Wingate, N.C.----The Wingate University Bulldogs open up the 2025 season this weekend, hosting Lees-McRae Saturday at 1 p.m. at Irwin Belk Stadium and Founders Field. The Bulldogs are coming off an 11-5 season in 2024, going 7-2 in league play. Wingate was picked third in the preseason SAC poll, while checking in at #5 in the USILA preseason top 20. The Bulldogs have appeared in the NCAA Tournament five times over the last seven seasons. The 'Dogs spent all of 2024 ranked inside the USILA top 10.

It will be a different look for the Bulldogs, losing four All-Americans including the 2024 National Attackman of the Year in Willie Grieco, along with Joe Karnich, the 2024 National LSM of the Year. Danny Riley was named the National Midfielder of the Year in 2022. Even with key losses, the Bulldogs have five preseason All-SAC selections, including a league-best four first team selections.

"When you lose two of the better offensive players you've ever had, people are wondering, what will they do now," head coach Tim Boyle says. "What we're doing is sharing the ball more. Where we had two prolific scorers and play makers, now hopefully we're going to be more balanced. That's the goal."

The Bulldogs got it done on both sides of the ball last year, ranking fourth nationally in scoring defense and seventh in points per game, while ranking sixth in scoring margin. "Our goals are always the same, win the SAC regular season title, make the SAC championship game," Boyle says. "If you do that, chances are selection Sunday you're in the conversation. This is the first year for automatic qualifiers in Division II, which brings a new level of excitement and energy. You can falter early on and it won't cost you the whole year."  

ATTACK

The attack features a pair of preseason first team All-SAC selections in Kyle Spence and Sean Clark, along with Marist transfer Vinny Butrico. Spence earned All-SAC and All-Region accolades in 2024, collecting 18 goals and 18 assists. Clark was named the SAC Freshman of the Year last season, while also picking up All-SAC and All-Region accolades, piling up 39 goals to go along with 13 assists, ranking second on the team in goals and third in points. Butrico appeared in 12 games for Marist last year, collecting seven goals and three assists.

"Kyle, Sean and Vinny give us a solid group at the attack," Boyle says. "I think it's obviously different from last year, but the guys are sharing the ball better, they're playing well together, and working well to gel together. We're just excited to see what happens when the season gets started. We also have some younger guys that have been playing well in freshman Brayden Cifreo and Blayze Rodriguez, along with junior James Solazzo. They'll all be looking to make an impact this season."

MIDFIELD

The Bulldogs have some good, experienced depth in the midfield, led by preseason first team All-SAC selection Jaxon Grant, who earned All-SAC and All-Region accolades last season when he registered 14 goals, 10 assists and 18 ground balls. Joey Moran ranked fourth on the team with 23 goals last season. Zach Samson, Matt Papach and Sam Goss also saw plenty of action last year. Samson had 11 goals and eight assists, with Papach adding 10 goals and six assists, with Goss collecting three goals and seven assists.

"It's good to have some solid options in the midfield," Boyle says. "Along with the group of returns, we've got some younger guys looking to contribute in sophomore Jack Murray and junior Matty Magyar. We also have Blayze and Brayden that could see time in the midfield."

DEFENSE

The Bulldogs return seniors Peyton Farley and Nick Arnold to once again anchor the defense. Farley has earned All-American accolades and was named the 2023 SAC Defensive Player of the Year, while Arnold is another All-SAC and All-Region honoree. The duo has helped the 'Dogs rank among the nation's leaders in scoring defense and caused turnovers each of the last two years, ranking fourth in scoring defense and third in CTs last season.

"Peyton and Nick have been solid for us at defense these last few years," Boyle says. "In addition to what they offer, we're looking for a few other guys to step up, like sophomore Sam Deardorff, juniors Noah Whitehouse and Will Pape along with freshman Dom Gullace."

DEFENSIVE MIDFIELD

The senior CJ Dorr will anchor the defensive midfield position this season. He collected 18 ground balls and caused nine turnovers last season.

"The defensive midfield unit is all brand new to starting, and we're excited to see how that goes once we get started," Boyle says. "Along with CJ, we're looking for juniors Mason McGivern and Max Mitcho and Johnny Blakely to give us good depth there. CJ has the most experience, but the other guys will be tested."

LONGSTICK MIDFIELD

Junior Graham Tillett will lead the way at the long-stick midfield position. He collected 18 ground balls last year, adding seven CTs while also scoring three goals.

"We've got some big shoes to fill at the LSM position, but we're confident and hoping not to miss a beat there," Boyle says. "Graham is a different style of player than Karnich was. He is a strict, grinding, fundamental-type player. Along with Graham, we will look to Dom Gullace and sophomore Kaden Johnson to see some key minutes, along with Essex transfer Austin Collins."

GOALIES

Junior Quad Williams will be the starting goalie for the 'Dogs this season. He appeared in eight games last year, piling up 31 saves while posting a 6.52 goals-against average and .660 save percentage. Sophomore Matt Janotte will be the backup this season. He appeared in five games as a freshman, collecting three saves in 28 minutes of action.

"Quad had a solid fall for us, but he has picked it up and has had a tremendous preseason," Boyle says. "Matt will also be a key player for us. It's been a good battle all year and both have really been pushing each other."

FACEOFF

Junior Dylan Rupprecht returns at the face-off position for the Bulldogs. He won 122-of-220 face-offs last year, picking up 64 ground balls while adding a goal. Logan Spaeth won 51-of-89 face-offs last year, with 31 ground balls and a goal.

"Dylan is our number on guy, with a good battle for the next couple spots," Boyle says. "Logan, along with freshmen Dylan Stauffer and Mason Tolar have been battling hard since the fall."