lewis win two Division II National Championships in 2000 and 2005.

Another remarkable player for Fort Lewis Men’s Soccer is Skyler Bell. Bell played for the team from 2004 to 2007 and was a four-time All-American. He was also named the National Player of the Year in 2006. Bell’s exceptional play helped Fort Lewis win two RMAC Conference Championships and reach the NCAA Division II National Championship in 2005 and 2006.

Year Achievement
1991 First appearance in NCAA Division II Tournament
2005, 2009 Division II National Championships
1999, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2010, 2015 Conference Championships

In addition to the notable players, Fort Lewis Men’s Soccer has a long history of achieving great things. Some of the team’s most significant accomplishments include reaching the NCAA Division II tournament for the first time in 1991, winning the Division II National Championship in 2005 and 2009, and winning six conference championships throughout the years.

Fort Lewis Men’s Soccer has a rich history of producing remarkable players and achieving great things. The team’s success over the years is a testament to the hard work and dedication of everyone involved. With a bright future ahead, it will be exciting to see the next generation of notable players and achievements for Fort Lewis Men’s Soccer.

Training and Preparation for Games

Training and preparation are essential aspects for any athlete, and it is no exception for the members of the Fort Lewis Men’s Soccer team. The team is known for their impressive performance on the field, which is the result of their hard work and dedication. The team spends hours in training, focusing on improving their skills, building their stamina, and studying their opponents.

The trainings are designed in such a way that they mimic game situations, which helps the players to get a feel for the real match. The players undergo intense physical training such as weight lifting, cardio, and agility drills. The coaches also focus on the tactical training of the players, studying their opponents’ weaknesses, and planning the team’s strategies accordingly.

Training Drills Purpose
Passing and Receiving drills improve ball control and teamwork
Attacking and Defending drills improve tactical skills and shape
Set-Piece drills practice corner kicks, free-kicks, and penalty kicks

The players are also required to maintain a balanced diet and adequate rest to keep their body and mind in perfect condition. The coaches ensure that the players are well rested and hydrated before each game, so they can deliver their best performance. Mental preparation is also an integral part of the training, and the players undergo sessions to overcome their fear of failure and build a winning mindset.

The training and preparation of the Fort Lewis Men’s Soccer team have set them apart from other teams and have helped them achieve remarkable success. The team has won numerous titles and garnered a massive following, all thanks to their hard work, dedication, and passion for soccer. The future of the team looks bright, and they continue to inspire young athletes looking to achieve the same level of success.

Future of Fort Lewis Men’s Soccer

The future of Fort Lewis Men’s Soccer looks bright and promising. With a strong team and dedicated players, the program continues to climb the ranks in Division II soccer. The success of the team is due in part to the coaches who have brought in talented players and instilled a strong work ethic. Additionally, the support of the community and the fans has contributed to the team’s success.

The team’s future is also influenced by the development of young players and the recruitment of new talent. The coaching staff has implemented a program that focuses on not only winning but also developing players to their fullest potential. This emphasis on player development ensures that the program will continue to thrive for years to come.

Another key factor in the future success of the Fort Lewis Men’s Soccer team is its ability to adapt to changes in the sport. With new rules and regulations constantly being implemented, it is essential for the team to be able to adjust its playing style. The coaching staff is always evaluating the game and tweaking the team’s strategies to ensure continued success.

Year Record Conference
2017 15-3-4 Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference
2018 12-4-3 Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference
2019 15-4-1 Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference

Looking ahead, the Fort Lewis Men’s Soccer team has set its sights on even greater success. The goal for the program is to win a National Championship and continue to compete at the highest level of Division II soccer. With a team culture that values hard work, discipline, and accountability, the sky is truly the limit for this program.

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