University of Richmond Athletics
Alexander, Waggoner Named Soccer Captains
May 29, 2001
Richmond, Virginia - University of Richmond head soccer coach Shawn Alexander and midfielder Bryan Waggoner will lead a veteran squad into its inaugural Atlantic 10 campaign.
A native of Southfield, Michigan and a 1998 graduate of University of Detroit Jesuit High School, Alexander is a three-year starter who earned all-conference and all-state recognition this past fall. He started all 19 matches in 2000 for the Spiders and had a 0.99 goals against average and 77.6% save percentage. Richmond was 11-7-1 a season ago with Alexander in the nets and the Spiders recorded six shutouts.
"Shawn, in his position as goalkeeper, has a chance to lead us from the back," said Gettler. "He has all the qualities needed to become an All-American this coming season. He is fearless, athletic, dominant in the air and commands respect. His career to date had put him in an elite class of goalkeepers in college soccer today - yet we expect a breakout year from him, in both his play and his leadership as we enter a new conference."
Waggoner is from Medford, New Jersey and is a 1998 graduate of Shawnee High School. He played in 16 matches this past season and started 15. He tallied one goal and two assists in 2000. His goal came in Richmond's 4-2 win over St. Bonaventure in the second round of the Nike/ALLTEL Soccer Classic in Richmond.
"Bryan has been the leader of a midfield that has been the engine room of the team," commented Gettler. "He is always in the middle of the action. He is a true warrior who leads by example and is capable of driving us to success this coming year. Bryan is the heart and soul of our midfield. He is a tough, uncompromising ball winner who I believe can double his career statistics in attack (four goals, four assists, 12 points) through a strong senior season."
Richmond will open the 2001 season with three consecutive tournaments. The Spiders will participate in VCU's tournament on August 31 and September 2. Richmond will play at Duke's tournament on September 7 and 8. The Spiders will open their home schedule on September 14 and 15 by hosting the Richmond-Nike Challenge Cup.