By Mark Bohannon, SAC Media Relations Office

This is the seventh in a series of articles for 2005-06 that will periodically feature student-athletes from the league's member institutions who have distinguished themselves.

The Carson-Newman men’s soccer team won its third straight conference championship, in part because of the strong play of junior goalie Tyler Baldock, who was named Men’s Soccer Player of the Year for the second year in a row. As the Eagles prepare to head into the soccer tournament final four this weekend, he spoke with SAC intern Mark Bohannon about the Eagles and his success.

Q: You were recently named the 2005 SAC Player of the Year for the second year in a row—only the second athlete to win that prestigious award twice. What does this award mean to you?

A: Winning this award is an exceptional honor. I truly believe that the South Atlantic Conference is the most competitive league in the nation. Therefore, being recognized as the player of the year in this conference is really amazing. However, I cannot take all the credit because I have a great group of guys up front who played tremendously throughout the course of the season.

Tyler Baldock doesn't think he would want to change anything about the soccer season. He feels that Coach Vital did an excellent job preparing the team for each individual match and were ready each and every match we played. He would like to play professionally after graduation. Photo courtesy Carson-Newman College

Q: On the national level, you lead Division II in save percentage (.924) and goals against average (.038). What can you tell us about these phenomenal statistics?

A: It’s also a huge honor to lead the nation in such important statistical categories. Once again though, you have to take a look at the guys in front of me. There were a few games this season were they definitely helped me out. I can focus on my job much better because I know my defenders and midfielders are constantly on the alert. I might not have these numbers if it weren’t for the hard work and team effort of the rest of our team during training sessions and matches.

Q: As a team, Carson-Newman only allowed six goals all season long. What do you attribute to your outstanding play in goal this season?

A: We have a fantastic goalkeeping coach who prepares us for the rigors of conference and tournament play. I get a heavy dose of training at Carson-Newman; it feels like we practice all of the time. The defenders are extraordinary, and they really make me look great during games. I would have to say though that our overall team play is one of the most important factors in being successful. It’s not the ability of just one person, it’s a team effort.

Q: Carson-Newman finished regular season play with a 16-1 record and a No. 7 ranking in Division II. Is there anything you would have changed throughout the course of the regular season?

A: I don’t think I would want to change anything about our season. Coach Vital did an excellent job preparing us for each individual match. We always felt like we were ready each and every match we played. Taking nothing away from the Wheeling Jesuit squad, we were really to blame for our only loss of the season. However, that is well behind us now as we are just taking things one game at a time. The bottom line is we go out on the pitch and get the job done.

Q: What are Carson-Newman’s expectations for the Food Lion SAC Tournament?

A: The SAC is a tough conference to play in. It’s very hard to win regular season games in the South Atlantic Conference, so you can imagine how hard it is to win conference tournament games. With this team, we may be expected to win, but it’s more than that: we want to win. Losing in the SAC Tournament the previous two years has taught us that nothing comes for free. We have developed this mentality that losing is not an option. Our team likes to think win, win, win, and it really helps us accomplish our goals.

Q: Two years ago, Carson-Newman went to the national quarterfinals. What are your expectations for the National Tournament this year?

A: We would definitely like to make it to the Final Four this year and hopefully win the entire tournament. This year would make it three years in a row going to the Division II playoffs and we would like to improve on our results from the previous two years. The seniors on this team deserve the opportunity to be on top the final day of the tournament, and that is what we are shooting towards.

Q: What do you enjoy most about playing in the South Atlantic Conference?

A: As anyone can see, every conference game is a battle. There are no “pushovers” in the South Atlantic Conference. Any team can beat any other team on any given day. It takes an all-around team to succeed in the SAC. It’s hard to grind out wins or draws on the road, but it’s necessary to get those points because they are incredibly vital down the stretch.

Q: What are your preliminary plans after graduating from Carson-Newman?

A: I would absolutely love the chance to continue my soccer career at the professional level. That is one of my dreams, and it would be amazing to live that dream. If not, I would definitely entertain the idea of coaching soccer somewhere. I am majoring in exercise science here at Carson-Newman, so I believe I could be an asset helping individuals achieve success on the pitch.