Issue01

6

NEWS

Friday, August 23, 2013

The New Hampshire

SUSAN DOUCET/EXECUTIVE EDITOR

Don’t let your freshman year ruin your college career. Figuring out a study system and a balance between a social life and college classes will be to your advantage.

A balancing act: How to become a successful college student

By CATIE HALL STAFF WRITER

Lindsey Vickery has two associate degrees in business and horticulture, and is currently studying for a bachelor’s degree. But it took her a long time to bounce back from her freshman year.

“Don’t hurt your GPA,” Vickery said. “I did my freshman year and it took me almost two years to bring it back up. I feel like a D hurts you more than an A helps.”

For some, the transition from high school to college classes can be rocky. Based on a few web searches, incoming college freshmen seem to have the same questions about how to succeed in college classes. General concerns revolve around how to study, manage time, please professors and be responsible.

“If you are having a hard time with a class, don’t wait to get help.”

Rebecca Austin Sophomore

Vickery said her grades suffered because she did not know how to balance fun and responsibility. She skipped classes and lost

out on important study material as a result.

Understanding material is key to studying well. In fact, it’s what Chuck Zercher, a chemistry professor at UNH, advocates for.

“Never assume that if you can repeat facts you understand the material,” Zercher said. “True understanding of the material is the ability to use the material in problems or situations that are new or different.”

In addition, Zercher said that rewriting classroom notes after the lecture could help reinforce the logic of the presentation. He said it leads to a broader understanding of the material.

Subhash Minocha is a professor of plant biology and genetics at UNH. Like Zercher, Minocha has seen what happens to students who assume they know the material.

“Don’t come into the classroom with the assumption that since you’re familiar with the topic, therefore you know it,” Minocha said. “It is not uncommon for a student who has taken AP biology to come into the class and say, ‘Oh, I’ve taken AP biology; I know about DNA.’ And then suddenly come to find that when the first exam comes, ‘Oh, I know it differently than what this teacher is expecting.’”

Effective studying requires time management, and time management requires responsibility.

Andrew Merton is the chair of the English department at UNH. He said that instructors appreciate students taking responsibility for their actions rather than blaming others.

“They’re adults now. And they may have been adults for just two weeks, but they’re adults,” Merton said with a laugh. “So it’s important for them to take responsibility for their actions. If they screw up – and we all screw up – don’t blame somebody else.”

As a teacher for 42 years, Merton knows which behaviors teachers can appreciate from students.

“A teacher will appreciate it if you come to him/her and say, ‘I’m sorry; I screwed up. What’s the best way to overcome this?’”

Merton said. “Rather than the dogate-my-homework kind of stuff.”

As Merton said, responsibility is asking for help.

Dumbledore famously says in the Harry Potter series, “Help will always be given at Hogwarts to those who ask for it.”

Okay, so UNH isn’t Hogwarts and not everyone wants to be like Hermione Granger, but the principle is the same. If you don’t understand something, professors expect you to ask for help.

Sophomore Rebecca Austin said getting help early is a priority.

“If you are having a hard time with a class, don’t wait to get

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help,” Austin said. “Take advantage of professors’ office hours or free tutoring opportunities if available.”

When you ask a professor for help, Zercher said to choose your words wisely. “[If you miss a class], never ask the faculty member, ‘Did I miss something important?’”

Zercher said. “That is insulting.

If the faculty member is investing time to present material in a class, assume that it is important.”

In any college, there will be students who slack and students who study. Finding a middle ground can be tough.

Like Zercher, Merton also knows what insults him as a professor.

Texting, acting disinterested, doing stuff on your laptop that could be taken as not paying attention — I mean teachers see that stuff,” Merton said. “It makes for a very poor impression. You don’t need to do that stuff for the 50 or so minutes that you’re in class.”

Obviously, there are a lot of things that could go right or wrong

your first year. So if a seasoned college student could tell freshmen anything about success in college classes, what would it be?

In a brief survey on Facebook, older students had varying priorities when it came to giving freshman tips in their transition.

