An UNOFFICIAL Website of fans, by fans, and for fans of
The Virginia Military Institute Soccer Program
News Archives – January-March 2006
March 20th- Updated Spring Schedules
We've been in contact with Coaches Freakley and Williams this weekend and received the latest on the spring schedules. They are posted under ''Upcoming Events''. Please disregard anything you may have read about the Men's team playing VCU this spring. Coach Freakley has informed us that that was an error.
March 14th- Coach Williams Announces Signing of Second Recruit
We found this article at Fredericksburg.com from last years state tournament. It gives a good indication of just how tough this new recruit is. Congrats to Coach Wiliams on his continued success.
March 5th- Richmond Times-Dispatch - Marshall & VMI: College Helped Instill in Leader Service, Integrity, Honor
February 27th- Richmond Times Dispatch -The Language of Soccer -Skip Goodwillie, VMI Class of '83 has Balls for Peace
February 23rd- Coach Williams Signs First Recruit - VMIKEYDETS.com Article
Williamsburg Soccer Club star Jessica Robbins (Bruton High School) will join former WSC players Karen Bill, Vanessa Berrios, and Raevon Pulliam on the field for the Keydets next season. Jessica has an impressive resume. Check out her profile (#21) at www.WilliamsburgSoccer.com
February 22nd- Ben Freakley is Named Head Men's Soccer Coach
Athletic Director Donnie White commented in the VMIKEYDETS.com article, '' I was impressed with the work he did at Erskine, and I was impressed with his passion for the game of soccer. I feel that he will be an excellent leader and coach for our team.''
We've done a little checking, and we think you will agree with Donnie.
In the three years prior to Ben's arrival at Erskine, the team had a combined record of 9-39-2. Last season, Ben's second at Erskine, saw the team finish 9-7-1, closing out with a hot streak, winning five of their last six games.
Ben's recruiting record looks pretty impressive also, signing 13 players his first year and having six players signed at Erskine already this year.
Ben's former coach, and boss, at Georgia Southern, Kevin Chambers sent us these comments:
I am very excited to see Ben Freakley join the VMI family. Ben Freakley is one of the hardest workers that has ever played for me.
I have been Coaching at Georgia Southern University since we joined the Southern Conference in 1992. I remember the battles we used to have with the Keydets and the pride and discipline that each VMI team brought each game.
I think you will find that same pride and discipline in your new coach. He exemplifies everything that is pure about the words "Student Athlete"
If you add Coach Freakley's background in the military, I think you will find that VMI made a great decision with their new soccer coach.
I am excited for Ben and Melissa in this new chapter in their life.
We searched the internet for information on Ben and this is what we found:
Augusta Chronicle Article - Feb 6, 2005 -When prompted enter- (Username: institute - Password: friend)
Ben's bio from last season at Erskine College
2004 Article announcing Ben's hiring at Erskine College
Ben's 2003 bio from The College of Charleston
February 15th- Richmond Times-Dispatch- Soccer Notes: Pros and Cons
January 23rd- The End of an Era
Coach Ross Steps Up to Position in Athletic Department's Academic Advising Office
After seventeen years of dedicated service, Stephen Ross' tenure as VMI's Head Soccer Coach has come to an end as he is moving into a position in the Athletic Academic Advising Office. Coach Ross' accolades as a coach are documented in the VMIKEYDETS.COM Article announcing the move.
While his accomplishments were many, Coach Ross will be remembered most for the way he ran his program; for sticking to his ideals; and most of all, for his determination and ability to see to it that his players received the most from the overall VMI Experience. His legacy is a model that is hard to find in today's world of intercollegiate athletics. His new position will give him the ability to present his ideals beyond the soccer program and enrich the experiences of many more cadet-athletes.
As he moves forward, he leaves behind a rock solid foundation for the future of VMI Men's Soccer. The past few years have seen the program climb to new heights, and all of the ingredients are in place for the team to continue it's ascent. Thank You Stephen for all that you have done for VMI Soccer. We look forward to your continued success at VMI.
SITE DISCLAIMER: Welcome to the Friends of VMI Soccer website. This site is not affiliated with or endorsed by The Virginia Military Institute or any of it's Alumni Agencies and is not an official news page. This site is for the sole enjoyment of the fans of VMI Soccer. Accuracy cannot be guaranteed and all stats are unofficial. Satire may be used.