The men’s soccer season came to a close a few weeks ago as Harding faced off against Northeastern State University. The Bisons were defeated by the RiverHawks 2-6, ending their season with a 6-7-3 record. Head coach Odie Guzman said this was the best record in the program’s history and that the season overall was a success.
“I think we did well,” Guzman said. “There were a lot of games that we weren’t able to compete in in years previously, so it was a good experience this year.”
This was a fundamental season for the Bisons in part because 13 of the 25 players this year were freshmen. Guzman said this will strengthen the team in seasons to come.
“We’ve got a lot of talent on this team,” Guzman said. “My freshman class is probably one of the strongest ever to come through. These guys have had a whole semester to play together and build chemistry. Even toward the end of the season you can see those bonds strengthening. I think a lot of teams are going to be pretty nervous to go up against this team next year because of how well we did this year with a number of freshmen starting.”
Of the 25 players on the team this season, two will not be continuing to play for the Bisons next year, one of which is senior Will Lynn.
“This last season meant a lot to me, and not just in it being my last time to play for Harding,” Lynn said. “Throughout this season I was forced to grow not only as a player, but as a man of God. There were several frustrating times that I had to learn to trust in my teammates, friends and God for strength and guidance. I did change what I am doing for the rest of my life, so I will be here through next fall as I am applying to medical school. I will not be playing, but I hope to still help out with either the men’s or women’s soccer team.”
Guzman said he will be adding five new players to the team next year, and that he will continue to foster bonds of friendship within the team so they can grow closer to God and each other.
“When a team has a strong sense of commitment to each other and not just to themselves, they will go pretty far, and I think that is exactly what they are going to do,” Guzman said. “I want to do anything I can to help that and to create and keep an environment with a strong sense of spirituality.”
Sophomore Curtis Hunt said the team dynamics are what make the team so special.
“My relationship with my teammates is awesome,” Hunt said. “It’s like having a family on campus because, during the season, we do everything together and we are always around each other.”
Guzman said the future is bright for the team if they continue to stay close and uplift each other.
“We’ve got a strong group that really does have their foundation on God and their spiritual lives,” Guzman said. “I wish I were part of something like this while I was here at Harding. This team is just different. They are going to go far the next couple of years, especially with the chemistry that they have.”