“Make sure your books are refundable if not used within 30 days,” Claire Cariello, a UNH senior, said. “It saves you money and a headache if what your professor is teaching you doesn’t line up with the book assigned!”

Carl DeOrio III, college graduate, said his top tips would be to “make friends with [teacher assistants], join clubs and stay away from frat row.”

In any college, there will be students who slack and students who study. Finding a middle ground can be tough.

“College is a ton of work,” Steve Machuzak, an engineering student at UNH, said. “Take breaks and go to a hockey game, or get coffee with friends. It helps the mind recover and heal.”

Don’t worry too much, though. Your college experience is with people — imperfect beings apt to make mistakes. If you want to break through the stress, laugh at those mistakes. “[I tell my students,] if I pronounce your name wrong once,” Minocha said, chuckling, “you can pronounce my name wrong twice.”

Got a news tip?

CONTACT ADAM J. BABINAT

TNH.NEWS@UNH.EDU

NEWS

The New Hampshire

Friday, August 23, 2013

7

FILE PHOTO

Dorm life, and adjusting to a roommate, can be one of the biggest challenges a freshman faces. Embrace the challenge, though, as dorm life can help you build new connections and make new friends.

Cooperation with roommates can lead to a successful first year

By CORINNE HOLROYD NEWS EDITOR

For those of you who have not lived in the same room with another person growing up, it may be weird to share that space with someone else. Here are some roommate etiquette tips to help smooth out that transition.

Communication: Communication is important in any living situation. How can you, or your roommate, know there is a problem if no one speaks up? Your hall staff should give you and your roommate a checklist right around move-in time. If you do not know your roommate, this is a good way to gauge how he or she lives and what compromises should be made on both sides early on in the year.

“Actually talk about what’s on the roommate checklist,” Kate Trisciani, a former resident assistant, said. “They all laugh about ‘having sex in the room while the roomie’s sleeping’ until it happens to them.”

If you talked to your roommate, but you still have an issue with them, your living situation or any other housing problems, talk to your hall staff. They will have the advice you seek.

Guests: Despite the old saying, it’s better to ask permission than forgiveness for having guests.

If you want a friend, significant

other or any other guest to spend the night, do not just expect your roommate to leave. Talk about space and privacy with them before inviting your guest to see what they are comfortable with.

Schedules: While it might not seem like this would be important, sharing your schedule with your roommate up front might save you trouble down the road. See what you both can do so your schedules balance and prevent waking each other up. Some things can be changed, like homework habits and shower times. Some things like class and club meeting times can’t be helped.

Headphones/earplugs: If you have not lived with your roommate before, you probably don’t know his or her noise habits. They might snore, watch television late at night, bring in loud friends, etc. While talking to them is your best option, headphones or earplugs could come in handy when it comes to a raucous roommate.

Borrowing/Sharing: If you’d like to borrow something from your roommate, ask first. If they say yes, make sure you return it clean and intact. On the other hand, if you don’t want your roommate to borrow certain things from you – with or without permission – tell them up front.

Taking turns getting cheap snacks for the room or making food

together in one of the kitchenettes on campus can also strengthen the roommate bond.

“Making and sharing homemade food is usually helpful as a mediation method or an ice-breaker,” student Jani McCosh said.

“Sometimes cooking together makes for a great ‘getting to know you’ activity.”

Keep in mind that you’re also sharing a room, and while that space is yours, it’s your roommate’s too. Cleaning up after yourself, giving each other space, keeping your stuff from encroaching on your roommate’s side and leaving his or her stuff alone unless you have permission is all good roommate etiquette. Respect that they live there, just as they should respect that you live there with them.

Friendship: Last, but not least, you do not have to be best friends with your roommate. It’s nice if you do become friends, but they could just be a person you live with. The best roommates are those who respect each other’s boundaries and communicate any issues with each other.

