Senior Spotlight: Randon Wilston

By Kelly Prendergast
Sports Editor/ Lycourier

The 2011 Lycoming College Men’s Soccer season looks promising for senior forward Randon Wilston, No. 33. Wilston has been a key member on the squad since his freshman year, and is looking forward to being a main contributor to the team’s offensive attack this season.

Wilston’s love for the game of soccer began when he started playing the sport at the young age of five. Over the years he developed his skills through practice and a strong work ethic.

“I can’t really say that my soccer career has been influenced by one single person, but I have had several influential figures throughout it. I have gotten support and advice from coaches and my parents and have received help by playing against my brothers my whole life. Together they all played a vital role in my development as a soccer player,”Wilston said.

Wilston attended Mansfield High School where he had an extremely impressive career. He had 112 career goals, which set a remarkable conference record, and placed him 19th all-time in the Pennsylvania High School standings. In addition, he received all-state honors twice.

Wilston continued his notable career at Lycoming. During his freshman year, he played in 15 games, starting in one and scored two goals. In his sophomore season, Wilston showcased his incredible ability to find the back of the net in all situations. He appeared in 19 games, earning 13 starts, in which he scored nine goals and had three assists. However, at the beginning of his junior season Wilston suffered an injury that hindered his ability to play in many games. Now in his senior year he is looking to once again help lead the attack for the Lycoming offense.

“Randon always plays his heart out. He runs full pace, puts his body on the line and never gives up. While his hustle is a key factor in Randon's performance, he also has a great touch on the ball, along with solid moves and an excellent shot to finish the ball,” teammate and senior Matt Long said.

“Soccer has positively shaped my experience here at the college. From the moment I stepped on to campus I had 30 friends whom I could ask questions of and joke around with. My relationships have only gotten stronger with these guys, and I hope to continue these great friendships I have created,” said Wilston.

“Not only have I made friends, soccer has also provided me with unforgettable memories. My favorite experience on the team was when we traveled to Europe together and got the chance to compete against teams from other countries. It is something that I will never forget,” said Wilston.

In addition to his striking athletic career, Wilston also performs extremely wellin the classroom. He is a two- time member of the Mid Atlantic Conference Academic Honor Roll.

Wilston is a business finance and managerial economics major and plans to graduate in May.

“ After I graduate I hope to get a job with Paradigm, a property management company in DC. I had a summer internship with them recently, and I feel like it is an excellent opportunity for me,” Wilston said.

Wilston is looking forward to the rest of his senior season in the hopes that it will be one of his best.

“If I had to give any advice it would be to NEVER take your college career for granted. It goes way faster than you ever think it will. You should always play like it’s your last game or play you will ever play because you don’t realize how lucky you are to be playing and how quickly it goes by,” he said.