BOONE, N.C. — Ian Bennett, Mitch Kilmer and Felix Kollmannthaler will be the Appalachian State University men's soccer team captains for the 2017 season, head coach Jason O'Keefe announced on Friday.
"We are excited to announce our captains for the upcoming year," O'Keefe said. "These three individuals have continued to impress in the classroom, in workouts, and off the field throughout the spring. They have helped lead our team in all areas. Highlighting their GPAs – all of which are above the 3.2 standard we have for the team – Mitch has gone back-to-back semesters with a perfect 4.0. Together, they all helped us to a winning spring season at 2-1-4 and, along with the rest of our leadership committee, will be very influential throughout the summer and into the fall."
Bennett, a rising junior, returns for his second-straight year as a captain after continuing to be a leader in the backline. The Wilmington native started and played almost every minute of every match, leading the team in minutes last year with more than 1,600 logged. In addition to contributing to three shutouts, Bennett also recorded the assist on the game-winning goal against UNC Asheville to get the 2-1 victory.
"I'm super thankful to be named a captain for the second year in a row," Bennett said. "It means a lot to me that the team has faith in me. I have high expectations for myself and the team this upcoming year and I am extremely excited to get back to work with everyone."
Kilmer, a rising redshirt-senior, was a key component of the goalkeeping unit last year. The Frisco, Texas native helped lead the unit's practices and drills as well as helping with the defensive schemes of the backline. He has been at the forefront of leadership both on and off the field.
"I am honored and humbled that coach O'Keefe and the coaching staff has given me the opportunity to be one of the captains for this upcoming season," Kilmer said. "Being a captain on our team means setting the precedent and culture both on and off the field. It is our goal as captains, and as an entire leadership group, that we establish a winning and successful culture that sets the standard for years to come and transcends the game of soccer."
Kollmannthaler, a rising junior, made a splash as a transfer in his first year as a Mountaineer defender. Through the first 11 matches of the season, the Frankfurt, Germany native started each match, helping make the backline a formidable obstacle for offenses to battle through. After helping Appalachian to two shutouts and a 3-0-2 unbeaten streak, the defender suffered a season-ending injury, but is expected to return at 100 percent in 2017.
"I don't think that in this game, a coach can make you feel any better than in the very moment that he names you a captain," Kollmannthaler said. "It is a combination of honor, trust and responsibility that drives me crazy waiting for the next season to start with this team of awesome players. We have been working very hard to get where we are right now and we won't stop until we reach our goals."