If you simply can’t live with someone, it’s acceptable to move on. Talk to your roommate about why you feel you can’t live together. If you don’t know how to say it, get some advice from your hall staff. Your roommate should,

FILE PHOTO

Living in a suite can be a great way to live with a large group of friends, though most suites are only available to upperclassmen.

however, hear this from you and in-person so you can figure it out together, even if it’s an awkward conversation. As long as you give

them a heads up that leaves them and you enough time to find another living situation, they should understand and respect that decision.

14

Friday, August 23, 2013

NEWS

The New Hampshire

CAM JOHNSON/STAFF

Young’s Restaurant will be serving dinner, starting this fall, on Thursday through Saturday, with its hours being from 4 to 9 p.m.

CAM JOHNSON/STAFF

Wildcat Transit offer students a chance to travel to the surrounding communities of Newmarket, Dover and Portsmouth for free with a student ID, providing freshmen a chance to get out of Durham.

Explore the Seacoast area Wildcat Transit buses offers free transportation

By KEN JOHNSON STAFF WRITER

A vibrant array of shows, concerts, athletic events and parties make UNH an exciting school to attend, but great memories are made off campus as well. Leaving Durham via Wildcat Transit is a breath of fresh air and an opportunity to see what the Seacoast area has to offer. The best part? With a UNH student ID, traveling to the neighboring towns of Dover, Newington, and Portsmouth is free. The buses service these destinations several times each day, and there are convenient stops throughout campus.

Routes 3A and 3B visit the town of Dover, which has a very walk-able downtown area with a variety of stores, along with an amazing view of the Cocheco River waterfall.

If you’re in the mood for pizza, head to LaFesta Brick and Brew, which is on Central Avenue. It’s a popular haunt among students, probably due to the wide variety of fresh specialty pizzas and generous portions. If pizza isn’t your thing, there’s Dos Amigos Burritos right across the street. Dos Amigos offers delicious burritos, tacos, quesadillas, and salads with an assortment of fillers and sides, all for more than reasonable prices. The Farm Bar and Grille is also a great choice for dining. Burgers, sandwiches, pizza, seafood: The Farm has it all.

After you’re sampled all of the restaurants, visit the Garrison Hill Tower, a 76-foot-tall observatory that offers beautiful panoramic views of Dover and the vicinity.

And, if you’re looking for some recreation, check out the Dover Bowl on Central Street. There is Rock N’ Bowl on Friday and Saturday nights, and the center also boasts an arcade and a sports bar.

Routes 4A and 4B service the towns of Newington and Portsmouth. A well-known spot in Durham, Wagon Hill Farm, is easily accessible via Route 4. The 139acre property is owned by the town, and students are welcome to have picnics, go kayaking, or to visit

the small beach overlooking Great Bay. There are several trails to explore as well, and the hill is covered with students sledding in the winter.

Don’t have a sled? Get creative!

There are stops at the Fox Run Mall and The Crossings at Fox Run Mall, which offer a plethora of shopping options. You can find all of your favorite stores from home here, as well as discount stores and shops unique to the area. Regal Cinema is located at The Crossings at Fox Run Mall, and offers 15 screens with RPX sound and RealD 3D on select showings.

The route also goes to Market Square in downtown Portsmouth, which offers an array of eclectic shopping options along with quaint eateries, including three long-standing Portsmouth institutions: Moe’s Italian Sandwiches on Daniel Street, Gilly’s on Fleet Street (which is especially good for late night eats), and Annabelle’s Ice Cream on Ceres Street.

A block away from the Market Square stop is a hidden gem for lovers of sweet treats. Random Acts of Sweetness on State Street, offers an ever-changing array of cupcakes.

Flavors vary by the day, and can even change throughout the day.

The store posts their starting daily flavor lineup on their Facebook page every morning.

For unique shopping, the Macro shops offer a variety of items that you won’t find anywhere else. Macro Polo and Macroscopic, both on Market Street, offer quirky gifts and home and body products.

Macro Unleashed, on Ceres Street, offers unique pet products. Bull Moose Music, on bustling Congress Street, offers an amazing variety of often inexpensive CDs, DVDs, and video games.

