University of North Carolina Athletics
Q & A with Elmar Bolowich
August 2, 2002 | Men's Soccer
Aug. 2, 2002
CHAPEL HILL - Prior to the start of practice in August, North Carolina head men's soccer coach Elmar Bolowich had the following comments on the 2002 season and defending the Tar Heels' 2001 NCAA title.
Carolina's season-opener is against Akron on August 30 as part of the Nike Carolina Classic.
On Expectations for the 2002 Season:
"Expectations are again very high coming off of the national championship. We had fun going to the Final Four, and the boys want to be back in the Final Four this year in Dallas. We need to go through a very, very tough schedule, stay injury-free and hopefully make a run late in the season.
On the Role of Upperclassmen on this Season's Team:
"There was an unbelievable drive, an unbelievable amount of energy, in last year's senior class. I hope we can have some of that back. I hope our senior class this year is of the same mold and that the energy it brings translates to all the players on the field. Those guys need to lead by example and bring the younger guys along.
On Revamping the Defense:
"We need to quickly regroup in our defense to solidify how we're going to play, who's going to play in what positions and how many defenders we're going to utilize. That will be our task in preseason - to find the right mix and try to replace (2001 seniors) Danny Jackson, Chris Leitch and Michael Ueltschey.
"Right now we don't really know how things will shape up. I know David Stokes will start back there and we have to fill in around him. One possible lineup could include Stokes in the middle with Grant Porter and Tim Merritt as marking backs on the left or right. Sean McGinty could play there, too, and we brought in some freshman defenders. I'm banking on upperclassmen to anchor us in the back, but one freshman I could see playing outside could be Dixon Soffe. It will be really wide open entering practice in August.
On Replacing Four-Year Starter Michael Ueltschey at Goalkeeper:
"The starting job in goal will be up for grabs. That was even the case when Michael was here until he solidified his hold on the job by stepping up and playing so well. He claimed it and he earned it, and one of our three keepers will have to do that this year.
"Ford Williams probably has the most experience of any of our three keepers, although he's only a freshman. He's played with the Under-20 U.S. National Team, so he has an advantage over the other two guys because they have not yet played consistently on a competitive level.
On the Offense:
"We return basically our entire offense, other than (2001 senior) Noz Yamauchi, so in that sense we are all set. We just need to fine-tune who's playing where and give the necessary job descriptions to our various players up front.
On Players with the Best Chance of Seeing Expanded Playing Time in 2002:
"Tim Merritt is one guy who could play more. He had a good spring season and we need to find a position for him. He wasn't always as effective on the flank or at attacking midfielder as he can be, so he might play at outside back because he's effective at bringing the ball forward and distributing it.
"Perhaps Jonathan Davis could emerge as a solid starter as well. We have almost our entire offense from last year, but he was a part of that as a reserve last year and has the talent to contribute more.
"Ray Fumo didn't play all summer because of a groin injury, but I hope he's going to be back. He played in some important games last year, including the College Cup.
On the ACC:
"The ACC will be as strong as ever this fall. Last year we were the leading conference in the national polls by a wide margin, and I see the same thing happening again. Top-to-bottom we again are the best conference in the country, and every game could go down to the wire. There's no dominant team, so who wins the ACC will depend on who gets in a good rhythm and who stays injury-free.
