Due West, SC – When senior midfielder Jack Kimber (Manchester, England, Priestnall High School) arrived at Erskine, the Flying Fleet had just finished the previous season at 7-10-1 and tied for 8^th in the conference standings at 3-6-1.  Four years later the 3-time all-conference honoree and team captain looks to end his stellar career with the Fleet’s first conference championship in over 10 years.  Erskine is coming off back-to-back winning seasons and was voted to finish fourth in the recently release Conference Carolinas’ Coaches Poll.

Erskine returns a strong core of starters from last year’s squad.  Upfront the Fleet return both strikers in sophomores Luke Boyce (Lincoln, England) and Andrew Settlemire (Beaufort, SC, Beaufort High School).  Settlemire led the Fleet last season in goals (9) and was second in assists (3).  Boyce contributed four goals while leading the team in assists (4) both of which will give Kimber plenty of options.  Sophomore Micah Burklin (Rock Hill, SC, Rock Hill High School), whose freshman campaign was cut short due to a knee injury, will also see significant time upfront as well.

Junior goalkeeper Roberto De La Vina (Oviedo, Spain, San Ignacio) anchors an improving defense that returns three starters on the backline, including two-time all-conference honoree Jonathan Rutter (Birmingham, England, Fairfax).  Junior P.C. Henry (Myrtle Beach, SC, Myrtle Beach Christian) provides a big physical presence inside while sophomore Daniel Beaty (Lexington, SC, Lexington High School) looks to improve on a successful freshman campaign and may see time at left midfielder as well. 

For the Fleet to achieve a conference title, Coach Turner will need several new players to make an immediate impact, especially at midfield.  There are high expectations for freshman Ross Henderson as he joins Kimber at center midfield.  Strong play from the English freshman will open up offensive possibilities as teams will not be able to solely focus on Kimber.  Transfer Jonathan Clark and freshman Dimitri Minick are excellent defenders and will push the three returning veterans while providing depth and versatility.

The Flying Fleet open up their season at home this Thursday against the Tornados of Brevard College.  Kick-off is set for 7:30 p.m. at Huggins Field.  On Saturday, the Fleet begin conference play against the Bulldogs of Barton College.  Game time is also set for 7:30 p.m.  Admission is free to all home Erskine soccer events.

Erskine Roster

Erskine Schedule