Nearby Prescott Park offers some picturesque views of the Pisacataqua River. Stop by one of the downtown merchants, purchase a bite to eat and enjoy the view.

Just down the street from Prescott Park are quaint, historic houses scattered around Portsmouth that are available for touring. Strawbery Banke, the historic

neighborhood on Hancock Street, offers 10 acres of historic homes and exhibits for history aficionados.

For students looking to get a different view of the Seacoast, Portsmouth Harbor Cruises, found on Ceres Street, offers harbor, Isles of Shoals and evening/sunset/lights cruises until the end of October.

The cruises restart for the season in May. For nightlife, the Market Square stop has a variety of restaurants and bars. The astounding variety and amount of restaurants and bars available in downtown Portsmouth was recently featured in The Chicago Tribune.

For entertainment, there are two theaters: the Seacoast Repertory Theatre and the Players’ Ring Theatre. The former, located on Bow Street, offers main stage shows along with various other events throughout the year. The Players’ Ring Theatre, on Marcy Street, tends to offer more offbeat productions, with a more local focus, than The Seacoast Repertory Theatre.

The Thirsty Moose and the Portsmouth Brewery are great choices for nighttime dining, but make sure you get there early because they fill up fast. If you’re looking for fancier and more expensive fare, The Dolphin Striker is the best bet. Its nautical atmosphere perfectly compliments the New England-inspired menu.

Route 5 goes to the town of Newmarket, home of The Stone Church on Granite Street. This popular music venue has a Bluegrass Jam on Tuesday nights, trivia on Wednesday night, Irish music sometimes followed by electronic dance music on Thursday and an open mic night on Sunday. There also special events during the weekend. Some events at The Stone Church are 18+ while others are 21+, so be sure to check before going.

Whatever you choose to do, expand your knowledge of the area beyond Durham. Hop on the bus, visit the beautiful Seacoast area, and find some favorite spots of your own.

Young’s opens for dinner Local favorite offers new items

By CHARLIE WEINMANN ARTS EDITOR

When it comes to dining off campus, UNH students have a fair amount of establishments to choose from. Durham offers a diverse selection of eateries in the downtown area that cater to different tastes and preferences. Many of these restaurants have become a staple for students who enjoy eating out and a hot spot for meeting up with friends.

Young’s Restaurant has been a favorite since 1920, serving “The Best Breakfast in Town” and great upscale lunches for a fair price.

Owner Ken Young and manager Mark Brady now wish to invite students to try Young’s dinner restaurant, new as of fall 2013. Dinner hours are Thursday through Saturday from 4 to 9 p.m.

Young’s continues their reputation for serving quality upscale meals, while maintaining their goal of becoming more sustainable and organic by offering local items such as cheese, beer and veggies.

The new evening menu has something for everyone, whether you fancy the veal parmesan, ahi tuna steak, or the baked macaroni and cheese.

Young’s also introduced their new Tapas menu, which runs every night from 4 to 5:30 p.m. The Tapas menu features specials such as “Wildcat” Wednesday Night, (chicken fare of the night served with one of their special sauce offerings) and “Fried on Friday” (Smuttynose beer-battered haddock nuggets served with French fries and coleslaw).

Thompson School student Ryan Curtis decided to take his parents to Young’s on their visit to campus last week. Curtis had been a fan of Young’s breakfast for a long time, and became intrigued when he learned that the restaurant was now open for dinner.

“I just thought

it would be a real classy place to take my folks for a nice night out.”

Ryan Curtis

UNH student

“I just thought it would be a real classy place to take my folks for a nice night out,” Curtis said. “I love seafood so I had the Bbaked haddock. It was honestly some of the best fish I have ever had. It came with this really good mustard sauce and they said the cheese was from a local farm. My parents said they were impressed and it was their favorite place to eat in Durham.”

Curtis went on, explaining how he will definitely be taking his girlfriend out to Young’s for their next big date.

