Men's Soccer at Oglethorpe University

1990 Men's Team

Outlook

After a dismal 1989 season, new coach Brett Teach looks to resurrect the Stormy Petrel program with good recruiting and hard work. With the addition of several new players, a new coaching staff, and a renewed enthusiasm, the outlook for the Petrels is bright.

"There are some basic components that any successful soccer team must possess. These are a commitment to excellence, discipline in attack and defense, senior leadership, and depth," said Teach. "We believe that we have each of these qualities in some measure."

The defense promises to be exceptionally strong, anchored by three-year starter Karl Hansen at goalkeeper. Seniors Fred Buttell and Henry Broitman, and juniors John Schaefer and Gerald Jerome will add experience to the back.

In the midfield, junior Samson Desta and sophomore Cliff Barros will see plenty of action. In the attack, senior Dan Martin will pair with freshman star Joseph Akyempong, a talented scorer from Liberia. A pair of freshmen, Cameron Bready and Philip Wickstrom, will be additional scoring threats. Senior Orlando Orsino, one of OU's best all-around players, will miss the early part of the season due to a knee injury.

"We have a lot of options up front, and we should be very dangerous," said Teach. "We must play well every time we walk onto the field, and the winning and losing will take care of itself."

Rob Hutcheson, a freshman, will be the reserve goalkeeper and will push Hansen all year. Basil Halta, Kevin Rapier, Joaquin Losada, Matt Thompson, and Eddie Zarecor add depth to the Petrel midfield. In the forward position, "Nacho" Arrizabalaga and Charles Armstrong will add scoring potential to the attack.

About the Staff

Brett Teach begins his first campaign as the director of men's and women's soccer.  Teach comes to Oglethorpe University from LaGrange College, where he led last year's men's squad to a 10-6 record.

Formerly, he was the Women's Head Soccer Coach at Erskine College and was Bi-District Finalist in 1988. In 1987, he guided the Lady Fleet to second place in the NAJA National Tournament, finishing with a record of 14-5-1.

Teach has been very active in the Olympic Development Pro- grams in both Georgia and South Carolina. Currently, he serves as the under 15-1/2 State Select team coach and is also an instructor of State Level Certification for Youth Coaches.

As an undergraduate at King College, he was a four-year starting goalkeeper and was All-Conference, All-District, and All-Area.

The 26-year-old native of Atlanta lives in Marietta with his wife, Sarah.

Michael Mitchell joins the OU staff also from LaGrange, where he was assistant director of soccer. Mitchell was a three-year star at Georgia Southern, making the All-Trans America Athletic Conference team in 1985.  Mitchell was also a teammate of coach Teach at Dunwoody High School. Coach Mitchell also serves as a member of the GYSA State Select Team Coaching staff.

Edmund Brunson, a native of Jamaica, enters his second year on the OU soccer staff. Brunson's responsibilities include the care of Anderson Field as well as coaching duties.

Joe McCurdy returns to Oglethorpe as a graduate assistant staff member after playing two years as a Stormy Petrel. His responsibilities include public relations for all athletic teams.