EMORY, Va. – The Emory & Henry Men's Soccer Team is "up for the challenge" in 2011. This season, the Wasps have a new coaching staff, a new roster and a new attitude which first-year Head Coach Nathan Kish believes will translate into a new culture of E&H men's soccer.

"Our preseason prep has been good and our main goal is to get better every day," said Kish. "We are focusing on the everyday process of accomplishing our goals and not so much on the goals themselves. If we continue to get better every day, over the course of the season I think that we will be a much better soccer team."

The Wasps this year will rely on the experience of a core group of returning players bolstered by the talents of a large recruiting class.

Senior Brian Butler (Shelby, N.C.) will be counted on to be a leader from his central defense position. "Brian has a big game presence and is a voice for us on the field. He has the experience to know what works and what doesn't work," commented Kish.

Senior P.J. Henson (Charlotte, N.C.) will be back this fall after missing last season due to an injury. Henson is a go-to player for the Wasps and the team will look to him to be one of the top offensive threats. Also returning is sophomore Seb Marley (Worster, ENGLAND), who was named All-ODAC honorable mention from his midfield position in 2010.

Will Bodfish (Morganton, N.C.), Jon Bruno (Mooresville, N.C.), Heath Culbreth (Tryon, N.C.) and Brock Hanna (Marion, Va.) will all be counted on for their experience and skill to help lead E&H this year.

Emory & Henry will also count on the talents of their newest crop of freshmen and transfers to help spur the team to a successful season. The Wasps' goalkeeping position is up for grabs as all three goalkeepers are in their first year in blue and gold. Junior transfer Justin Spencer (Statesville, N.C.) played two seasons at Division II Mars Hill College and has the edge coming out of fall camp, but freshmen Micah Varner (Charlotte, N.C.) and Seth Drummond (Tampa, Fla.) will both push for playing time.

Some other standout freshmen are forward Konner Dozark (Tampa, Fla.), who plays big and has a nice touch with his left foot and the ability to score goals, Cody Gregory (Charlotte, N.C.) and Drew Rasberry (Raleigh, N.C.).

Though the Wasps are picked last in the ODAC Preseason Coaches' Poll, Kish believes that a commitment to consistency will help E&H surprise plenty of people this season. "The top three or four teams in the league have separated themselves because they have been stable for a number of years," commented Kish. "We know what we want to do; if we possess the ball and commit to defense, then opportunities will open up for us and we will be able to climb the ladder in the league."

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