The Emporia State soccer team did not get much love from the MIAA coaches on Wednesday. Every MIAA coach had the Hornets, who finished 0-19 in 2007, pegged to finish last in the conference.
“Obviously with the season that we had last year it’s not a surprise,” coach Jim Schneiderhahn said. “They’re not going to rank us No. 1 having not won a game last year. That’s something we can’t worry about. That’s other people’s expections of us. The only expectations we have to worry about are our own.”
Schneiderhahn has raised the expectations, thanks to a new recruiting class that includes seven freshmen — including Emporia High product Jessica Decker — one junior college player and Tina Commons, who will play soccer instead of basketball for ESU this year.
“Losing is no fun, but what probably disappointed me most was we didn’t battle,” Schneiderhahn said. “This year we will compete. We will battle, regardless of what happens.”
Schneiderhahn has brought in players from winning high school programs and then also a winning program on campus.
“Success is kind of like a drug,” Schneiderhahn said. “Once you get a little taste of it, you’re going to try to get more of it.”
Emporia State opens its season on Aug. 29 against Angelo State in St. Joseph, Mo. The Hornets will play their home opener this season on campus for the first time on Sept. 7. ESU will welcome Missouri Science and Tech to campus on the field directly north of the Student Recreation Building.