The Gators faced top teams from all over the western United States, some traveling as far from Alaska and Hawaii to compete in the race.
The men's squad finished in 11 out of 20 with 314 points in their 10K race.
The women's team kept their results pretty consistent to where they have been all year, finishing 13 out of a possible 24 teams scoring 339 points in their 6K race.
On the men's side, the Gators had strong performances from freshman Brian Trejo, and juniors Ryan Raya and Kyle Fujitsubo, all finishing within a minute of each other in a tight pack. Trejo, Raya and Fujitsubo also placed 48, 49 and 51 out of 131 runners, respectively.
"I think we did well," Trejo, who finished with a time of 33:40.2, said. "It shows we have a lot of potential for next year and I wouldn't be surprised if we finished out in the top 10 in the region for next year."
"We finished where we expected to," Fujitsubo, who finished with a time of 33.51, said. "Brian and Ryan ran great races. I felt slow but we all put it together."
Raya finished second for the Gators, recording a time of 33:40.4. "I felt great -- very strong," Raya said. "The course had fast down hills which made you work even harder for the up hills."
Head Cross Country Coach Tom Lyons was satisfied with the men's performance. "We finished about where we were hoping to finish," he said. "Brian, Kyle and Ryan kept it together and had good days. I was pleased with where the remaining guys finished as well."
The women's top runners were Brittany Garrett and Tanya Ferreira. Garrett finished 34 out of 161 runners with a time of 22:48.6, while Ferreira finished 41 clocking a time of 22:57.6.
"Brittany had the best race she has had at SF State," Pete Cushman, assistant coach, said. "Tanya did it again and was very consistent."
"I felt I did ready good and better than the last race I had here," Garrett, senior, said. "The team did well and it was a beautiful day to run."
Lyons expressed his pride for his senior runner Garrett.
"Brittany finished off her season/career with a fantastic race," he said.
Behind Garrett was Ferreira, the Lady Gator's iron horse for the 2009 season. "I felt OK, I was sick last week so it was a gamble to see how today was going to play out," Ferreira said.
From here, the cross country teams practice for two more weeks. Those who will participate in track and field, will take a week off and than come back to prepare for the track and field season.
Top team honors went to Chico State in the men's competition and Alaska Anchorage took first in the women's race.
]]> class=2009fLisbet Sunshine -- a 45-year-old mother of three and SF State's head of government relations -- qualified for her fifth Olympic trial last year.
And when most are still asleep, Sunshine rises by 5 a.m. for her daily workouts.
"Most mornings, I get it all done before I come to work," Sunshine said.
When her workouts are complete, she dashes to SF State by 7 a.m., where she works with elected officials from the state, local and federal governments to secure grants for the University. Sunshine recently secured $750,000 from the federal government for SF State's school of nursing -- all done without breaking a sweat.
"The job entails that I secure more financial aid and instill direct policy to help students complete college," Sunshine said.
A Yale University alumna and English major, Sunshine was not always a successful marathon runner.
"I didn't run in college," Sunshine said. "The only sports I took part in were rugby and sailing because they involved drinking beer."
Sunshine got involved in the sport of marathon running post-college, roughly 20 years ago. Her journey brought her to Boston, Mass., in 2008, where Sunshine qualified for her fifth Olympic trial. She placed 78th out of 161 runners, notching a time of 2:47:57.
"I wanted to start exercising and be able to eat as much as I could," she said. "I entered a local race 20 years ago and realized the longer the distance, the better I was."
Today, Sunshine is a member of the San Francisco Impala Racing Team. The team consists of eighty post-collegiate women between the ages of 22-75 and competes on a regular basis.
"I have been involved with the Impalas for 20 years. It keeps me motivated," Sunshine said.
The Impalas meet twice weekly for team workouts and track training that are geared to prepare the runners toward competing in a variety of distances.
"It's pretty amazing at how she can juggle so much," Pete Cushman, assistant coach to the Impalas, said. "She is a good runner because of her consistency, durability, work ethic and talent. She has an abundance of all her qualities and her achievements are remarkable."
