Birkelbach enthused after MSU’s early soccer practices

By Dan Stillwell
Register-Herald Sports Writer

A new era has begun at Mountain State University.

Coach John Birkelbach welcomed 18 players to the pitch this week as the school debuted its first-ever men’s soccer team.

“As far as getting the program off the ground, I’m very happy with what has progressed,” Birkelbach said. “We’ve got a long way to go and a lot to improve upon, but these guys can do it.”

A Beckley native, Birkelbach left a national championship program at Bluefield College in Virginia to take the reins at MSU.

Starting a college soccer program from scratch is a daunting task, but he believes his connections, not just as Bluefield but as a player and coach in West Virginia for five years, have him up to the task.

It certainly has made recruiting easier.

“I’ve developed friendships from throughout the state and other states such as Ohio and Virginia,” he said. “From that you see players and you land players.

“I’ve played against some of my players in adult leagues and in open tournaments. I’ve also coached against them. That’s where you make the connections.”

Birkelbach hopes to have 20 players, and maybe more, on the roster by the end of the week.

The Cougars are focusing on conditioning this week, doing sprints to build up endurance for 90 minutes of soccer.

Next week they’ll begin working on inter-squad tactics as they prepare for their 4 p.m. Aug. 20 scrimmage against WVIAC tournament champion Salem International University.

“Things are looking good,” Birkebach said. “What stands out is the skill level of these guys. We’ve got a great base of players to build a program on.”

Assistant coach Anthony Polk and volunteer assistants Issac Kerns, who coaches the Beckley Rapids under-15 travel team, and Tim Eller, who plays adult soccer with Berkelbach, are a big help.

“Anthony helps the team with strength and conditioning. He’s a good guy to have around,” Birkelbach said. “Issac and Tim have played college soccer and bring experience to the team.”

The Cougars will play three 30-minute periods against Salem, changing lineups after each period.

“Salem was WVIAC regular season champions two years ago and tournament champion this year,” Birkelbach said. “It will be a good scrimmage for us.”

While many coaches would be happy to be merely competitive their first season with a new team, Birkelbach has bigger goals.

“I want to win this year. I’m not looking to next year or the year after,” he said. “I like to win and I’m looking at right now.

“We’ve got talent. I just have to bring it together.”

Fans can meet the MSU team from 1:30-2:30 p.m. Saturday at Crossroads Mall.