Very proud mum, well done Robbie Hughes xxx AUGUST 14, 2013 Leadership and Sportsmanship On Tuesday afternoon, Associate Athletic Director Dave Simek was going over the athletic department policies during the men’s soccer team’s first meeting of the year. When he mentioned the department’s policy on sportsmanship, he was interrupted by head coach Paul Marco. “We have the sportsmanship winner right here,” Marco said, pointing to senior back Robbie Hughes. This past summer, Hughes was named the America East Conference’s Men’s Sportsmanship Winner for the 2012-13 academic year. He was cited for his conduct during matches with his teammates, the officials and the opposition. It was an award Hughes takes great pride in. “Its a huge honor for me to be given such a prestigious award,” he said. “Not only for me, but also for the University. I was taken completely by surprise when I was told about the award but ultimately, thankful and happy.” “What a terrific honor for Robbie to receive this award,” Marco said. “He is a fierce competitor who has tremendous respect for the game and for our opponents.” One match that stood out in the voting committee’s mind came against Syracuse last September. Hughes had just transferred from Syracuse and had to face his former school in the Bearcats’ home opener. The manner in which he greeted his former teammates before the game made a great impression on everyone. For Hughes, however, it was a message from Coach Marco which put that match in perspective. “The game against Syracuse was a game I waited for in anticipation,” he said. “I was excited to line up with my new Binghamton teammates against my friends and former teammates of Syracuse, friends I’m still very close with still. I was extremely focused and pumped up for the game but at pre-game Coach Marco had a word in my ear and just said ‘remember Robbie, today isn’t about you playing your old team… its about us beating Syracuse!’ and that helped focus me in the right manner for the game.” Another honor for Hughes came when he was named the team captain. Since 2002, players such as Stephen Bruce, Graham Munro, Kyle Antos, Barry Neville, Liam Carson, Ryan Walter and Trey Jasenski have been among the squad leaders. “I’m extremely happy and excited to be given the opportunity to wear the captain’s armband,” he said. “It is an honor that I know Coach Marco does not take lightly, and nor should he! It’s a great opportunity for me to lead the team on and off the pitch and I’m excited to get back to work.” In his first season with the team, Hughes learned a lot from Jasenski, who was the team captain in 2012. With Jasenski having graduated, Hughes seeks to take what he has learned from his former teammate into this season. “Trey is a great friend of mine on and off the pitch,” he said. “He was a fantastic leader by always setting a good example in training with some tough tackling and organizational skills. Trey was and still is a ferocious defender. If there is something I learned from him it would be to arrive at every training session ready to work like it’s a game and to get better every day.” As fall preseason begins, Hughes has high hopes for the Bearcats. “I’m really excited for preseason to see all the boys reunited with a few additional faces,” he said. “We worked extremely hard in the spring, on the track, in the weight room and on the pitch so hopefully, the boys come back ready to add to our spring base. Throughout the spring, we worked on a few things including our style of play and towards the end of the semester, we felt comfortable with our new playing style. We grew as a team and became closer as a unit.” Posted August 14, 2013 at 3:45 p.m. Feedback can be sent to [email protected]
Posted on: Thu, 15 Aug 2013 22:08:12 +0000
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