Cushman also serves as the assistant coach for the SF State men's and women's cross country teams.
"She's inspirational in terms of her racing ability and she's incredibly competitive," Karen Ribble, president of the Impalas, said. "She's really contributed a lot to the team."
The contribution Ribble speaks of comes on and off the pavement. Having spent over 20 years on the Impalas, Sunshine has spent countless hours with her teammates, which have lead to her establishing close friendships. These friendships somehow or another always make their way back to running.
Awaking at 5:40 a.m. every Monday, both Sunshine and Ribble, along with other teammates, meet at the corner of Pacific Avenue and Arguello Boulevard for an hour-long run.
"There's really no one else in your life that you spend an uninterrupted hour with," Ribble said, who is in ninth year on the Impalas. "Rain or shine, we've been running like this for about five or six years."
Through her 20-plus years of running competitively, Sunshine has competed in 18 marathons throughout her lifetime.
"She is very dedicated and has an incredible capacity to juggle her work, life and running," said Sunshine's husband of 12 years, Stuart. The couple met at City Hall where Stuart worked for San Francisco Mayor Frank Jordan and Lisbet worked for a city supervisor Bill Maher. "She is the most dedicated, strongest person I have ever come across. She is an incredible mother, friend and athlete."
When Sunshine doesn't have a phone glued to her ear or isn't qualifying for the Olympics, she spends the free time she has with her three children, Eric, Lulu and Mats, her husband Stuart and her dog Cosmo. But for this busy lady, time -- just like on the track -- is not something she has an abundance of.
"Between my work, with being on the phone and e-mail all day, there are a lot of balls in the air," she said. "The morning runs allow me to clear my head and get in some good thinking time."
With the busy schedule however, Sunshine still gets a few moments every now and then to tinker with the cooler things in life.
"I just got an iPhone," she said. "So learning all the fun things it does is taking up some of my time."
On Oct. 30, the visiting Wildcats held the Gators to a scoreless double overtime draw, forcing the Gators to come up with a win on Nov. 1 and hope for a Chico loss or draw. Unfortunately, the opposite ensued, with Chico winning in overtime against CSU Monterey Bay and the Gators falling in the closing minutes of regulation to Cal State Stanislaus.
"It was disappointing," said women's soccer Head Coach Jack Hyde of Sunday's 1-0 loss. "We played well, but couldn't put one in."
Friday's match against Chico was riddled with intensity as both teams fought for the top spot in the CCAA North.
Both teams had chances to pull ahead but unyielding defense kept the score sheet clean throughout the match. The Gators' closest chance came early in the second half, when freshman and top goal scorer Katie Voss rattled the goal from 20 yards out with a shot off the left post. In the final 30 seconds of the match, Gators freshman keeper Annicia Jones made a tremendous save, keeping Sadi' Stouder's shot from curling into the top right corner of the goal.
"I don't think I've ever had my adrenaline rushing that much," said junior and co-captain Carly Bliss. "It was so intense."
The SF State women's soccer team ended its 2009 season without the results needed to keep their postseason hopes alive. Despite the disappointing weekend, the Gators looked back on the last two months with positivity and satisfaction.
On Sunday, the Gators needed the results of both their match and Chico's match to tilt in their favor. With news of Chico's overtime win reaching the Gators' sideline shortly before kickoff, the focus shifted to the departing senior trio who would take the field in SF State jerseys for the last time. Alex Emanuel, Zoila Marquez, and Rachel Lauderdale were honored in a pre-match ceremony, along with the seniors on the opposing team.
Sunday's loss ended up not being the determining factor in the Gator's quest for postseason glory, and afterward, the team was thankful to have ended the season so close to the top of the table, tied for second place with Sonoma State.
"After September, I don't think anyone was expecting us to be in a situation where the last two games could've put us in first place," sophomore defender Tamerra Griffin said.
In September, the Gators went on a five game losing streak that extended into the first week of October before they completely turned their season around. A draw against Chico in October was the beginning of what seemed like a whole new team dynamic. The Gators went on to win five games straight, putting them in title contention.
