Noah Gittleman (Commack) and Ty Bentham (Columbus, Ind.) have been named captains of 2018 Fredonia Blue Devil men's soccer team.
The only returning senior next fall, Gittleman has appeared in 31 games over his first three seasons -- including 17 as a junior, 13 of them as a starter on defense. An SUNYAC All-Academic Team member, he majors in Communication Disorders and Sciences and carries a 3.42 grade-point average into the spring semester. He also serves as one of the team's Student-Athlete Advisory Council members. "Noah," Head Coach P.J. Gondek said, "is a solid contributor on and off the field for our program." A 2015 graduate of Commack High School, he is the son of Bonna and Bruce Gittleman.
Bentham, who'll be a junior next fall, has been Fredonia's starting goalkeeper since his freshman year. His two-season mark of 18-13-3 includes seven shutouts. He was the 2016 Fredonia Male Rookie of the Year and was ranked nationally in two statistical categories last fall -- No. 12 in total saves and No. 19 in saves per game. In addition, he has a 3.43 GPA as a Sport Management major. "His play speaks for itself," Gondek said. "He is very capable of being a vocal leader as well." A 2016 graduate of Columbus North High School, he is the son of Cara Cunningham and Larry Bentham.
The Blue Devils are currently taking part in their non-traditional season with Gittleman and Bentham leading the way. "It will be important for both players," Gondek said, "to establish a high standard for off-season workouts and carry this standard through our spring season."
The 2018 season opens Friday, Aug. 31 vs. Medaille at the SUNY Buffalo State Fred Hartrick Classic.
