Nov. 1, 2013

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Sean Lewis
Coach Eric Pogue had this to say about Sean: "Sean is a very talented goalkeeper with a bright future in the game if he decides to pursue it, both as a player or as a coach. He is a very cerebral, instinctual goalkeeper and has done a great job in goal for us this Fall. We are very thankful to add a goalkeeper of Sean's caliber for his senior year after transferring in from Western Michigan, after three great years in goal for them."

Sean had this to say: "I just want to thank my teammates, coaches, friends, and my family. I would not be where I'm at today without them."

Morgan Spann Coach Pogue had this to say about Morgan: "Morgan Spann epitomizes the word TEAM player....when you think of TEAM, you think of Morgan. An extremely selfless player that has really been one of catalyst of creating a culture of brotherhood and family within Oakland soccer over his 4 years. He sets the standard day in and day out for every player on the team of what is acceptable in terms of work ethic, dedication, intensity, responsibility, discipline and heart. Besides the huge strides Morgan has made as a player, he will best be remembered by the legacy of FAMILY that he leaves behind for others to follow."

Morgan had this to say: "Above everything I want to thank God for guiding me through the highs and lows of my life. Without God none of this would have been a possibility for me. I would like to thank my mom and dad for standing behind me and supporting me through my journey of life. Dad, there is no amount of gratitude that I can show you to display how much you mean to me, but just know that I love you! I would like to give a big thank you to Holly Kerstner for putting up with four years of my shenanigans, but thank you for doing that. Eddie Turner, you are the man and I appreciate you being like a father figure while I was here at school. Lastly but most certainly not least, I thank the "wolfpack" for being the best friends I could ever ask for; I love you all!"

Sean Magee
Coach Pogue had this to say about Sean: "Sean has been a key contributor for the Grizzlies for four years and will be missed. Sean has had his ups and downs here at Oakland, as he would be the first to tell you, but Sean has really made huge strides, not only as a soccer player, but also as a person. He is a very selfless team player that will do anything that the team or the coaching staff asked of him. He is an unsung leader amongst peers for his ability to know how to get the most from each of them and he leads through example. Thank you Sean for all you have given to Oakland soccer."

Sean wrote a poem to his parents: "I remember when pops would scream at the top of his lungs during my soccer games, `Rule number one, don't miss.' I remember listening to Delilah for 2 hours at a time with mom coming home from practice and secretly loving every bit of it. I remember parking the motorhome literally on the soccer field so pops could get us a good spot. I remember flying to Colorado with mom just so I could play one game. I will always remember the love and support each of you have given me. I wouldn't be here without either of you. Thanks so much"

Miche'le Lipari
Coach Eric Pogue had this to say about Miche'le: "Miche'le has been a key part of the Oakland soccer attack since Day One of his freshman year. He is a very dynamic player that when fully healthy, is one of the most dangerous attackers in the league. His work ethic is second to none and he is looked up to within the team and especially the younger players for the tone he sets every day in training, games, weights, conditioning, etc. Miche'le also has excelled in the classroom being an exceptional student that really epitomizes the word `STUDENT-ATHLETE'."

Miche'le had this to say: "I want to thank my parents and siblings for all their love and support through all the years of playing OU soccer. My mom's been my hero and role model through these years because she is the strongest person I know. I'll miss the competitiveness of the sport and playing alongside my best friends. Lastly, I want to thank all the coaches for developing me to the player I've become and the person I am off the field."

Scott Messer Coach Pogue had this to say about Scott: "Scott is one of the most unique individuals to ever wear the Oakland Black & Gold. Scott is an extremely hard worker and always brings a great attitude and sense of humor to the team. Over the course of 5 seasons here at Oakland, Scott has been a key team player and had an outstanding 2012 campaign in goal, helping lead us to a Summit League Regular Season title. Scott has continued a long legacy of elite goalkeepers here at Oakland and will be missed. His hard work, dedication, perseverance, and loyalty to the team have not gone unnoticed and will leave a lasting legacy for all those that follow him.

Scott had this to say: "I'd like to thank my family for supporting me throughout my college career. I'm thankful for all of the people that I've met over the years from Luda Messi edition to Vuk and the piggy. The times spent here are priceless and I will always be a Golden Grizzly."

Nick Kristock
Coach Eric Pogue had this to say about Nick: "We recruited Nick in 2009 to come to Oakland, not to just play soccer, but play soccer AND be the captain of the Oakland soccer team. I saw that from him the moment I watched him for his Michigan Rush team, he exuded leadership and everything we wanted our team at Oakland to stand for. It was not a matter of IF Nick would become captain, but more a matter of WHEN. A lot can be said for a young man that was named team captain by his teammates for three years. We all know Nick's unbelievable accolades, not only as a soccer player, but also as a student and someone who serves his community. My lasting impression of Nick will be that if you had the honor of knowing and meeting him, you walk away a better person for it. He leaves a lasting legacy."

Nick had this to say: "It was a privilege to represent OU as a student-athlete. My time here has introduced me to people that have changed my life in a most positive way, and I breathe easier now because of their impact. There are too many names to thank and too many people to mention, so I want you all know that you are in my prayers constantly. I have many more dreams to accomplish in my lifetime, and as I move on, I will give all the glory to God. I will never forget where I came from and the people that got me there. It was quite a memorable ride for a program that has come a long way, and I know Oakland soccer is just getting started. Fight Oakland."

Lucas Diener
Coach Pogue had this to say about Luke: "Luke Diener has been the backbone of Oakland soccer since 2010...from the minute he got here to Oakland, he has never stepped off the field, he was the model of consistency and his development into one of the nation's best center backs was no coincidence due to his dedication to bettering himself with each training session, game, weight session, conditioning session, academic meeting with Holly, etc. His dedication to soccer, his teammates, coaches, family and friends were second to none. Unfortunately, his warrior spirit and relentless pursuit of success for Oakland soccer took the game from him earlier this Fall when a string of serious concussions over the years has prevented him from continuing his play on the field, but as the natural leader that Luke is, he continues to be a huge part of his team as he works hard to recover back to 100 percent."

Luke had this to say: "I just want to say thank you... To my savior Jesus Christ who makes all this possible, to my parents my brothers and my sister for always believing in me, my grandparents for always coming to my games, to my coaches for helping me get better as a player and person, and to my teammates who made my four years a time I will remember for the rest of my life. Love you guys."