"We're fortunate to have even been in (the title race)," Hyde said.
The Gators now move on to winter and spring training in hopes of coming back even stronger next year. "We're only losing three players," Hyde added.
Despite being unable to repeat last season's feat of capturing the CCAA North title, returning members are still holding their heads up.
"This isn't the end," Griffin said.
]]> class=2009fThe new-look Gators went 2-1 in their three games Halloween weekend, and were crowned co-champions next to the Magic Kingdom.
"All the teams we played were solid. I think what these two wins does is give us some feel of confidence," Bill Treseler, head coach, said. "We know we still have a long way to go to get where we want to be."
Junior guard Phoenix O'Rourke was named to the All-Tournament Team, averaging about 11 points and five rebounds per game.
"It gives me a little confidence, but that's not our main focus," O'Rourke said. "I won't feel satisfied until we win league here."
SF State's two victories were keyed by their defense, holding eight-time Division II national champions Kentucky Wesleyan to 53 points in their first win, while allowing their second opponent's offense, Grand Canyon, to score a meager 58 points.
"Defensively, playing hard all the time and not letting them penetrate were our main focus," O'Rourke said.
As with the their victories, the Gators' defense, or lack thereof, was their downfall in their last game of the tournament against Western Washington. SF State was out-rebounded 40-29, and were stifled offensively, only mustering 52 points in the loss.
Junior guard Marquel Hoskins, who led the Gators in scoring against Western Washington with 13 points, cited a lack of offensive consistency as one of the key factors in the defeat.
"Offensively we weren't hitting our shots," Hoskins said. "They played a different style of defense than the other teams we played."
The other champions of the tournament were the two teams the Gators defeated in their two victories, Western Washington and Kentucky Wesleyan. The two squads mirrored SF State with a 2-1 record.
SF State will look to continue preserve its winning record when it treks to Colorado Nov. 20 and 21 to play in the Adams State Bankers Classic basketball tournament.
]]> class=2009fBut the search for the final "W" of the season failed, as the Gators lost and tied a game a piece in their final weekend of play at home. The Gators ended their season on Oct. 30, first losing 4-1 to the Chico State Wildcats and then ending tied with Cal State Stanislaus 1-1 on Nov. 1.
"Two evenly matched teams fighting for pride and that's what you get, a tie," Wes Whitt, senior, said about the second match.
In hosting Chico in their first game, neither team scored in the first half. The Wildcats, howeve,r broke the tie in the 56th minute, when Zach Bradford connected on goal off a pass from Ryan Nevarez. Chico doubled their lead just minutes later, when Evan Armstrong scored off a pass from Kyle Crain.
Mounting some momentum, the Gators struck back a minute later, when Dylan Glass found Josh Kuluris for the header.
But the Wildcats squashed any comeback attempt when Chris Akwaja slipped past the defense and kicked in their third goal. Armstrong headed in his second score of the game for the fourth and final goal, giving the Wildcats the 4-1 victory.
The Gators played most of the game with a 10-9 player disadvantage due to penalty calls. The first call against the Gators came first half, when Edgar Villagrana jumped up to try and gain control possession for SF State. Villagrana knocked over Chico State's Luis Martinez, and was promptly given a red card.
The second call came in 66th minute when Jonathan Sanz picked up his second yellow card, when he apparently tripped over the goalkeeper and both players were given yellow cards.
"We got screwed," Head Coach Joe Hunter said after the game.
In their final game against Cal State Stanislaus, the Gators scored first when, in the 29th minute, Charles Conway found senior Robert Maeda for his first goal of the season from three yards away.
But just seven minutes later, CSUS tied the game at one when Victor Regaldo knocked in a rebound in front of the goal past goalkeeper Mike McNeil.
The game remained tied and the Gators headed for their eighth overtime game of the season.
In the overtime period, the Gators had a chance for the winning goal when Spencer Schwandt tried to cross a ball in front of the Warriors' goal. The pass hit a defender and ricocheted towards the goal but hit the post, ending the game in a draw.
