Panther Soccer

[Men's Soccer]

Philosophy
Principia looks for players who have positive attitudes toward training and the game. The program encourages each player to develop to his fullest potential and to enjoy all aspects of the game. The soccer program promotes excellence and achievement and a clear understanding of athletics as an essential part of a student's overall educational experience at Principia.

Facilities
Principia has one of the best game fields in the Midwest. In addition to the game field, with its electronic scoreboard and public-address system, the soccer Panthers have separate practice fields for both varsity and junior varsity.

Conference
Principia is a member of the St. Louis Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (SLIAC), which includes Blackburn, Fontbonne, Greenville, MacMurray, Maryville, Webster, and Westminster. [Principia players Peter Gordon (front), Josh Burek (left), and Joe Bradley celebrate the winning goal against MacMurray to seal the '96 Conference Championship.]

[Principia players Peter Gordon (front), Josh Burek (left), and Joe Bradley celebrate the winning goal against MacMurray to seal the '96 Conference Championship.]

Conference members are all NCAA Division III colleges and universities with similar academic and athletic philosophies. A strong soccer conference, many SLIAC teams gain regional and national recognition. Principia is also a member of the central region of the National Soccer Coaches Association of America (NSCAA), competing against some of the best teams in the Midwest, including Rhodes College, DePauw University, Washington University, and Wheaton College.

Training
Small-sided games and functional training are used frequently to develop skill and knowledge of the game. Most fitness work is done with the ball and is incorporated into the technical and tactical training. In addition to the regular fall season, players play indoors on their own during the winter, and in the spring the team plays matches, enters tournaments, practices 2-3 times a week, and does weight and plyometric training.

International Travel
In 1983, 1987, 1991, and 1995 Principia men's soccer teams enjoyed two-week tours to Europe to train, play matches, and see the sights. The 1995 tour took the team to Holland, Germany, and Belgium.

Contact Coach Seth Johnson for more information on men's soccer:

Principia College
Athletic Department
Elsah, Illinois 62028
(618) 374-5025
Email: scj@prin.edu

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