With the 2014 season now underway, the seniors on the men’s soccer team are determined to make their final season one to remember.

Reflecting on their past few years playing for St. Edward’s, the achievements of seniors Sam Burns, Daniel Riley, Coleton Stymiest and Andrew Fox have been remarkable.

After winning back-to-back conference championships in 2012 and 2013, the Hilltoppers are once again seeking to win the Heartland Conference title for a third year in a row.

However, the team has even higher aspirations than that.

“We want to reach the playoffs and win as many games as possible,” Burns said.

In order to reach their playoff goals, though, the seniors realize they must be leaders on and off the pitch. As one of the team’s two captains, Fox takes this responsibility to heart.

“The main responsibility we have is to set a good example for everyone else,” Fox said. “Being a good role model is very important to us.”

Referred to as “Foxy” by his teammates, he has been leading through his performances, which have earned him all-Heartland selections in 2012 and 2013.

Perhaps the most decorated senior on the squad is Riley. With three first-team all-Heartland selections, two NSCAA all-region selections and two Heartland Player of the Year awards, it is clear that next year’s starting forward will have big shoes to fill.

Riley, however, acknowledges the potential in the underclassmen.

“After I graduate, I can see (freshman) Sam Jackson taking my place,” Riley said.

Even off the field, the seniors are excelling. During their time on the Hilltop, both Burns and senior captain Stymiest were named to the Heartland Conference President’s Honor Roll and the Heartland Conference Commissioner’s Honor Roll.

One of the team’s biggest feats is that in 2013–2014, the squad earned a 3.26 GPA, which was the highest GPA for men’s soccer in the Heartland Conference. As a testament to this academic success, Stymiest plans on pursuing a graduate degree when his athletic career is all said and done.

“I plan on going to grad school to further study real estate,” Stymiest said.

“This is a solid group of seniors who have grown as players and leaders,” Head Coach Brian Young said.

Young is hopeful his team can advance to the Heartland Conference playoffs and compete in the NCAA Tournament, while continuing to be involved in the community and living by the standards of the Holy Cross mission.

With 12 games left in the season, the Hilltoppers are currently 4-2 heading into their Battle of the Saints matchup with St. Mary’s on Thursday. Kickoff will be at 7 p.m. in San Antonio.