Athlete of the Week: Nick Cerrone

Two weeks ago, after two consecutive shutouts over St. Mary’s College and Haverford College, Hopkins sophomore keeper Nick Ceronne was named Centennial Conference Defensive player of the week. This award marked the second time he has won the honor in his brief career.

Yet, Cerrone, after allowing a single goal in a losing effort against York College the following game and two more in another loss to Muhlenberg College, decided he was ready for another streak.

The goal-keeper would go on to post four consecutive shutouts, a stretch of 431 minutes and 48 seconds without allowing a single goal. The streak could not have come at a better time as three of the four games came against Centennial Conference opponents.

Against Gettysburg College, Cerrone stopped five shots to lead the Blue Jays to a 0-0, double overtime, tie. Following that performance, Cerrone had perhaps his best game of the year, stopping all nine shots he faced in a 1-0 defensive battle against Franklin & Marshall College.

The sophomore from Summit, NJ finished off the week with a five save effort against Salisbury University and a three save showing against Ursinus College.

With the two wins against conference rivals, Cerrone’s efforts helped push the Jays just a game behind the Conference leading Swarthmore College Garnets.

The shutout run included a total of 22 saves, two wins, two draws, and launched the men’s soccer team out of a two game losing streak and into a four game unbeaten streak.

After starting in 10 games as a freshman last season, Cerrone has emerged as a true star player in his sophomore year campaign.

The News-Letter caught up with Cerrone as this week’s Athlete of the Week.

N-L: Before today’s game, you hadn’t allowed a goal in four straight games. What do you attribute that success to?

NC: It’s mainly just a team effort. A lot of freshmen and sophomores have stepped up on the backline and have replaced guys that graduated last year. At this point in the season we’re really starting to gel and we’ve come together.

N-L: Discuss the role your defense played in that remarkable streak.

NC: We have Mark Spencer and Kevin Caskey who have stepped up and really locked down the backline. They don’t let many shots off and they do a great job with tackles.

N-L: Did you do anything in the off-season that helped you prepare for a starting role this year?

NC: I started last year so I knew this year was mine. But I wanted to improve. Pretty much just working out in the gym, on the training field, lifting weights everyday, and just playing lots and lots of soccer. Anything I could do to make sure I got that much better.

N-L: Did you expect to start so early in your career?

NC: No I didn’t expect to start this early. My goal wasn’t to start coming in, it was just to play my best, play my game and whatever happens happens. Fortunately, Coach gave me a chance and I played well and played my game and that’s what I’ve been doing ever since.

N-L: Is there a particular goaltender coach or defensive coach who works with you? If so, could you talk about his role in your success.

NC: Yes, definitely. Our keeper coach, Jay Herford, has been one of the best keeper coaches I’ve ever had. Making sure we’re in top shape for the game by constantly hitting shots at us and working on our technique. Basically he teaches us exactly what we should be doing in the game as far as our technique and he’s just there for us all the time.

N-L: Entering the final stretch of the season, what do you think is the number one thing the team needs to improve on?

NC: It’s not just any one thing. We just need to stay together as a team and basically win these conference games, that’s the most important thing. The conference is anyone’s game right now, everyone is beating everyone. Right now we just need to focus on the conference games.

N-L: What goals do you have for yourself and for the team the rest of the season?

NC: Basically our goal right now is to win the conference championship. We’re taking it one game at a time and working towards the conference championship. Right now that’s our main goal.