Wittenberg University Athletics is celebrating the Senior classes from each of the fall sports programs that missed out on their Senior Day experience. Today we highlight the six members of the Wittenberg men's soccer team and hear about what they loved most about being a Wittenberg Tiger and more.
Cameron Artis
Hometown: Galloway, Ohio
What is your favorite memory from being a student-athlete at Wittenberg?
The team trip to England during my junior year. It was a once in a lifetime trip with my friends and experiencing soccer in one of the biggest soccer communities in the world.
What do you love most about being a Wittenberg Tiger?
I love how close everyone is with each other and the Wittenberg community is different than anything I've ever experienced before.
Outside of Athletics, who is the one campus staff or faculty member that had the most impact on you during your time at Wittenberg?
Dr. Thistlethwait. He helped push me to become a better person and student but also helped me realize that if you take actions and set your mind on what you want then through hard work and determination the sky is the limit on what you can achieve.
What is one piece of advice you would like to leave for the underclassmen or any recruits looking to become a part of your team in the future?
Work hard and set goals on what you what to get out of your experience at Wittenberg and you will love your time on campus.
Why should a High School Prospect choose Wittenberg?
The Wittenberg community is different from any other school. Witt students and staff are always close and it is something that is hard to find in other universities.
After graduation, how will you embrace the school's motto "Having Light, We Pass it on to Others"?
By spreading positivity and supporting others who need help.
Edwin Blanco
Hometown: Toronto, Ontario
What is your favorite memory from being a student-athlete at Wittenberg?
Was our preseason trip to England my junior year. It was great to experience soccer in another country and get trained by professional clubs. It was also great to experience a top-flight match in person to observe and experience the atmosphere.
What do you love most about being a Wittenberg Tiger?
The sense of community, family, and the support that comes with being a Wittenberg Tiger.
What is one piece of advice you would like to leave for the underclassmen or any recruits looking to become a part of your team in the future?
Always work hard, compete, have fun. Give it you're all. Do not settle for second best.
Why should a High School Prospect choose Wittenberg?
There is a lot of support given by teachers, coaches, faculty to help you be successful. The community feels like a family as there will always be someone there for you. Many opportunities to get involved around campus to meet many people.
After graduation, how will you embrace the school's motto "Having Light, We Pass it on to Others"?
Share my knowledge and experiences with family, friends, high school prospects, and teammates.
Evan Dinopoulos
Hometown: Charleston, South Carolina
What is your favorite memory from being a student-athlete at Wittenberg?
My favorite memory is playing in home games and seeing my parents in the stands.
What do you love most about being a Wittenberg Tiger?
It's a family and I have built lifelong friendships!
Outside of Athletics, who is the one campus staff or faculty member that had the most impact on you during your time at Wittenberg?
Tyler Johnston, he always looked out for me and made sure I was on the right track.
What is one piece of advice you would like to leave for the underclassmen or any recruits looking to become a part of your team in the future?
Get out of your comfort zone and play for the people who don't get the chance to.
Why should a High School Prospect choose Wittenberg?
It's a beautiful campus and a very friendly atmosphere.
After graduation, how will you embrace the school's motto "Having Light, We Pass it on to Others"?
Tell others the stories that have influenced me the most, like Jack Benak's story
Jake Grubb
Hometown: Maineville, Ohio
What is your favorite memory from being a student-athlete at Wittenberg?
My favorite memory is our last game against Allegheny where we won in double overtime after being a man down. It was a hard-fought win that brought the team together for the last game of our season. Looking back on this game it was also the last time we got to take the field with Jack Benak and it will always be my favorite memory of being a part of the men's soccer team.
What do you love most about being a Wittenberg Tiger?
The campus is a place that you can enjoy with and without athletics.
Outside of Athletics, who is the one campus staff or faculty member that had the most impact on you during your time at Wittenberg?
Rachel Wilson, she has been my advisor since freshman year and has guided me through my four years at this university.
What is one piece of advice you would like to leave for the underclassmen or any recruits looking to become a part of your team in the future?
You need to come into this program with a team mentality and be ready to put in the work.
Why should a High School Prospect choose Wittenberg?
It's a small school that embraces the small classroom mentality and it's a great place to get involved while meeting lifelong friends.
After graduation, how will you embrace the school's motto "Having Light, We Pass it on to Others"?
I will share my experiences and what I've learned to help others.
Jacob Snowden
Hometown: Amherst, Ohio
What is your favorite memory from being a student-athlete at Wittenberg?
My most memorable experience as a student-athlete at Wittenberg was beating our rival Wooster my freshman year by scoring the deciding goal within the last few seconds of the game.
What do you love most about being a Wittenberg Tiger?
I love the atmosphere and the teammates that pushed you every day to become better.
Outside of Athletics, who is the one campus staff or faculty member that had the most impact on you during your time at Wittenberg?
Rachel Wilson had the most impact on my time at Wittenberg because she was not only my academic advisor but also someone who got the best out of me and supported every decision I made.
What is one piece of advice you would like to leave for the underclassmen or any recruits looking to become a part of your team in the future?
Stay true to yourself. Leave your past accomplishments in the past. Work harder every day to better your future self.
Why should a High School Prospect choose Wittenberg?
A high school prospect should choose Wittenberg if it suffices the prospect's desires attributed to college.
After graduation, how will you embrace the school's motto "Having Light, We Pass it on to Others"?
I intend to always put my best foot forward and never look back.
Harrison VanTilburg
Hometown: Grove City, Ohio
What is your favorite memory from being a student-athlete at Wittenberg?
The bus rides from game to the game were by far the best experiences for me as a student-athlete. Having the time to be able to hang out as a team and chill with some of your best friends telling goofy stories and just being in the moment.
What do you love most about being a Wittenberg Tiger?
The competition that runs through our whole campus.
Outside of Athletics, who is the one campus staff or faculty member that had the most impact on you during your time at Wittenberg?
Dr. Dillion who is a professor of communications. Her classroom is always a safe place and she is a person that genuinely cares about her students. She and I also have very heated debates about sports and right or wrong it always brightens my day.
What is one piece of advice you would like to leave for the underclassmen or any recruits looking to become a part of your team in the future?
Enjoy your time here and take advantage of every opportunity that this amazing campus has to offer.
Why should a High School Prospect choose Wittenberg?
Witt offers something that most DIII schools don't and that's DI facilities and a great community of people that are always wanting your best interests.
After graduation, how will you embrace the school's motto "Having Light, We Pass it on to Others"?
I will embrace our motto by trying to make connections that will last me a lifetime and hopefully be able to have a meaningful impact on everyone I meet