KLAMATH FALLS, Ore. – The 2022 season was a success for first-year Oregon Tech head coach,
Sean McManamon. The Hustlin' Owls posted a 13-win campaign, advanced to the Cascade Conference title game, while making their second-straight trip to the NAIA Championships.
Boasting the biggest roster in program history, the new-look Tech squad is poised for success as the 2023 season draws close.
"We figured out our identity last season and it worked," McManamon said. "We didn't make it as far in the postseason as we wanted to go, but it was a productive season. We now have to evolve as a team and we've seen that in training. Getting the guys connected is a focus with 10 new players – the big piece is getting everyone on the same page – who we are as a team, what is our identity.
Part of that soon to develop identity will be in goal, as 2-time All-CCC pick and 2021 All-American,
Joel Witts, is now an assistant coach. Witts holds the OIT record for wins and shutouts in a career – including seven clean sheets as a senior.
Tech will have four goalkeepers to work with – a pair of returners, to go along with two junior transfers.
"All four will get an opportunity in our first scrimmage and hopefully we can narrow it down to two keepers against Humboldt and find out who our No. 1 is before the season opener," McManamon said.
Sophomores
Connor Caslin and
Joshua Morgan are in their fourth seasons with the team, each serving as a back-up to Witts in 2021 and 2022 – but have combined to play just 140 minutes with the Owls. Caslin is a rangy, 6-foot keeper, with Morgan providing an imposing 6-foot-5 frame in front of the net.
"Connor and Josh know what this program is about and where this program has been," McManamon said. "They are completely different keepers – each has their own style – which can give teams a different look."
Newcomers
Juan Hernandez and
Ryan Solis join the mix after quality junior college careers. Hernandez was the starter last season at Rogue CC, finishing with a 1.45 goals against average in 11 matches, while Solis earned All-Northwest Athletic Conference honors at Walla Walla CC, posting nine shutouts in helping the squad reach the NWAC championship game.
"We've seen Juan the past two years as we've scrimmaged RCC and know the experience he brings into the season," McManamon said. Ryan has played at a high level at Walla Walla with a lot of playoff experience in the NWAC which is a great platform to build off."
Tech returns experience in the center back position, as
Cooper Hunt and
Sebastian Brunk were key cogs in last season's success. The 6-foot-4 Hunt started all 20 games as a true freshman, while Brunk joined the starting lineup midway through the season and played all 90 minutes in the NAIA Tournament match-up at MidAmerica Nazarene.
"Cooper had a great freshman year and I know he is going to continue to improve," McManamon said. "He amazed us last year and I think he has even more in him. Brunk is a solid defender and is sturdy in his challenges and sets the tone well."
A pair of transfers will also be in the mix, as
Yuki Enomoto and
Michael Bacoro provide collegiate experience in the back line. Both players spent time at Chandler-Gilbert CC in Arizona, with Enomoto playing in 18 matches at fellow NAIA institution, Menlo College.
"Yuki connects well between the back line and floats well and is fluid in his positioning – he is consistent and super-composed in possession," McManamon said of the senior transfer."
All-CCC performers return at the outside back spots, as captains
Brock Rideout and
Ryan Pearson anchor the wings. Rideout earned NAIA All-America honors as a junior, scoring four goals and adding eight assists – as the 4-year starter is on pace to become the all-time leading scorer in program history. Pearson, a first-team Academic All-American, was a lockdown defender and was key in the Hustlin' Owls set pieces – finishing the year with six assists.
"Brock demands a high level from the guys and himself," McManamon said of his senior leader. "He pushes forward in the overlaps and does a great job of joining the attack and creating 2-v-1's. Ryan brings a ton of experience and continues to progress. He is such a sturdy defender – you can never question his defending abilities – and we hope that he can attack and push a bit this season."
A pair of returners – juniors
Brandon Donat and
Ian Bermudez – will provide depth and experience at the outside back positions, along with freshmen
Tidus Paet-Vegas and
Andre Ramirez. Donat has played in 24 matches during his Tech career, with Bermudez seeing action in 31 contests. Both are versatile players who can play multiple positions. Paet-Vegas, originally from Kamehameha Schools in Hawaii, earned All-Maui Interscholastic League honors as a senior, with Ramirez, from South Medford High, had a banner club career with the Rogue Valley Timbers.
"Depth is a strength of this team," McManamon said. "We have a lot of players that are versatile and have the ability to fluctuate from positions and formations – we will be a very fluid team. Brandon and Ian, along with the freshmen, will be key to our success."
Tech will play two non-counting scrimmages prior to their season opener, Aug. 26, at Menlo College.
