For a program that hasn't experienced a losing season since 1986 and hasn't won less than seven games in a season since 1980, the latest edition of the Wittenberg University Men's Soccer Tigers have a lot to prove.

Competing in one of the most challenging conferences in the nation, the Tigers are hoping to make their first serious run at the North Coast Athletic Conference championship in several years. They may have the ammunition to do just that - providing Lady Luck doesn't take as many swipes at them as she did last year.

Injuries to several key players led Wittenberg's offense to struggle mightily, and defense almost single-handedly carried the Tigers to another 10-win season. To improve on that in 2001, increased goal production will be required from senior midfielder Steve Cassiere (Cincinnati, Ohio/Turpin) (pictured above), junior midfielder Matt Lapish (Grosse Pointe Farms, Mich./South), junior midfielderBrian Armstrong (Delaware, Ohio/Dublin Coffman), senior forward Chad Atwood (Nashport, Ohio/Tri-Valley) and sophomore forward Taggart Suddes (Ostrander, Ohio/Dublin Coffman), all of whom are returning starters.

Defensively, the Tigers appear strong, although a preseason injury to third-team All-Great Lakes Region back Josh Curtis (Dublin, Ohio/Coffman) could be crucial. Starting goalkeeper Danny Carman (Louisville, Ky./Male), an honorable mention All-NCAC choice in 2000, returns, as does honorable mention All-NCAC back/midfielder, sophomore Steve Doring (Dayton, Ohio/Wayne).