On Friday, Aug. 23rd, there will be a tent set up in front of the restaurant that will give students a chance to win a $50 gift certificate to Young’s. If you enjoy local food, and a restaurant with a charming atmosphere and a sustainable attitude, Young’s would make for a great night out.

Done reading?

PLEASE DO YOUR PART. RECYCLE ME.

SPORTS

The New Hampshire

Friday, August 23, 2013

19

WOMEN’S SOCCER

New coach means fresh start for ‘Cats

By MAX SULLIVAN STAFF WRITER

Only the smallest dent has been made in the 2013 UNH Women’s Soccer team’s season, but the girls are already feeling a sense of confidence and unity under their new coach, Sam Lopes. Kicking off the season with a 1-0 preseason win against Central Connecticut, the team’s hopes are high for 2013 after a disappointing season in 2012 under Coach Michael Jackson.

Formerly the top assistant coach at Providence College, Lopes has brought one much needed element to the team this season that was lacking in 2012 – clarity. From the minute Lopes walked onto the field at the first day of practice, the team understood what Lopes’ goals were and what was expected of them.

After going 5-12-2 in 2012, the players have found Lopes’ style of coaching quite refreshing.

“I’m excited to come out and play, rather than dreading to come out to play every day,” sophomore forward Missy Gloekler said, referring to last season’s struggles.”

Dreading?

“Not dreading, but it was exhausting [last year], mentally and physically,” Gloekler said. “I didn’t understand a lot of what coaching style was last year. Now I do understand.”

This lack of comprehension in the game plan last year was not exclusively Gloekler’s problem, sophomore back Kellie McGoldrick vouched. Many players were left scratching their heads.

“Even a lot of upperclassmen didn’t know [the game plan],” McGoldrick said, “So, it was confusing last year, but I think it will be much better this year.”

Lopes’ strength as a communicator is allowing him to get his team to play a more sophisticated brand of soccer. Last season, the

FILE PHOTO

Sophomore Gabrielle Sloan appeared in 19 games in 2012 and totaled four points. team was playing a lot of what McGoldrick called “kick and run” soccer, a simple form of play that involves kicking the ball forward to lock the opposing team in their own end.

This year, the team has a much more playful style.

Rather than insisting on playing deep in the other team’s end, Lopes would prefer to play keep away and maintain ball control, even if it’s at mid field, and pass it around until a play can be made to bring the ball to the goal.

This style calls for players to make plays on the fly and encourages them to be creative.

Lopes wants there to be a balance between going out on a limb and sticking to assignments, but if there is an opportunity to take a risk and come out with a big reward, Lopes wants them to take that risk.

This style of play is made possible for the team thanks in part to Lopes’ experience, but also his well-organized practices and strong communication skills. “[Lopes’] organization and knowledge

M SOCCER

of the game is very up to date with high level soccer,” senior forward Chelsea Kuss said, “We can compete with other programs at a higher level. He brings good experience in from Providence, and it shows that he’s been around the game for quite a few years.

“He’s brought his drills and he’s got his set ways and how he wants us to warm up and continue. Everything’s fresh and well organized.”

Lopes has also introduced a unique leadership format for the players. Instead of having one captain, a leadership council has been implemented. One player will be elected from each grade level to represent their class. This way, every age group gets the opportunity to speak out.

“I think it will be a great way to get a voice out from each class,” Kuss said. “Everyone’s saying a freshman’s voice is the same as a senior’s voice and a different view from every class. I think it’s a great to have leadership.”

“He wants to know,” McGoldrick said.

“He wants to know how we feel. If we feel tired, then we can tell him, and it’s coming from the freshmen, they’re not being left out.

He made a point to make us part of the team.”

Lopes also said that playing time will be earned in practice and on the field and not determined by experience. For instance, returning goalkeeper Erica Correa will still have to compete for the starting job with new freshmen goalies Danielle Tidd and Mimi Borkan, both of whom are showing strong ability in this current preseason.

