Men's Soccer Practice Report #1
The Mars Hill men's soccer team is working on team chemistry in their first few teams of practice for the 2014 season.
MARS HILL, N.C. - If there's one word that describes the main theme of the first few days of practice for the Mars Hill men's soccer team, its unity. Getting an existing group of players and a group of newcomers on the same page can be instant, or a long process. If the first few days of practice are any indication, this year's group of Lions could have a brief transition period.
"We finished our fourth practice earlier this afternoon," head coach Gary Hamel said. "A big focus thus far has been playing together and jelling as a team. Overall, I'm happy with our fitness level; the guys have come out and been in good shape. We've had good effort thus far."
Hamel's message seems to have taken root with his players.
"Our first few practices have been excellent," senior midfielder Alex Mullen said. "We're working on jelling together as one group. The freshmen are trying to find their place and the seniors have helped get them settled in. There's been a lot of good competition."
According to Mullen, there's one hurdle that each player is facing that has the ability to bring them together. "Our team has a lot of international players as well as a good number of newcomers, but all of us can relate to being away from home and what that experience is like. As a team, we're trying to be together as much as possible, so far we have a strong level of chemistry.
The Lions will continue with two-a-days this weekend before a Blue/Gold scrimmage at 11 a.m. Monday. The team will travel to Milligan on Wednesday evening for an exhibition match. Mars Hill opens the 2014 season on Sunday, September 7 against Limestone at 2 p.m.
