Olivet College men’s soccer team releases 2012 schedule
Two conference champions and two teams that advanced to the NCAA Division III National Championships last year highlight Olivet College’s 2012 men’s soccer schedule, released today by Head Coach Chad Wiseman. The Comets will open their season Saturday and Sunday, Sept. 1-2, at the Rose-Hulman (Ind.) Institute of Technology Tournament.
OLIVET, Mich. – Two conference champions and two teams that advanced to the NCAA Division III National Championships last year highlight Olivet College's 2012 men's soccer schedule, released today by Head Coach Chad Wiseman. The Comets will open their season Saturday and Sunday, Sept. 1-2, at the Rose-Hulman (Ind.) Institute of Technology Tournament.
At Rose-Hulman, Olivet will play Franklin (Ind.) College Saturday, and then the host Engineers Sunday. After playing a night game Sept. 5 at Spring Arbor University, the Comets will host Case Western Reserve (Ohio) University in their home-opener Sept. 8. The Spartans won 2011 University Athletic Association (UAA) championship and advanced to the second round of the national tournament.
Olivet will welcome defending Michigan Intercollegiate Athletic Association (MIAA) champion and NCAA Division III Tournament runner-up Calvin College Sept. 12 to the Cutler Athletic Complex for its league opener. The Comets will then play their final two non-conference games of the season Saturday and Sunday, Sept. 15-16, as part of the Alma-Olivet Classic. On Saturday, they will host University of Mich.-Dearborn and on Saturday, Hanover (Ind.) College visits Olivet.
"Our non-conference schedule is fantastic," said Wiseman. "We are competing against some top-notch teams from both the NCAA and NAIA ranks. The non-conference schedule will prepare us for our MIAA schedule."
Beginning Sept. 18, Olivet will play only games against MAA opponents. During that stretch, the Comets will play night games at Hope College (Sept. 22), Trine University (Oct. 6) and Adrian College (Oct. 24). The first meeting with Adrian (Sept. 29) will be part of Olivet's Homecoming celebration.
"We are looking forward to the challenges of our MIAA schedule," said Wiseman. "Playing night games and under the lights creates a fun environment. It will be a great experience for the players. Also, we know the whole MIAA season will be tough. We just have to take things one game at a time."
At the conclusion of the 14-game league regular season schedule, the top four teams will advance to the 2012 MIAA Tournament, where the winner receives the league's automatic bid to the 2012 NCAA Division III National Championships. The semifinals will be held Thursday, Nov. 1 and the championship game will take place Saturday, Nov. 3. All games of the tournament are at the higher seed.
"We were fortunate to make the MIAA tournament championship game in 2011," said Wiseman. "This year, we just need to a better job of positioning ourselves throughout the regular season, so we can host the tournament games."
Overall, the schedule is balanced. There are 10 home contests and 10 road contests.
"I am excited about the 2012 season," said Wiseman. "The schedule is difficult and we would have it no other way. But, most of all, I hope to see many of our alumni, family, friends and supporters at the games."