University of North Carolina Ashville Athletics
Photo by: Adrian Etheridge
Trip to Navy Provides Once-in-a-Lifetime Opportunity for the Bulldogs
09.03.2019 | Men's Soccer
ASHEVILLE – A trip to compete at a service academy is an experience a majority of collegiate student-athletes don't get the opportunity to have, but UNC Asheville's men's soccer team did just that when it opened its season, Friday, at the United States Naval Academy.
Not only did the Midshipmen provide an outstanding test, the trip also gave the Bulldogs an opportunity to see first-hand what life is like for the future officers in the U.S. Navy.
"It was definitely a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity," forward Taylor Durall said. "Coach (Mathes Mennell) did a great job, and the idea he had was to take us to the academy early to give us a chance to see the sites, walk around and take everything in."
The Bulldogs certainly had a high level of respect for the Midshipmen, as the life of a service academy student-athlete is an incredible grind.
"If you've never been to a service academy, it's pretty impressive because you're talking about 4,000 men and women that are going to be serving our country upon graduation," Mennell said. "These are kids that are taking a full academic load and then a military training load, and then if they're choosing to be an intercollegiate athlete, it's kind of mind boggling to think how there's enough time in the day for all that."
If there's anyone who knows about the life of a service academy student-athlete, it's a Mennell, who stood in goal for the Air Force Academy from 1992-95 and was named a first-team all-conference selection as a junior and an honorable mention selection as a sophomore and senior. He helped lead the Falcons to a Top 20 ranking in each of his four seasons.
Scheduling Navy not only provided the Bulldogs the opportunity to play at the picturesque Glenn Warner Soccer Facility overlooking Chesapeake Bay, it also provided the team with a tough opponent and lessons to be taken into account for the rest of the season.
"As much as it is preparation, you also have to learn how to win and you have to keep the game tight and keep the game compact," Mennell said. "I think there are lessons for us in there, but the proof will be in the pudding as we play Wednesday and Saturday and through the rest of our season."
Durall agreed, noting how playing the Midshipmen highlighted areas the Bulldogs can improve, while also revealing areas they played well.
"I think it's a great way to start the season, especially with a team like that because they didn't quit on anything," Durall said. "They went all-out on every play, and being a service academy, they were crazy-fit. I think that was a really great test because it showed us what we need to work on and what we're doing well."
The next match of the season – intentionally so – happens to come against VMI, a military academy. Though not one of the service academies, the student-athletes at VMI will still possess many of the same characteristics as the Midshipmen.
The Keydets opened their season, Friday, against Big South rival Winthrop, falling 2-0 at home.
"There are going to be some characteristics that are similar between VMI and Navy," Mennell said. "You're talking about kids that are doing a whole bunch, that have great mental toughness and resilience. They're going to be physically fit, they're going to be physical, so I think there will be some similarities.
"VMI is a tough test, and they're a team that if you're not paying attention, can hurt you in a lot of ways."
The match between UNC Asheville and VMI is set for 6 p.m., Wednesday, at Greenwood Soccer Field. Tickets can be purchased for $6 at the gate, and fans also have the option to purchase the Fall Sports Package that includes entry into every volleyball and men's and women's soccer match for $75. For more information or to purchase tickets, fans can call 828-258-7900 or visit the Bulldogs' online ticketing page by clicking here.
UNC Asheville Athletics is proud to offer FREE admission to the match against VMI, as well as Saturday's match against Georgia State, to evacuees from Hurricane Dorian, including those in mandatory evacuation areas in Florida, Georgia, South Carolina and North Carolina. Simply present your license from any of the areas under mandatory evacuation at the Ticketing entrance at both Greenwood Field and Justice Center.
Not only did the Midshipmen provide an outstanding test, the trip also gave the Bulldogs an opportunity to see first-hand what life is like for the future officers in the U.S. Navy.
"It was definitely a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity," forward Taylor Durall said. "Coach (Mathes Mennell) did a great job, and the idea he had was to take us to the academy early to give us a chance to see the sites, walk around and take everything in."
The Bulldogs certainly had a high level of respect for the Midshipmen, as the life of a service academy student-athlete is an incredible grind.
"If you've never been to a service academy, it's pretty impressive because you're talking about 4,000 men and women that are going to be serving our country upon graduation," Mennell said. "These are kids that are taking a full academic load and then a military training load, and then if they're choosing to be an intercollegiate athlete, it's kind of mind boggling to think how there's enough time in the day for all that."
If there's anyone who knows about the life of a service academy student-athlete, it's a Mennell, who stood in goal for the Air Force Academy from 1992-95 and was named a first-team all-conference selection as a junior and an honorable mention selection as a sophomore and senior. He helped lead the Falcons to a Top 20 ranking in each of his four seasons.
Scheduling Navy not only provided the Bulldogs the opportunity to play at the picturesque Glenn Warner Soccer Facility overlooking Chesapeake Bay, it also provided the team with a tough opponent and lessons to be taken into account for the rest of the season.
"As much as it is preparation, you also have to learn how to win and you have to keep the game tight and keep the game compact," Mennell said. "I think there are lessons for us in there, but the proof will be in the pudding as we play Wednesday and Saturday and through the rest of our season."
Durall agreed, noting how playing the Midshipmen highlighted areas the Bulldogs can improve, while also revealing areas they played well.
"I think it's a great way to start the season, especially with a team like that because they didn't quit on anything," Durall said. "They went all-out on every play, and being a service academy, they were crazy-fit. I think that was a really great test because it showed us what we need to work on and what we're doing well."
The next match of the season – intentionally so – happens to come against VMI, a military academy. Though not one of the service academies, the student-athletes at VMI will still possess many of the same characteristics as the Midshipmen.
The Keydets opened their season, Friday, against Big South rival Winthrop, falling 2-0 at home.
"There are going to be some characteristics that are similar between VMI and Navy," Mennell said. "You're talking about kids that are doing a whole bunch, that have great mental toughness and resilience. They're going to be physically fit, they're going to be physical, so I think there will be some similarities.
"VMI is a tough test, and they're a team that if you're not paying attention, can hurt you in a lot of ways."
The match between UNC Asheville and VMI is set for 6 p.m., Wednesday, at Greenwood Soccer Field. Tickets can be purchased for $6 at the gate, and fans also have the option to purchase the Fall Sports Package that includes entry into every volleyball and men's and women's soccer match for $75. For more information or to purchase tickets, fans can call 828-258-7900 or visit the Bulldogs' online ticketing page by clicking here.
UNC Asheville Athletics is proud to offer FREE admission to the match against VMI, as well as Saturday's match against Georgia State, to evacuees from Hurricane Dorian, including those in mandatory evacuation areas in Florida, Georgia, South Carolina and North Carolina. Simply present your license from any of the areas under mandatory evacuation at the Ticketing entrance at both Greenwood Field and Justice Center.
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