"We had the chance to win at the end," Hunter said. "We would have liked to have won but it didn't happen."
"I thought we could have pulled out the win," McNeil said. "But a draw is better than a loss."
The Gators finish the season with a record of 3-9-4 in CCAA play, and 6-10-4 overall.
Senior Day:
The Gators had six seniors who played their emotional last game on Nov. 1 against Cal State Stanislaus.
Wes Whitt, Gabriel Chavez, Silvestre Arias, Dylan Glass, Robert Maeda and Spencer Schwandt are the six Gators whom the younger players had to say goodbye to. Many embraced and exchanged handshakes after the game.
"These guys started this thing four years ago, and got this program back to respectability," said Head Coach Joe Hunter. "We're going to miss them."
"It hasn't really hit me yet, next week I'll be wondering why I am not practicing," Whitt said. "This has been the best four years of my life, and it has helped me mature as a person."
]]> class=2009fIn competing at the CCAA Championships in McKinleyville, CA on Oct. 24, both the men's and women's squads failed to collectively finish in the top five in their respected races but had individual bright spots for the SF State Cross Country program.
On the women's side, Tanya Ferreira continued her very impressive 2009 season finishing 21st out of 100 runners with a time of 23:48.9 in her 6K race.
"Tanya had a great race, highest finish in the last five years at SF State and 20 seconds back from all conference. We were lucky to have her leading the way," Pete Cushman, assistant coach, said. "She ran strong and patient on a course that was not easy."
The lady Gators finished 7th out of 11 teams earning 162 points.
"The course had a lot of wet grass and hills which made it difficult but fun," Ferreira said. "I felt strong and fast during the race so I was happy. Hopefully we can be 10th in the region for the next race and we are closing in on Humboldt."
The women's squad finished 16 points behind Humboldt State, a team the Gators have in their crosshairs for the NCAA DII West Regional's, which will be hosted in San Francisco.
Despite finishing 6th out of 7 teams, individuals from the men's squad stood out. The men's 8k race brought excitement to their future with freshman Brian Trejo individually finishing first for the Gators in back-to-back meets. Trejo finished 25th out of a total 68 runners with a time of 26:41.9.
"Brian has been extremely consistent for a freshman and has turned out to be more that we could ask for," Cushman said.
Trejo has had a very successful year for the Gators making the transition from High School running to the longer distance at the collegiate level.
"Brian ran really well again, I thought I had a better race in me and as a team we didn't do as well as we had hoped," team captain Kyle Fujitsubo said.
Finishing behind Trejo was Fujitsubo who clocked a time of 26:49.9.
"Kyle has been Mr. Constancy," Cushman said. "He handled the hills well and ran a good race. Kyle and Brian I would say are the most disciplined runners I have seen coaching here at San Francisco State."
Both men's and woman's squads have two weeks rest until the NCAA DII West Regional's at Speedway Meadow in Golden Gate Park on Nov. 7 at 9 a.m.
"I think we will do much better at regionals, we know the course and this last week we got a gauge who we need to run with," Fujitsubo said.
]]> class=2009f"I'm really sad. I love everyone and it's going to be weird to me, because I've been a volleyball player my whole life," said Perkins, 21, who will be graduating in less than three months. "It's bittersweet. For the next captain, I would just tell her to have fun while it lasts and live it up."
But as one great athlete leaves the team, another must carry the torch and responsibility of leader. One player who may succeed Perkins next season is freshman defensive standout Iris Tolenada.
"I think my performance will lead me to the captain position because setters have to be a leader on and off the court," said Tolenada, 18. "I want to be a better teammate by pushing someone else in the gym so they get better also; I want to see people at their full potential."
With key players such as Perkins and Tolenada, it's no miracle the Gator Women's Volleyball Team is ranked eighth in the region.
Barely two years old, SF State's volleyball team has fought its way to a solid position in the NCAA west. Though Tolenada and Perkins aren't the team's only tough players, they have stood out this season. Perkins thus far has notched a team-high 361 kills while also being named the CCAA's athlete of the week for Sept. 14-20. Tolenada has also left her mark on the defensive side of the net, recording 270 digs, currently the second highest on the team.
