University of the Ozarks Archives

Ozarks looking to Repeat History

August 30, 2019

Michael Harris leads the Eagles into the 2019 season. — Photo by Ozarks Sports Information

CLARKSVILLE – The men’s cross country team made history last season and hope for more succes in 2019.

The program had its first-ever NCAA III national qualifier. Junior Nathan Rankin qualified for nationals after receiving an at-large bid following his performance at the NCAA III regional race.

Rankin, who’s fastest 8K time of the season was 25:28.5, is one of a number of standout runners on the team.

Senior Michael Harris is a two-time All-Conference runner and senior Jonathon Wood has made his mark on the program.

A large junior class fuels even higher expectations for the program, according to head coach Heidi Pinkerton.

“The men’s team is looking strong and they are ready to accomplish big goals this season. We want to win conference and finish among the top-10 at Regionals. We are hoping both Nathan and Michael qualify for Nationals. Jacob and Kenny are strong freshman who can help us achieve our goals. The guys are pushing each other in training.”

Head Coach Video Interview: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dRz4bTHtSFY

Returners: Dakota Fritts (Jr.), Michael Harris (Sr.), Jaeden Miller (Jr.), Nathan Rankin (Jr.), Edwin Rivera (Jr.), Jonathon Wood (Sr.), Aaron Capehart (Sr.), Misael Perez (So.), Petron Brown (So.)

Newcomers: Kenny Fernandez (Fr.), Jacob Mills (Fr.), Francisco Pina (Fr.), Keeshon Towles (Fr.)

Fastest 8K time in 2018: Nathan Rankin (25:28.5)

Individual Championships in 2018: Michael Harris (Arkansas D-III Championship), Michael Harris (U of O Invitational)

Highest Team Finish in 2018: 1st (Arkansas D-III Championships) and 1st (U of O Invitational)

Coach Pinkerton Quote:
“We want to win conference and finish among the top-10 at Regionals.”

2018 Post-Season: NCAA III Nationals, NCAA III Regionals, American Southwest Conference Championships

2018 National Qualifier: Nathan Rankin (So.)

2018 NCAA III Regional Finish: 19 of 33

2018 ASC Championship Finish: 4th of 12

2018 NCAA III Regional Participants: Nathan Rankin, Michael Harris, Juan Sanchez, Dakota Fritts, Luis Garcia, Jaeden Miller, Edwin Rivera

2018 Conference Awards: Nathan Rankin (All-Conference First Team), Michael Harris (All-Conference First Team)

2018 National Awards: Nathan Rankin (All-Region), Michael Harris (All-Region)

2018 ASC Runner of the Week: Nathan Rankin (twice)

2019 Schedule
August
31 Early Bird Eagles Opener (Arkansas D-III Championships)

SEPTEMBER
14 University of the Ozarks Invitational
21 at Rhodes College Invitational @ Memphis, Tenn.

OCTOBER
5 at NCAA III Pre-Nationals @ Louisville, Ky.
19 at Little Rock Invitational @ Little Rock

NOVEMBER
2 at ASC Championships @ Abilene, Texas
16 at NCAA III Regionals @ Memphis, Tenn.
23 at NCAA III Nationals @ Louisville, Ky.

Ozarks rebuilding with Newcomers

August 29, 2019

By OZARKS SPORTS INFORMATION

Star player Richard Souffrant is the team's leading scorer heading into the 2019 season. — *Ozarks sophomore* Richard Souffrant. Photo by OZARKS SPORTS INFORMATION

CLARKSVILLE – The University of the Ozarks men’s soccer team lost seven starters from a year ago, but the 2019 Eagles could be even more dynamic behind a talented and diverse core of incoming players.

The Eagles feature players from six different countries to form a strong nucleus for fourth-year head coach Aaron Brueckner.

After a tough start to the 2018 season, the Eagles rebounded into an American Southwest Conference championship contender, qualifying for the playoffs.

“Last year was a great example in that we had a talented team with a lot of experience, but we started 0-6-1,” said Brueckner. “It took one big win, and then from there we got the results and were one of the top teams in the league. Sometimes you have to go through a difficult period to get to the greatness.”

All-Conference players Logan Valestin, Truman Hensley and Richard Souffrant return in 2019. Valestin, a junior two-year starter at goalkeeper, owned a 1.35 goals against average last season and posted two shutouts. Souffrant, a sophomore midfielder, scored six goals and recorded two assists. Hensley, a sophomore, is one of the top defensive players in the region.

“Logan is really maturing into that leadership role. He is doing a good job of leading by example. We are asking Truman to play a bigger role on the team. Richard had a wonderful year.” Brueckner is pleased with the way his team has come together. “Our biggest mission in the offseason was to be united and the guys have done that. With a young team comes inexperience. I have no doubt they will have each other’s back, but they will be tested at some point and will need to mature as a team. We need to deal with adversity in order to be successful this season.”

The playoff-rich program has advanced to the conference tournament all three years under Breuckner, but he and his staff are not focusing on post-season play. “We want to challenge our guys to go day-to-day with the best training session. We want them focused on the game at hand. We are not worried about the playoffs now. We are worried about getting better every day.”

