Recently, Charlestown soccer’s Jared Taylor was joined by family, coaches, friends, and teammates to witness him signing his celebratory letter of intent to attend school and play soccer at Mount St. Joseph University next fall.

The 92-acre scenic campus overlooks the Ohio River just 15-minutes from downtown Cincinnati, Ohio. Mount St. Joseph University is a private institution that was founded in 1920. The university enrolls over 1,800 undergraduate students and approximately 300 graduate students across 48 undergraduate programs, nine associate degrees, pre-professional and certificate programs, and graduate programs.

Mount St. Joseph soccer, known as the Lions, competes at the NCAA Division III level in the Heartland Collegiate Athletic Conference with Anderson University, Berea College, Bluffton University, Earlham College, Franklin College, Hanover College, Manchester University, Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology, and Transylvania University. MSJ is home to 22 other varsity sports for both men and women.

Taylor told WPMQ, when asked about his choice to attend school and play soccer there, “I chose Mount St. Joseph because I believe it is somewhere that can help me excel not only athletically but academically as well. The people there, as well as Coach Clark made me feel like family. I am extremely grateful for everyone who has helped me get to this point. I am hoping to make them all proud and am excited to continue my future at The Mount!”

Charlestown soccer head coach Cristian Martinez shared his sentiments on Taylor’s decision and said, “Chase your dreams with the same passion you brought to the field. College is a new game, and I believe in your ability to score big. Remember, hard work and dedication are the keys to unlocking your full potential. Go make your mark!”

WPMQ, The Pirate Network congratulates Jared and wishes him a healthy and prosperous future at Mount St. Joseph University.

Contributed by WPMQ, The Pirate Network staff member Tatum Poirrier

Recently while surrounded by family, friends, and coaches, Charlestown senior Austin Pickerell signed his celebratory letter of intent to attend school and play soccer at Georgetown College in the fall.

Georgetown College is a private Christian college in Georgetown, Kentucky just 30 minutes from the state’s capital. Chartered in 1829, Georgetown was the first Baptist college west of the Appalachian Mountains. The college offers 38 undergraduate degrees and a Master of Arts in education. It offers degrees in areas of visual and performing arts, math and sciences, humanities, language and culture, business, medicine and healthcare, and others. Georgetown College is associated with five Rhodes Scholars and its alumni have included 38 Fulbright Scholars since 1989.

As a school of approximately 1200 students, Georgetown College has 58 student clubs and organizations, including four national fraternities. The college offers a chapel and several Christian and other religious groups for students. Its social organizations cover a wide range of interests, including government, recreation, community service, activism, the arts, and academics. Finally, it is home to 18 varsity sports in the NAIA and the Mid-South Conference (MSC).

Pickerell plans to major in pre-pharmacy. When asked about his choice to play at Georgetown College with the Tigers, Pickerell replied, “I’m so excited to continue my soccer and academic career at Georgetown College. I hope to earn some minutes my freshman year. It’s pretty cool that my parents went to Georgetown and played sports there; basketball for my mom and soccer for my dad. Maybe I will continue to family tradition and wear #15 like my dad!”

Charlestown soccer coach Cristian Martinez shared his sentiments about Pickerell saying, “Austin has always been a dedicated kid to his team and coaches. His leadership skills will carry him far, on the field and during his career. Georgetown is gaining a valuable player and the best center-back in the area. It was a pleasure coaching him for four years and I wish the best for him in his future.”

WPMQ, The Pirate Network congratulates Austin and wishes him a healthy and prosperous future as a Georgetown College Tiger.

Article contributed by WPMQ, The Pirate Network staff member Aiden Stewart.

The Pirate soccer team hosted Austin last night in a senior night matchup at Dutch Reis Field, scored early and often, and left the Eagles with a 10-2 defeat. The Pirates’ ten goals came from Elijah Cooley, Ian Flora, Jackson Melton, Matt Parrella, Eric Sipes (x2), Pascual Gonzalez (x2), and Andrew Mattingly (x2).

Assist for the night came from Aric Hooker, Elijah Cooley, Gryphon Brading, Bryce Wray, Andrew Mattingly (x2), and Matt Parrella.

Charlestown ended the night with 31 shots with 25 on goal. Senior Matt Parrella had 2 saves and allowed 1. Freshman, Tristan Nethery had 2 saves and allowed 1.

Coach Martinez had this to say: “It was a good senior night for CHS. We recognized our five seniors Matt Parrella, Andrew Mattingly, Austin Cooper, Ali AlBawi, and Ian Flora. The team played good which lead us to a victory.  We have a Scottsburg tournament scheduled for Thursday, Friday, and Saturday so we will use the momentum from the win to help us succeed at the tournament.”

The junior varsity also had a good 5-0 win.

Pirate Junior Michael Jewell commands the ball.

On August 28th, the Charlestown Pirates’ Boys Soccer team fell to tough opponent, Madison 3-2. The first goal for the Pirates came from Aric Hooker at 29:45, while the second goal was achieved by Bryce Wray at the 24:33 mark, assisted by Gryphon Brading. Charlestown had 16 shots with 10 on goal, while madison had 13 shots with 8 on goal. Matt Parrella had 5 saves and allowed 3.

Per Coach Martinez, “Today was a great match. We kept more possession of the ball and had many opportunities with the ball. Unfortunately, there were a few mistakes that cost us the game. The Pirates fought hard, but feel there were some plays that we could have put in goal. Overall, I am proud of the team’s performance this evening. I hope the boys take to rest up and kick butt in our first away game on Thursday.”

The Pirates’ JV team did come away with a victory over Madison, 1-0.

The team will travel to Scottsburg on Thursday for a contest set to begin at 6:00 P.M.

(Contributed by WPMQ Staff Members Harley Horrell and Brendan Hawkins.)

The Charlestown HS Pirate Soccer team hosted the River City Jaguars Tuesday evening on Dutch Reis Field.  The Junior Varsity Pirates were victorious over the visiting Jags 4-2; thanks to Pirate goals by Elijah Cooley (2 goals), Joseph Jensen, and Michael Jewell.  The Varsity team didn’t fare so well, logging a 1-5 setback.  Pirate Bryce Wray scored Charlestown’s one goal at the 38:39 minute mark in the 1^st half with an assist from Eric Sipes.  Aric Hooker had 7 saves, and the Pirates had 14 shots with 11 on goal; while the River City Jaguars had 23 shots with 13 on goal.

“We started our season with a bad loss.  I did not see what I expected from the players, especially since we have been practicing for the last 2.5 months.  I did not see any passing or talking or any real physical work on the field.  After beginning the 2nd half, I did see some  improvement. I feel that the players slacked again towards the end of the game. We have 2 practices this week that will allow us time to work with the players and reflect on today’s game. On a different note, I am happy with the performance of the JV team. I know we will work hard to get back on track because I have a lot of faith in this group of kids”, commented Pirate Head Coach Christian Martinez.