Joining the coaching staff will also be UNH alumni Jordyn Krall and Monique Lamotte, two former Wildcats who graduated in ’12 and ’13 respectively. This adds familiarity to the team’s new coaching staff and may make the transition for Lopes even easier.

INTRAMURALS

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 20

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 20

else on the team as far as getting better.

The sophomore class looks a lot better. Each one of these guys has been training hard and I sure can see a difference from the spring games. Lukas Goerigk, A.J Albers, and Jesus Tudela look impressive,” Thompson said. The senior class is expected to be great, because they have one year left to give it all they’ve got, and obviously the junior class will be working harder to get where they want to be.”

With the season hardly here and many questions left unanswered for the UNH men’s soccer team, one thing is for certain. In the words of Rob Thompson: “We will be competitive.”

and having a good time.

Designed to give the casual athlete an opportunity to compete with other students without the demands of a varsity team’s practice, UNH’s intramural sports program offers plenty of great options for students. For those who are drawn to the more recognizable sports, ice hockey, volleyball, soccer and flag football are available, as well as other similarly popular sports.

However, there are plenty of alternatives for those who are tired of the major sports. For instance, there’s inner tube basketball. It’s just what it sounds like – basketball in a pool played on in inner tubes. Futsal is similar to soccer, except it is played with a slightly heavier ball, designed to limit the amount of high bounces if played on hard surfaces. And then there’s broomball, a UNH favorite which is much like floor hockey, except it’s played while standing on ice in nothing more than a pair of sneakers.

One might not realize just how big the school’s intramural program is if they’ve never gotten involved, but there is a surprising amount of teams competing in each sport. In broomball, for example, there are

FILE PHOTO

Junior Paul Bianachi totaled four points in the 2012 season.

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sometimes up to 200 teams competing against each other. No matter how many students join, there is always room for more.

Assistant Director of Intramurals David Charette said every student passing through UNH should try broomball at least once. It’s a highly accessible sport, Charette said, partly because few have ever played it prior to coming to UNH. The beauty about broomball is that in general people have never played it before,” Charette said, “So you’re leveling off the playing field by putting everyone out on the ice with shoes on or sneakers on, so it’s difficult to get around.”

Charette said the program will also be bringing back plenty of its wheelchair sports, such as wheelchair handball and ultimate Frisbee.

On August 29th, Campus Recreation’s annual Fall Fest will be held, which features a kickball tournament, along with carnival style games and activities such as a zip line, a mechanical bull and an obstacle course which Charette said is similar to the popular television show Wipe Out. For information about joining an intramural sport, visit campusrec.unh.edu/sports, where all times for registration are listed. The first sport available to register for is 11 versus 11 soccer, which opens next Thursday, August 29th, at 8 a.m.

sports www.TNHonline.com/sports

With the controversy surrounding Alex Rodriguez’s involvement in the Biogenesis scandal, the third baseman has become the talk of Major League Baseball.

Friday, August 23, 2013

The New Hampshire

VOLLEYBALL

Young team has potential

By ARJUNA RAMGOPAL SPORTS EDITOR

The women’s volleyball team at UNH has a very bright future. Seven freshmen took up half of the 15-person squad last season to go along with four sophomores.

“Last season, our biggest worry was that with all the new freshman coming in, we wouldn’t blend,” Morgan Thatcher, a captain last season, said. “Luckily, those girls came in, worked their butts off and fit right in.”

“We don’t really look at age around here,” junior Katie Sattora said. “The first-years came in and acted like they belong. We don’t care what your age is, if you can play, you play.”

With such a young influx of talent, head coach Jill Hirschinger is excited to be able to have an offseason with a full squad.

“With only two graduating, we basically have our full team,” Hirschinger said. “Last season during the offseason we had so many new girls coming in and they were already behind. This year, with only two new freshmen coming in, all the girls that are here know what they need to do. Because of it we’ve had a really excellent spring.”

Sophomore Tori Forrest, who played in 112 sets over 29 matches last season, is looking to improve her game and help the team get over the hump.

