Wharton, Pacheco, and DeProspero Named Soccer Captains

HAMPDEN-SYDNEY, VA - Juniors Bryan Wharton (Glen Allen, VA/Deep Run) andGregorio Pacheco (Montclair, NJ/Montclair) along with sophomore Nick DeProspero (Midlothian, VA/Cosby) have been tabbed as the captains of the Hampden-Sydney soccer team for their leadership on and off the field.

Wharton continued to torch the nets in 2010 as he led the ODAC in goals and points. This fall, he scored 12 goals and added four assists for 28 points. Wharton has improved every year and he is capable of finishing off great passes as well as creating his own goal scoring opportunities. He was named First-Team All-ODAC this fall for the second straight season. With 40 career goals, Wharton needs to score nine goals in 2011 to be the H-SC career goals leader, with the record currently held by Mike Melvin '97 at 48 goals.

Pacheco switched to the defensive end of the field in 2010 after being a forward his first two seasons. Pacheco started all 20 games for the Tigers and was a key factor on a defense that posted seven shutouts and carried the Tigers to the ODAC Championship game. Pacheco is also one of the top 1v1 defenders in the region. Also a very athletic player, his ability to get forward from his right back position helps provide an additional threat on the offensive end.

DeProspero, a midfielder, led the Tigers and the ODAC in assists with nine and was also second on the team in points with 15. His playmaking ability in the midfield opened up scoring chances for teammates, and he was a major factor in the success of the Tigers offense. Additionally, DeProspero is one of the hardest workers in the ODAC and his defensive hustle is a tremendous help to the backline. For his efforts, the ODAC coaches voted DeProspero to First-Team All-ODAC.

"Through their strong work ethic, performance on the playing field, and outstanding character, these three individuals will serve as tremendous leaders for our 2011 team. As indicated by our player driven voting process, each young man has earned the respect of his teammates. Our coaching staff could not be more excited about having these three individuals serve as our team leaders in 2011."

With a strong cast of upper classmen and an experienced and very talented freshman class from 2010, the Tigers will look to make a return trip to the ODAC Championship game and attempt to earn the school's first soccer ODAC title.