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2010 Outlook
When Gary Dunda accepted the position as Geneva College’s new head men’s soccer coach he was accepting the role of leading a team that won 15 games in 2009 and had ten starters returning for 2010. “It’s a pretty good place to start,” says Dunda. “I have been given a great opportunity at Geneva but what was accomplished in the past needs to be built upon to secure a brighter future.”
The Golden Tornadoes ended their season with a loss in the NCCAA east regional tournament for the third consecutive year. But with a 15-5 overall record a year ago, Geneva and Dunda are optimistic about the prospects for the new campaign. “There will certainly be a transition period for our guys to get used to the way we do things and for me to get to know our personnel. It is a tribute to the work that Todd (Beall) did during his time here. The program is in a very good place.”
Dunda will be teaming with his former teammate at Messiah College in Tim Edris on the sidelines. “It is exciting for both Tim and I to have the chance to coach together after playing together in college. Tim has been with the program for a few years and has a solid idea about where this program was and where it is headed.” Dunda has already relayed his theme for 2010 with the acronym “STAND” referring to “staying together and never doubt”. “I believe strongly in the team concept and with such a solid foundation in place, I am looking forward to this group coming together very quickly and taking the next step in the process of going from a really good team to a great team.”
The 2010 roster is littered with veteran players that include every field player from a year ago with the exception of just one. Six seniors comprised of Kenton Burckhart, Bruce Fox, Gabe Kleinert, Chris Morshl, Jeremy Peachey and Matt Weaver will lead the 2010 Golden Tornadoes on and off the field. “As a new coach, it is a comforting feeling to know we have so many guys that have been in the program for a few years and understand what it takes to be successful.”
The one question mark coming into the new season will be in between the posts. The Golden Tornadoes will need to fill that void in goal with sophomore Evan Biedenbach having an opportunity to do just that heading into the season. “Evan had a solid spring season and if he continues to progress will do a nice job this fall.”
While the core of the 2009 team returns this year, the Golden Tornadoes will look for added depth from a solid class of eight incoming freshmen. “I feel like a freshman myself,” says Dunda. “We are all in this together so I can sympathize with the new guys but I am very excited to see them in action and find out who will step up and contribute immediately. The idea that our program does not need to rely on much immediate help from first year players is also a tribute to where Geneva soccer has gone in recent years.”
“I am a builder not a demolisher,” says Dunda. “We can work to build on past successes and if we can get all the guys on board, it can be a great ride in 2010.”