Soccer Seniors to Be Honored October 20
Bluefield College’s men’s and women’s soccer teams will host Senior Day, Saturday, October 20 to recognize the senior members of their teams. The games will take place at East River Soccer Complex with the women starting at 1 p.m. and the men beginning at 3:15 p.m. with seniors being recognized at the beginning of each game.
The seniors on the women’s team are Camaro Cook from Manassas, Virginia, who plays center-back on defense for the Lady Rams, and Madeline Atkins from Pembroke, Virginia, who plays midfield for the team. Camaro transferred to Bluefield College from Patrick Henry Community College, while Atkins played at Giles High School before BC.
“They (the senior women) are two very strong, resilient women who like to put the team before themselves,” said Lady Rams head soccer coach Michael Callaghan. “They are extremely hard-working, and I have had the pleasure of coaching both of them.”
Seniors on the men’s soccer team include Duarte Ferriera from Lisbon, Portugal; Joe Stacey from Sheffield, England; Alec Vetro from Virginia Beach, Virginia; Brian Vasquez from White Plains, New York; and Olatunji Ebifemi from Lagos, Nigeria.
“Being a soccer player here at Bluefield College allowed me to get my education on something that I always wanted to study and allowed me to be a part of the history of this program, and from that I’m always going to be proud and thankful of this institution,” said Ferriera. “As a senior, I hope that my contribution in this last three years paves the way for the others to have more success than I did.”
Ferriera is a four-year member of the men’s soccer team, along with Stacey.
“My time at Bluefield has been the best experience I have had,” said Stacey. “Meeting so many different people from all different backgrounds and cultures is something amazing and very eye opening. I’ve constantly been surrounded by the best people, on and off the field. I can gladly say I have made friends for life here. Achieving success with the guys and making memories throughout my four years has been something unforgettable. I will take these experiences with me through the rest of my life.”
Vetro came to Bluefield College from Landstown Hight School. Vasquez transferred from Herkimer County Community College. Ebifemi, who also plays basketball for BC, came from Hamilton Heights High School.
“These seniors have really been incredible this season,” said Justin Morton, head men’s soccer coach. “We’re definitely a program in transition right now, and that’s a tough situation to lead in when you’re a senior. They’ve dealt with tons of adversity this season and have been class throughout.”
Both the men’s and women’s teams have had changes in coaching this season, along with losing players from last year’s squads and battling injuries and limited player numbers all year.
“Each and every one of them are destined for great things after their careers here, and I’m privileged to have known them both as men and as players,” added Morton. “It was my honor to battle alongside these men all season.”
Students, faculty, staff, alumni, parents and other fans are invited to come out and cheer on the Rams, particularly the seniors, on Saturday as they host Reinhardt University. Student Activities will have a designated student section.