"Iris and Beth keep the game at a high level which allows them to play 100 percent," head coach Michelle Patton said.
As the lone senior and captain on the team, Perkins has had to play the leadership role in helping bring the team to a victorious season. Thus far, she has led her teammates to a 17-7 record, eclipsing last season's 13 total wins. She was last season's captain as well.
"Beth has been one of the most persistent players -- outside hitter is the go-to position and everyone knows when she's getting the ball," Patton said. "It's her last shot, she's the only senior and she wants to end on a high note."
Born into a family of coaches, Perkins has always been focused on the game.
"She was always an intense little kid," Teresa Perkins, Beth's mother, said. "We had to slow her down. She's crazy steady -- kind of machinist, and she comes to play every time."
For some, Perkins' title of captain comes as no surprise, as she has already earned her bachelor's degree in liberal studies while keeping her team focused.
"She handles stress really well," Teresa said. "When times get tough and difficult, she seems to be able to balance it and can handle it."
As for Tolenada succeeding Perkins as captain, nothing is set in stone, but her dedication to helping her teammates and her strong will may ultimately help her reach her goals.
"She doesn't give up for anything. Nothing is 'no' to her," Janet Tolenada, Iris' mother, said. "When the team is losing, that's when she plays harder."
Tolenada's attitude, along with her role as the team's setter, may propel her to the lofty status of captain.
"Setters are usually natural leaders for the most part," Patton said. "The ability to handle pressure and be responsible is what I'm looking for in a captain."
These two women have shown true dedication in their academics and with their team.
Staying focused and driven plus being able to handle pressure from all angles is the equation for being a great athlete and a leader. That is something that both the senior and freshman embody.
"One of those things that is great about Iris and Beth is that they have that high volleyball IQ," Patton said.
]]> class=2009fvisual=true
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caption=As senior captain and star outside hitter Beth Perkins (right) prepares to finish up her Gator career, the leader looks to hand the reins of responsibility over to someone else. Stand-out freshman setter Iris Tolenada (left) has the role of team captain in her crosshairs.
pbyline=Karli McAllister
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]]>The Gators haven't had the best luck over their recent five-game losing streak; four of their five losses either came in overtime or in the last 10 minutes of the game. But this overtime was different.
In the 97th minute of play, Edgar Villagrana received a pass from Spencer Schwandt, he then slipped past a defender, and fired a shot from 18 yards out past the goalkeeper, Brenden Baca. The dog pile then ensued with the Gators bench sprinting onto the field to smother Villagrana in celebration of the 2-1 win.
"I got a good pass from Spencer, I had a chance to shoot it and it just went in," Villagrana said.
The goal was Villagrana's sixth of the season, and his second game-winning goal of the season.
The Gators took an early lead in the 27th minute of play when Sasha Chalak's header found the net, off a corner kick from Schwandt. The lead lasted until the 65th minute of play, when Beau Villanueva scored the equalizer to tie the game at 1.
In the overtime period, Gators goalkeeper Thomas Comer came up with two big saves, which allowed Villagrana to score the game-winner.
"It's a good feeling, we worked hard all week," Comer said. "It's a team effort; you have to trust the guys on the field."
The win improves the Gators' record to 3-8-3 in conference play, and 6-9-3 overall. Though the Gators are last in the CCAA north with two games left, head coach Joe Hunter was pleased with results.
"Glad we were able to get the monkey off our back. We kept plugging away," coach Joe Hunter said. "We deserve this win."
The Gators return to action on Oct. 30, 12:30 p.m. at Cox Stadium, to host Chico State.
]]> class=2009fvisual=true
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caption=Edgar Villagrana receives the ultimate honor - a dog pile. Despite being swamped by his mates, Villagrana lifted his team past a 5-game losing streak.
