One of the most consistently successful programs at Whitworth University, the men’s soccer team aims to claim another Northwest Conference title in 2008. Under head coach Sean Bushey (142-69-22 in 12 years leading the Pirates), Whitworth has won three of the last four NWC championships and four in the last seven years. Once again Whitworth is favored to win this fall, according to the preseason poll of conference coaches.

Such is the respect for the Pirate program, which even with eight new starters in 2008 Whitworth is a conference title favorite.

“We always have high expectations for our program and this year is no different,” said Bushey. “This year’s team can hold onto the tradition of the program as a belief in what we do, and just as importantly, work hard to meet the standards we have set for ourselves.”

Bushey believes this season’s group is ready to step into the breach and continue to move the program forward.

“The biggest battle will be in midfield as we have many young, talented players vying to replace the likes of Skye Henderson and Matt Friesen,” he said. “We have depth in this position, and up front, which will make for some entertaining soccer.”

Bushey expects to have offense-by-committee in 2008. Several players will be called upon to provide the scoring. John Prugh (Sr., F, Bozeman, Mont.), Caleb Barnhill (Sr., F, Sultan, Wash.) and Elly Bulega (Jr., F, Tacoma, Wash.) have the most experience in the program and all have scored for the Pirates. Eddy Prugh (Fr., F, Bozeman, Mont.) could join his brother attacking up-field this season.

The battle for playing time in the midfield will include Brent Zahn (Jr., M, Eagle River, Alaska), who tied for the team lead in assists last season with five, and fellow returnee Travis Gutierrez (So., M, Port Orchard, Wash.). Several newcomers will make an immediate impact, including Joey Mattina (Jr., M, Missoula, Mont.) – a transfer from St. Lawrence University – and John Brookover (So., M, Boise, Idaho) – who comes to Whitworth by way of University of Portland. First year players Dion Coxe (Fr., M, Eugene, Ore.), Taylor Willi (Fr., M, Grants Pass, Ore.) and Cameron Bushey (Fr., M, Spokane, Wash.) will challenge for playing time as well.

The defensive backfield is the most experienced, and possibly the most talented, area on the team. Ben Rotert (Sr., D, Bozeman, Mont.), Travis Jette (Sr., D, Missoula, Mont.) and Bryan Olson (Jr., D, Missoula, Mont.) are strong defenders who led the Pirates in minutes played last season. Daniel Cubero (Jr., D, Boise, Idaho) and Chris Stibich (So., D, Marin, Calif.) are two returnees who could battle for the final starting spot.

Whitworth will be looking for a new net-minder this fall. Derek Casanovas (Jr., GK, Eagle River, Alaska) has two years in the program, but has yet to play for the Bucs. Jeff Srock (Jr., GK, Colbert, Wash.) was an All-NWAACC honoree for the Community Colleges of Spokane last season. Brian Sherpe (Fr., GK, Centennial, Colo.) could challenge for time in the net as well.

Whatever lineup Bushey puts on the field, the Pirates will face intense competition from the first contests of the season. Three of Whitworth’s five non-conference opponents (Gustavus Adolphus, UC Santa Cruz and Wis.-Whitewater) played in the NCAA Tournament last year. Cal Lutheran is a perennial SCIAC title contender and Cal State East Bay is a tough independent program.

The Northwest Conference will be as challenging as always. Pacific Lutheran and Puget Sound head into the season with expectations that they will unseat the Pirates. Up-and-coming programs Pacific and Whitman could make real noise as well.

“Our conference is always a difficult challenge and it is our belief that if we do not challenge ourselves early, we will not be prepared for our league matches,” said Bushey.