September 1, 2010

SEASIDE, Calif. – The Cal State Monterey Bay fall athletic teams are gearing to go this weekend as they begin competition for the 2010-2011 season. 

The Otter women's soccer team kicks off on Thursday, Sept. 2 against Menlo College at the Otter Soccer Complex.  The first whistle is at 2 p.m.

“The first games are very important for such a young group,” said men's and women's head soccer coach #Artie Cairel#.  “We have strong leadership but will rely on a lot of first-year players to acclimate very quickly to the college game.  Thus far, they have been committed to play attacking dynamic soccer and look for that to continue as we get closer as a unit.”

For the third straight year, the CSUMB volleyball squad begins their season by hosting the Otter Classic at the Otter Sports Center.  This year's tournament features Colorado State-Pueblo, Notre Dame de Namur and William Jessup.  For the complete tournament schedule, click here.

The CSUMB men's soccer team hits the road on Friday, Sept. 3 to take on NCAA Division I San Jose State at the legendary Spartan Stadium.  The Otters kickoff at 7 p.m. under the bright lights.

“There is a huge task before the men,” Cairel said. “The history and tradition at Spartan Stadium will be a great honor for our younger players and they will be ready to play against a Div I opponent.  I expect a positive performance with a tremendous amount of growth as a unit from the game.”

Under the guidance of new head coach #Greg Rhines#, the CSUMB men's and women's cross country teams will participate in the Notre Dame de Namur Invitational's The Battle of the Bay on Saturday, Sept. 4.   The runners will race on the Crystal Springs Cross Country Course in Belmont.

"It is difficult to be anywhere at 6 am, especially for practice,” Rhines said.  “The CSUMB X-C student-athletes have shown up daily with only positive thoughts, no complaints, and some are even starting to enjoy the time! This is Commitment 101 and A's are the grade being given. We have been training very hard and are getting the fitness that goes with it. In the early season, we will be training intensely through the meets to ready us for the CCAA Conference Meet in November. Our first race is at a legendary cross country course in the hills of Belmont. It will be our first 'measuring stick' of the season. The teams are very excited to put their rediscovered wares to the inaugural test. We will only be moving forward, faster"