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]]>On Friday Oct. 23, the Gators traveled to CSUMB, where they inflicted a golden goal defeat on the Otters courtesy of Myriah Johnson, who connected on a Nicole Vanni cross in the final minutes of overtime. The tables were turned on Sunday, Oct. 25 though, as the Gators gave up a one-goal lead in the second half before falling in the first period of overtime to a goal from a free kick.
"We made some very basic errors that cost us dearly," coach Jack Hyde said. "(The coaching staff) expects more from the starters."
After such an impressive winning streak, the team was understandably frustrated and shocked by Sunday's overtime upset.
"I don't even know what to say," said junior captain Carly Bliss.
The Gators took an early lead when junior Sara Ordaz put in an unassisted shot from 20 yards out in the 18th minute. However, the Otters' Jessica Pardo would soon unravel the Gators when she equalized with less than 10 minutes of regulation time, blasting a one-touch shot from 25 yards out. In overtime, Pardo, unassisted for the second time, put in a free kick past SF State freshman keeper Annicia Jones.
Johnson, who scored the game-winning goal on Friday, was obviously frustrated. "I know I personally didn't play well enough, and I feel like that can have a big impact on the other players," she said.
Despite the up and down results, the Gators remain in CCAA North Championship contention, with two vital games coming this weekend. They are currently two points behind the leaders, Cal State Chico, who will be visiting SF State on Friday Oct. 30 in a do-or-die match for the Gators. If the Gators manage to win both Friday and Saturday's matches, the six points will guarantee them the CCAA North title for the second year in a row.
The first place teams from the CCAA North and South, along with the next two teams with the highest points from either division, will compete in the CCAA Championship tournament. Because the South division has had far fewer draws, the points are such that the Gators must clinch their division if they have any hopes of postseason glory.
On a positive note, it was a good weekend for the freshmen, with Nicole Vanni recording yet another goal and assist to bring her totals to three and four, respectively. Before Sunday, Vanni had two goals and three assists in three games. Katie Voss, who leads the team with six goals, recorded her first assist of the season on Friday.
The Gators are now 8-7-3 overall and 6-6-2 in conference play.
]]> class=2009fChemistry is now the team's main focus. With a large group of freshman coming in and seniors finishing, the divide is strong.
"It's about team chemistry and age shouldn't be a difference," said team captain Andrea Ohlssen, 22.
Split down the middle, Head Coach Joaquin Wallace's goals is putting everything and everyone together.
"We have aspirations of winning a conference," Wallace said. "We have to play hard in order to prove ourselves; I want other teams to say: 'Oh we're playing San Francisco State University.'"
Last season was one where the women faced a lack of team chemistry and bad vibes. Hoping to exercise these demons, the team plans to transform their past reputation into a tougher group of players by being more unified as a family. Two-hour practices are held five days a week where the girls are taught discipline and encouraged to have fun.
"Chemistry's gotten better, because we started early and got to know each other's personalities," added senior Donisha Tate, 21.
"We have very high expectations this year, because we have a boat load of seniors and I think it's really good, because the freshman will have a lot of people to look up to," first-year captain Dominique Hunter, 19 said.
This season's team is comprised of new individuals: eight freshman, seven seniors and recently hired top assistant coach, Blair Hardiek, former point guard and captain for the University of Missouri.
With a résumé of honored credentials, Hardiek can contribute to getting the team to the California Collegiate Athletic Association Conference championship.
"We're striving to make it further this year, hopefully making it to the championships," Tate said.
Coach Wallace is working on building his team to be more fundamentally sound.
"With bigger and older competition, our obstacles are understanding size, speed, and keeping up with the tempo; it's a huge adjustment."
The team will be traveling to Anaheim to compete in a three-day Disney Division II West Coast Tip-Off Classic. The Gators kick off the tourney Oct. 30 against Fort Lewis College at 2:30 p.m. The next two days, the women face the University of Southern Indiana and Western Oregon University.
Though the Gators tip off their season this Friday, the women are already focused on hosting their major rival Cal Poly Pomona on Jan. 22, in what may turn out to be their game of the year.
"We must match the intensity to other teams and compete every game," fifth-year coach Wallace said. "Every night is a rival for us."