Preseason Video Interview: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7JdWLH1Nj3U&feature=youtu.be

Returning Starters: Richard Souffrant (MF), Drew Mott (F), Truman Hensley (D), Logan Valestin(GK)

Newcomers: Anthony Herrera (GK), Giorgio Baudin (GK), Daniel Gomez (MF), Pedro Gallaga (F), Norlin Vicente (MF), Juan Cano (F), Charleus Emmanuel Ritch (F), Tapiwa Manhungo (F), Gaetan Jean Louis (F), Chris Reyes (MF), Alain Claude (D), Cade Mikish (D), Devin Pearson (D), Ruaya Zamora (MF), Jackson Rogers (F), Harry Hilton (D), Pierre Ronaldo De Theandre (MF), Sebastien Bathard (MF), Sebastian Rodriguez (GK)

2018 Top Goal Scorer: Richard Souffrant (6)

2018 Assist Leader: Richard Souffrant (2)

2018 Point Leader: Richard Souffrant (14)

All-Conference Players Returning: Logan Valestin, Truman Hensley, Richard Souffrant

2018 Record (ASC): 8-8-3 (6-4-1)

2018 Conference Finish: 5th

2018 Tournament: 1st round loss against East Texas Baptist University

Program Playoff Appearances: 16

Coach Brueckner Quote:
“Sometimes you have to go through a difficult period to get to the greatness.”

2019 Schedule

August
21 vs Ouachita Baptist University (exhibition)
24 vs Alumni Match (exhibition)
^30 – Nebraska Wesleyan University

September
^1 -Central College
7  vs Williams Baptist University
14 vs Ecclesia College
18 @ Hendrix College
21 @ Rhodes College
26 @ *Sul Ross State University
28 @ *Howard Payne University

October
3 vs *Concordia University Texas
5  vs *Mary Hardin-Baylor
10 @ *Hardin-Simmons University
12 @ *McMurry University
17 vs *LeTourneau University
19 vs %*East Texas Baptist University
24 vs *Louisiana College
26 vs *Belhaven University

Ozarks ties Fontbonne

August 30, 2019

By OZARKS SPORTS INFORMATION

GAME DETAILS
University of the Ozarks 0, Fontbonne University 0
Records: University of the Ozarks (0-0-1), Fontbonne University (0-0-1)
Friday, Aug. 30, 2019
Memphis, Tenn. | Rhodes Soccer Field

THE BASICS
The Eagles opened the 2019 season with a shutout against Fontbonne University Friday in Memphis. The Eagles created seven shots in the second half, but couldn’t find the back of the net. The Eagles’ defense held strong through 110 minutes and limited Fontbonne to four shots on goal. Rebecca Peterson led the Eagles with five shots. Three of her shots were on frame. The Eagles’ defense did not allow a shot in either overtime. The Eagles accounted for two shots in overtime.

SCORING SUMMARY None

KEY STATISTICS
Kiara Henry fought off 12 Fontbonne shots, with four saves, to record a shutout.

OZARKS STARTERS Kiara Henry, Joey Long, Madison Chaney, Breanna Aguilar, Rebecca Peterson, Christina Waddle, Jordan Phillippi, Skylar Brown, Kailey Barnes, Breezie Davis

OZARKS SUBSTITUTES Micaela Winters, Rebecca McCarron, Brittany Holt, Makayla Davis, Kaitlyn Slingsby, Terri Brown, Camyren Antu, Angelica Najera, Gracie Millar, Lara Wadle, Bre Constable, Faith Newgent, Hannah Smith, Vicky Villatoro

EAGLES’ NEXT MATCH
The Eagles will take on Rhodes College Saturday. Live coverage: https://portal.stretchinternet.com/rhodes/

Ozarks opens Season with Tie

August 30, 2019

By OZARKS SPORTS INFORMATION

GAME DETAILS
University of the Ozarks 3, Nebraska Wesleyan 3 (OT2)
Records: University of the Ozarks (0-0-1), Nebraska Wesleyan (0-0-1)
Friday, Aug. 30, 2019
Pella, Iowa | Kuyper Athletic Complex

THE BASICS
The Eagles battled back from a 3-1 first half deficit to end the match with a 3-3 tie against Nebraska Wesleylan in their season-opener. Drew Mott struck first as he netted a goal early to give the Eagles a 1-0 lead. Mott’s goal came in the 2nd minute. But Nebraska Wesleyan scored back-to-back goals in the 28th minute and then added another just before the half to hold a 3-1 advantage. Mott scored again in the 58th minute to trim the deficit to 3-2. The Eagles final goal came in the 64th minute. After a scoreless first overtime, the Eagles produced four shots in the second overtime. A header by Charleus Ritch and a shot later by Jackson Rogers were just off to keep the match alive. The Eagles ended with a slight 12-11 shots advantage.

SCORING SUMMARY1:33 – Drew Mott (Jackson Rogers assist)
27:08 – Nebraska Wesleyan (TEAM)
27:52 -Nebraska Wesleyan (Royce Austen)
42:19 – Nebraska Wesleyan (Luke Livingston)
57:23 – Drew Mott (assist Charleus Ritch)
63:47 – Ozarks (TEAM)

KEY STATISTICS
The Eagles battled back from a 3-1 first half deficit to end the match with a 3-3 tie. The Eagles scored first in the match as Drew Mott netted a goal within the first two minutes.

OZARKS STARTERS
Logan Valestin (GK), Jonathan Julmiste, Richard Souffrant, Peter Ralph Severe, Truman Hensley, Drew Mott, Charleus Emmanuel Ritch, Alain Claude, Tanner Young, Jackson Rogers, Sebastien Bathard

OZARKS SUBSTITUTES
Pedro Gallaga, Juan Cano, Gaetan Jean Louis, Chris Reyes

EAGLES’ NEXT MATCH
The Eagles will take on Central College Sunday at 1 p.m. Live Coverage at: https://portal.stretchinternet.com/central/#