Lehigh University Athletics
Seniors ready to leave it all on the field
10/30/2009 12:00:00 AM | Men's Soccer
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BETHLEHEM, Pa. – Friday night’s home game against Army will not only mark the final one of the Lehigh men’s soccer teams season, but also the final home game for its five seniors. Over the last four seasons Adam Gazda, Christopher Varga, Adam Welch, Alex Weisberger and Jesse Schram have helped the Mountain Hawks win a total of 37 games and make an NCAA Sweet 16 appearance.
“Senior night is always bitter sweet for me as I find it difficult to come to terms that their Lehigh careers are coming to an end and of course, none of us ever want the season to end,” head coach Dean Koski said.
These five seniors want to go out on top this final season, but they know there are still two games left to be played and here is what they said about playing their final home game for the Brown and White:
Adam Welch: “It means a lot. It is the culmination of all the hard work that we’ve done for the last four years. It’s been a lot of fun to play with some of my best friends.”
Christopher Varga: “It’s going to be a bitter sweet night. It culminates a great four years of an experience that I’ll never forget.”
Jesse Schram: “I’m very excited for it, but a little sad. This is the last time I will get to play at Lehigh with this group of guys.”
Alex Weisberger: “It meant a lot to be a part of this program for four years. I’ve put in a lot of time and it’s going to be an exciting night. We have to focus on the game and get a win.”
Adam Gazda: “It is cool to celebrate being in the program for four years. We’ve all put forth a ton of time and effort. Recognizing the guys that have stuck with it is special.”
Welch, a defender, has started in all 68 of the games he has played during his career. He is enjoying his most successful season offensively in 2009 as he leads the team in assists (5) and points (11). For his career Welch has been named to the second team All-Patriot League twice (2007,2008).
Varga, a goalkeeper for the Mountain Hawks has played in six games during his Lehigh career including making two starts last season. Whenever coach Koski calls on Varga he is ready to step up to the challenge and get the job done. As an industrial engineering major he has received numerous academic accolades during his time with the Brown and White.
Weisberger, a midfielder, has seen action in 40 games during his Lehigh career. With only one career start, Weisberger has come off the bench and provided Lehigh with valuable minutes in every game that he has played in. As a finance major he has been named to the Academic Honor Roll twice during his time at Lehigh.
Schram has been a staple in the Mountain Hawks midfield for four years. He has started in all 68 of the games he has played, which includes making 20 starts his freshman season. Schram was named to the All-League Second Team his sophomore season. Even though he has enjoyed a very successful career on the pitch, most of his damage has been done in the classroom. Last season he was named to the NSCAA Scholar All-East team honorable mention and he has been on the Academic Honor Roll in all of his first six semesters.
Gazda, a three-time captain for the Mountain Hawks has been another force in the midfield for the Brown and White. He has amassed 37 career points and has been an unquestioned leader for Lehigh. During his five years he was a first team All-Patriot League selection twice and last season he earned a spot on the second team All-Mid Atlantic Region.
“This is a very distinctive group of young men who have all given so much to our program and university,” Koski added. “They’re great athletes, great students and great teammates.”
With only two games left in the season the Mountain Hawks control their own destiny when it comes to making the Patriot League Tournament. With seven points they sit alone in fourth place and two consecutive wins would get them in. All five seniors still know there is unfinished business left to accomplish and that is winning a Patriot League Championship.
“The goal is winning a Patriot League Championship and we haven’t gotten there yet,” Welch said. “Winning the championship has been the ultimate goal all four years and we know how much it would mean for everyone.”
Gazda added, “We have to take it one game at a time and it will start against Army. We will do everything in our power to make the playoffs and then do everything we can to win the championship.”
No matter what happens in the last two games for Lehigh, it is clear that these five will leave a lasting impact on the program.
“I’m hopeful that they will find it within themselves these final two games and impose their competitive will, as seniors, on this young team,” Koski said. In the meantime I am optimistic that this team, behind the influence of the seniors will find a way into the playoffs.”
The action kicks off tonight at 7 p.m. at the Ulrich Sports Complex. If you can’t make it out to the game make sure to visit Lehighsports.com for a free broadcast of the game.