]]> class=2009fhasauthor2=true
byline2=Sabrina Sanchez
byline2email=sabrina3@sfsu.edu
Men's Soccer
The Gators will have new starters at all five positions this year, making an early start to the season in Anaheim versus Kentucky Western that much more challenging. Unfortunately for the Gators, this earlier-than-usual start means it will be a trial by fire for the new-look squad.
Head coach Bill Treseler, however, insists that an early start to the season is no excuse to under-perform as a team.
"I think it's a big challenge. You can't complain or moan about it because every team's playing by the same rules," Treseler said. "The team that accepts the challenge will probably be the one to come out on top."
With so many new players, it will be up to returnees like Derek Fletcher to help mentor his new teammates and provide veteran leadership.
"We had great leaders last year with guys like Alex Thomas and Will Logan, and we want to do the same thing for these guys," Fletcher said.
What the Gators lack in experience, they definitely don't lack in confidence, which will be key for SF State in getting off to a good start to the season. Marquel Hoskins, a standout guard and transfer from Reedley College, knows just that, and says that he's ready for the challenge that lies ahead.
"I've been waiting for this for a long time. Now that it's finally here, everybody's going full gear," Hoskins said.
SF State's most daunting challenge this season, obviously, will be overcoming their inexperience as a squad. The few returning players from last year's team don't seem to be too worried, however.
"I think we'll be fine," said Phoenix O'Rourke, a returning junior. "All the new guys are juniors and there are a few freshmen. The freshmen are really smart and the juniors are even smarter. We're already meshing great."
The Gators will also have to find a way to fill the scoring void left by last year's starters Robert Hayes and Alex Thomas who averaged 15.9 and 13.4 ppg, respectively. Treseler admitted he had confidence in the new and returning players to fill that void well and doesn't expect a drop off in production because of the turnover of talent.
"I have high expectations. I don't look at this as a year where we have to step back," Treseler said. "With the new players we brought in and the attitude we're seeing from them, this can be a very competitive team."
SF State will look to use their speed and athleticism to overcome their youth and overall inexperience. If newcomers like forward Tim Pratt and Hoskins are able to digest the offensive and defensive schemes in a timely manner, something Hoskins has said he's had no problems doing, it will give the Gators more time to gel as a team and focus on making a postseason push.
Basketball history has shown youthful confidence can only carry a team so far before inexperience kicks in, so it will be up to the Gators to show that their youthful enthusiasm can make up for their lack of veteran leadership and experience and match last season's success.
2008-2009 Overall Record: 14-14
CCAA Standing: 6th
Key Additions: Marquel Hoskins-PG, Aaron Trigg-G, Tim Pratt-F, Nefi Perdomo-G
Important Subtractions: Robert Hayes, Alex Thomas
Season Opener: Oct. 30, Disney Classic basketball tournament vs. Kentucky Wesleyan in Anaheim, Calif.
Home Opener: Nov. 21 vs. Western Washington University in the main gymnasium.
]]> class=2009f
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byline2=Alexis Terrazas
byline2email=aterrazas@sfsu.edu
Hyde, 65, has been coaching soccer for more than three decades and has come to hold the most tenure at SF State. Hyde has been a vital component in the creation of what is now a very respectable women's soccer program.
"Soccer is his one true passion," said Hyde's daughter, Melissa. Hyde coached for some of his daughter's teams, taking her U-16 traveling team to compete in England. "He loves watching the team grow and improve."
Hyde started coaching the men's soccer team in 1979. In addition to coaching, he taught courses in what was then the physical education department -- now the Department of Kinesiology. Hyde noticed many women on campus with an interest in soccer so he began organizing and, in 1982, was named head coach of both men's and women's soccer.
"Male or female, they're all soccer players," Hyde said.
In '94 the athletics department decided to split the soccer program in two to give each team more focus -- Hyde opted to take the women's team. Though he was still teaching classes, he was able to focus more time on recruitment and team building. Soon, he was no longer teaching but instead focusing all of his time on the women's program.
"I've always felt that no matter where or who you are, you do the best job with the situation you have," Hyde said.