“I think I just need to be more consistent, work harder and just win,” Forrest said. “With that first year under our belt, I think we can be a lot better. We definitely got better as the season went on, even with all the injuries piling on.”

“I thought we were going to win it all last year,” Hirschinger said. “But you know, things worked out differently. I think we have a great shot to win it this year, just as much as anyone else. The VOLLEYBALL continued on Page 18

Welcome to Wildcat Country

A

By NICK STOICO SPORTS EDITOR

t the beginning of each year, we in the sports department like to greet the new readers of The New Hampshire with a short note explaining what exactly you can expect from this section of the newspaper.

The fans of UNH sports are dedicated fans and they demand credible information and insightful stories surrounding their favorite teams. That is what we set out to deliver to you twice a week in each issue. The sports reporters you will read in this section are dedicated to delivering accurate and timely news to our readers. We strive to be your go to source for the latest news from Wildcat Country.

In addition to what we publish in print, be sure to check out our website tnhonline.com/sports and follow us on Twitter @TNHSports for up to the minute news.

This year, we are going to be using multimedia formats to deliver the news in different mediums such as video reporting and podcasting.

The athletic teams at UNH are all very exciting and fun to follow. The men’s ice hockey team was ranked as one of the best in the nation all of last season, even spending a week ranked No. 1. The football team was a co-conference champion and is ranked No. 8 in the FCS Coaches Preseason Poll. There is hardly a dull moment for UNH sports and sometimes it is hard to keep up.

So have a seat, read a few articles and spend some time with us. We’ll always have the latest news right here on these pages.

Intramurals offers everyone a chance to play and compete

By MAX SULLIVAN STAFF WRITER

FILE PHOTO

Morgan Thatcher (15) and Destiny Tolliver (10) are two returning seniors and will need to be strong leaders for the young team.

Whether you’re a freshman who’s new to intramural sports or a senior who’s eager for one last run with their broomball team before they graduate, Campus Recreation’s intramural sports program offers students an opportunity to play a sport in a relaxed setting. The focus is not only on competition, but also socializing INTRAMURALS continued on Page 19

MEN’S SOCCER

Wildcats look ahead to fall season with high expectations

By ROBERT WILSON STAFF WRITER

As the summer begins to turn to fall, that only means one thing for UNH men’s soccer head coach Rob Thompson: a new season and a new start. After a subpar performance from the Wildcats last season, the team looks to progress in the right direction.

Last year, the Wildcats finished the regular season at 7-7-6 and came as close as they could to claiming an American East conference title by losing 4-2 in penalty kicks against UMBC. Even though the team lost plenty of key players from the previous senior class of that season, the team has added 11 newcomers for this season in place of the eight players lost.

With the preseason just beginning,

Thompson needs to get a grasp on what this team is going to be like.

“It is really hard to tell with what our expectations are, because the season is so new, and we have a lot of new guys here to compete,” Thompson said.

Thompson expects the team to be competitive, and to get better each and every day on and off the field.

“We expect to get better. We will have 11 competitive starters day in and day out, but I and the rest of the coaching staff needs to see what we have to do before the season starts,” Thompson said.

Teams are built around an identity, and right now this upcoming team has yet to dig at a foundation because the season is just so new. Thompson highly emphasizes individual leadership within the team, because in order to be successful, everyone needs to bring something

to the table.

When asked if any players stand out to Thompson for the upcoming season, he simply could not single out any player.

“Everyone can bring something, and each one has their strengths and that’s what we need them to do in order to be competitive. As a team we need to build off one another’s strengths and learn from each other,” Thompson said.

A lot of unknowns are still present but, in time, through practice, scrimmages and pre-season matchups, a better judgment at where this team stands will be decided then.

Rob Thompson is very pleased with the sophomore class entering this season and feels that they are ahead of everyone M SOCCER continued on Page 19

FILE PHOTO

Senior Ugochukwu Uche plays the ball against Albany.