July 28, 2000

WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. - After a successful 1999 campaign that saw Wake Forest advance to the second round of the NCAA tournament and several school records fall, the Demon Deacons carry plenty of momentum into the 2000 season, ranked 11th in the preseason NSCAA poll. With seven starters returning from last year's 13-3-5 squad and a talented core of newcomers joining the Wake Forest program, seventh year head coach Jay Vidovich has high expectations for this year's team.

"This is probably the most talented team we've ever had at Wake Forest. We just have to mature and come together to achieve the success we're looking for," Vidovich said.

During the spring, Vidovich and assistant coach Paul McDonough scoured the country and added eight talented newcomers to the program, several of whom will provide an immediate boost to the lineup.

"We're very happy with our group of newcomers. The talent, experience and energy of the recruits coming in should add a lot to our team," Vidovich said.

Those players will be needed to fill the holes vacated by some of the conference's best talent in Chad Evans -- a first team all-ACC defender, defender David Kawesi-Mukooza -- the first overall pick in the NPSL draft, Kalle Siira -- a mainstain the the WFU midfield and Sean Conner -- a three-year starter in net.

Goalkeepers
Only one keeper returns from last year's squad. Brad McEachern started one game and saw 156 minutes of action in as a freshman last year. Battling McEachern will be freshman William Hesmer out of Wilson, N.C., and a St. Bonaventure transfer student and former Olympic Festival team member, Rob Vartughian. He has already completed his undergraduate degree, and in pursuing a graduate degree in his last year of eligibility.

"The key is how we replace Sean Conner. Brad McEachern got some experience last year. Rob Vartughian is a guy with college experience and Will Hesmer has the potential to be an elite goalkeeper. He's got great footwork, he reads the game well, he's a great athlete and most of all, he's a leader."

Defenders
The Deacon defense will be anchored by senior sweeper Brock Hilpert. He returns with the most experience of any player, starting all 60 games in his career at WFU.

"Brock is one of the best passers in the country. He's the key to initiating the attack," Vidovich said.

Matt Thompson returns after starting 21 games as a sophomore. Redshirt freshman Kevin Wickart is looking to rebound from a broken leg that caused him to miss all of last year. Bobby Gehring, who made the all-ACC tournament team as a midfielder, may see some time in the back. An addition to the Wake defense is freshman Kelvin Jones who "has the physical tools to be a special defender," according to Vidovich.

Midfielders
Wake's group of midfielders is a talented blend of steady returning players and exciting young talent. Junior Chris Lonteen was the team's leading scorer last year (7 goals, 6 assists) and was second team All-ACC.

"Chris is a great attacker because when he gets opportunities, he finishes them. His individual skills make him a real dangerous player," Vidovich said.

This is the area where several players may be looking forward to breakout season. Those players are Jamal Seale, Aaron Thomas and Bobby Gehring.

Seale, a junior from Overland Park, Kan., has started all 38 games in his career and was the team leader in assists with seven last year.

"Jamal is a tremendous talent. He makes things happen for us. He's looking to make the next step with his game this year," Vidovich said.

Thomas started 20 last year as a freshman after an outstanding prep career.

"Aaron is just an exceptional soccer player. He's really matured as a player and we expect big things from him this year," Vidovich said.

After much anticipation, Gehring made his debut with the Deacons last season, tallying 14 points in 17 games. He finished the season strong, earning a place on the all-ACC tournament team.

The Deacons have a trio of freshmen that will have an impact including Brian Carroll, Danny Bolin and Vicente Bastides. These three have bright futures and will be solid players at Wake for years to come.

Forwards
Up front, the Deacons standout forward is Ben Stafford who was the team's leading goal scorer a year ago with eight and after last year ranks fifth all-time in in points (53). Remarkably, of those eight goals, six were game-winners that propelled WFU to wins over teams such as Vanderbilt, NC State, UNC Greensboro and VCU.

"Ben's really progressed as a player. He's got a quick release on his shot and he's clutch. When the moment of truth has arrived, he has been there for us," Vidovich said.

Another key returnee is senior Jaron Barbee. The coaching staff likes his versatility and his ability to produce points off the bench. Barbee was the team's third leading scorer (16 points) with six goals and four assists despite starting only one of the team's 21 games last season.

"Jaron is like a vulture. He converts on his goal chances and he's a proven goal scorer. He's always a threat," Vidovich said.

Finally, the addition of freshman speedster Jeremiah White gives Wake an additional one-on-one specialist. One of the smallest players on the team at 5-7 and 155 pounds, White is a tough player to contain in space.

"He has plenty of talent," Vidovich said. "If he meets the psychologial demands of the ACC, he'll have a great career."

Schedule
In the ACC, Wake Forest always faces some of the country's best competition. This year, the Deacs go one step further by travelling to the the Nike-Huskie Classic in Storrs, Conn., a tournament that features two former NCAA championship teams in Connecticut and St. John's.

"The schedule is about as good as it can get. We open at UConn. That will be a good test for our young team to play in that kind of environment," Vidovich said.

The non-conference schedule also includes trips to play regional rivals Liberty, UNC Wilmington, Charlotte, Davidson and High Point while UNC Greensboro, South Carolina, UNC Asheville and George Mason visit Spry Stadium.

In ACC action, Wake Forest will host Virginia, Maryland and Clemson. The Deacs will make three trips down I-40 to face NC State, UNC and 1999 ACC champs Duke.

For the third consecutive season, the ACC comes to Winston-Salem for the conference tournament to be held Nov. 9-12 at Spry Stadium.

"Everyone in our area has improved their teams. Every week, we have a big game and in between, there are plenty of teams who can beat us," Vidovich said. "The challenge for us is to come to play every game, to have success on the road in the ACC and to compete with our regional rivals. If we do those things, we'll have a successful year."