And he's seemingly done just that, leading two conference championship teams in the last six seasons.
"The 'Hydester' demands a lot out of you, but that's why we had a successful season last year," said Robin Bowman, top goal scorer last season. "The captains were able to play a huge role in the team because he had prepared everyone so well early on." Bowman helped lead the Gators in becoming co-CCAA North Division Champions last season.
Apart from coaching, Hyde runs a youth summer camp in Oakland for boys and girls age 6-12 as well as coordinates National Soccer Coaches Association of America certification courses.
"It makes a tremendous difference when you participate in the same areas that you teach or coach," Hyde said. Before starting his coaching career, Hyde played on teams in England, South Africa, Canada, and the Bay Area. In 1971 he played for the San Franciscan outfit Sons of Italy.
As far as retirement goes, Hyde says he doesn't see that happening anytime soon. "The players keep me revitalized and constantly thinking, that's why I enjoy what I do so much.
"I feel fortunate to have been able to follow my dreams with soccer. I really can't stress enough how much I truly love what I do," he said.
Though his team got off to a shaky start this season - experiencing a seven game winless streak before rebounding with four confidence boosting wins in a row -- Hyde looks to guide the team to another CCAA North Division Championship. The Gators now stand in second place, just three points behind leaders Chico State.
"I ask myself, 'did I do the best job I could have?'" Hyde said. "And I look back on it all and I think, yea, I gave it a good shot."
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caption=Despite starting the season off on the wrong foot, Jack Hyde never stopped loving his job. His Gators are now in 2nd place in the CCAA North after 4 wins in a row.
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]]>SF State lost 2-1 in back-to-back games to Humboldt State and Sonoma State on Oct. 16 and Oct. 18, respectively.
The men's soccer team kicked off their first game against Humboldt initially leading before losing 2-1 with 13 seconds left in the first period of overtime. The match marked the fourth time in the last five games that the Gators have gone into overtime.
"We lost our edge," said defender Sasha Chalak, freshman. "They were getting to the ball faster than we were and they made better decisions than we did."
The Gators gained the lead in the 63rd minute when sophomore Antonio Ugarte's header found the net off a free kick from Chalak.
SF State held off the Lumberjacks with tenacious a defense led by juniors Josh Kuluris and goalkeeper Thomas Comer, who had seven saves. The Gators appeared destined to win, but with just six minutes left, Brandon Perrier found Josh Suggs off corner kick for the 1-1 equalizer.
Just 13 second from what seemed like an inevitable second overtime frame, Humboldt's Suggs found Lloyd Sinclair who scored the game-winning goal for the Lumberjacks.
"We got out worked in the second half and overtime," said Antonio Ugarte, freshman. "We weren't picking up our runners and giving too much room."
The Gators entered their first game without leading scorer injured senior Dylan Glass, as well as injured freshman keeper Mike McNeil who has made 9 starts and recorded 39 saves. Defender Wes Whitt was also out of action due to a yellow card suspension.
Whitt however, made his presence felt in SF State's second game against the Sea Wolves.
After trailing with just eight minutes into the game, Whitt lobbed a shot 15 yards out that went over Sonoma's goalie Brook Johnson.
The score remained tied until the 83rd minute when Ben Langwith took a free kick just outside the 18-yard box, ricocheting the ball in front of the goal. Gator defender Josh Kuluris appeared to have made the stop, but Sonoma's Taylor Jones rushed in and buried the game-winning goal.
"Josh Kuluris and I were communicating really well today," said defender Andrew Chansky, sophmore. "We need to do a better job of marking players inside the box."
The Gators were out-shot by Sonoma 23-9 for the game. The loss stretches the Gators winless streak to six, and extends their losing streak to four.
"It seems like late in the game we just make one mistake and the other team takes advantage of it," said defender Charles Conway, sophomore.
The loss drops the Gators to 5-8-3 overall, 2-7-3 in conference. The Gators will try to get back in the win column on Oct. 23, when they travel to Seaside to play Cal State Monterrey.
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