Even more is at stake between UWP and UW-Whitewater as men's soccer is now a conference sport.

Posted August 18, 2009

Allison Sanyi is the acting soccer coach in place of Enzo Fuschino, who remains hospitalized after sufferering a heart attack Aug. 1. She talks about the upcoming season with Sports Information Director Paul Erickson.

How hard has it been, knowing that Enzo is in the hospital? I know it's something that goes through everyone's thoughts constantly.

"That's really been hard. We are all thinking about him every day, thinking what's going on with the family, if they're OK or if they need anything and trying to walk the fine line between not bugging them and being concerned for them. One thing that will make my job much easier this year is the motivation is definitely there. I won't have to do much to the teams to motivate them because they so want the season to go well for Enzo and his family."

What's been going through your mind the last month, pertaining to the on-the-field things?

"The last month has been a little crazy, trying to finalize things. I'm just excited to get the players here and take this season from day one, trying to build off last season's successes for both the men and the women. I know they are ready to go."

Will the momentum of earning the school's first playoff berth and then win carry over to the start of practices?

"If I were a player, yes. That would definitely motivate me and get me pumped for the season. I know a lot of the guys are very excited and want to go even further. They realize that getting that bid is extremely hard, but they are up for the challenge. I know in talking with the upperclassmen over the summer, that they are ready to go."

Something new for the men is with the addition of Finlandia, soccer is now a conference sport. Is a WIAC title something you will shoot for?

"Definitely. Not only would it be a conference championship, but the schools we would have to beat, Oshkosh and Whitewater, would give a statement as to the team first in-line for an NCAA bid. With the conference, it helps because there is a little more on the line now. The winner should hopefully get a bid."

What are your goals for training camp?

"First, taking a look at everyone and then getting everyone on the same page. We all have to understand that this year will be hard. It's going to be tough, as there are a lot of things on everyone's mind with the Fuschino family. We want to make sure that we don't ignore that, but we will work through the challenges."