Soccer: Welcome

Men’s Soccer Overview (2004)

The 2004 men’s soccer team is in uncharted waters, as the program has reached an apex level of competition and subsequent goals. Head Coach Chris Cissell (WJC ’94) has masterfully recruited a team based on speed and ball skill, but each player has a strong personality with instilled leadership traits. The work ethic of the men’s team is unchallenged by any and the camaraderie will help lead the squad on and off the field of play. This unit works in sync together, is focused and driven as a whole, and represents William Jewell College proudly.

Upperclassmen pave the way for the Cardinals, led by NAIA All-American’s Blake Ryan (Senior, midfielder) and Michael Patton (Senior, goalkeeper). Jeremy Snowden (Senior, forward) and Allan Nekuda (Junior, forward) return as starters up top, while the defense is anchored by returnee’s Brian Shields (Senior, defender), Tyler Nash (Senior, defender), and Kurt VanPelt (Junior, defender). Jake Wyllie (Junior, midfielder) and Dustin Green (Junior, midfielder) are key organizers on the field as well. Incoming first year students Kevin Nekuda (midfielder), Josh Howard (defender), John Barber (forward), Jacob Patton (midfielder), and Clint Wyllie (midfielder) will be great contributors to the seasoned team as well. Tony Porto (midfielder) is also in his senior year and junior midfielder Mark Blankenship enters his third campaign.

“Our roster is compiled with not only great players, but great people,” Coach Cissell said. “Passion and pride is so important in soccer and in life and these players have it. It is an honor to lead them and we will work hard to achieve our objectives, represent our school well, and ultimately take this program to a point never before seen at Jewell.”

This year’s schedule is extremely difficult, but Coach Cissell, with assistants Johnny Chain and Rob Thomson, has never backed down from a challenge. Jewell plays six of the top nine nationally ranked teams, but all in preparation for the tough Heart of America Conference and Region V. WJC enters the season with a #19 ranking in the country; the highest ever in the history of the men’s program. Also, the team will host the 2004 Men’s NAIA Soccer Championships in Olathe, KS from November 17-23.