Florida Polytechnic University celebrated its first foray into collegiate athletics Tuesday evening with an inaugural game tailgate, pregame remarks from Florida Poly leaders, and a 4-0 victory that never seemed in doubt.
The men’s soccer team took the field against Webber International at the Orlando Health Stadium inside the Lake Myrtle Sports Complex, cheered on by a large crowd of Florida Poly students, administrators and fans.
“This is a milestone moment for Florida Poly as we celebrate a new beginning for our University,” said Dr. Devin Stephenson, president of Florida Poly, during the pregame ceremony. “Our student-athletes are making history as the first generation of Phoenix athletes to take the field. We’re creating new traditions for our University and the future of Florida Poly Athletics, with many more milestones to come.”
The Phoenix wasted little time making history on the field.
Just five minutes into the game, Kaden Curtin scored the first official goal in Florida Poly Athletics history, volleying a header off an opposition player into the back of the net.
“It’s the best feeling in the world,” said Curtin, the Sophomore Industrial Engineering Major from Apple Valley, California, during a post-game interview. “I love being here. This is the best school with the best team, best campus, and best field. Let’s go Phoenixes!”
The victory marked the first official win for Florida Poly Head Men’s Soccer Coach Clay Roberts, whose team has looked dominant to start the year. Along with Curtin, players Adrian Arteaga, Ahmad Hijaz, and Peter Janzen also found the back of the net.
Roberts is one of seven coaches brought in by Florida Poly this year to lead the University into its inaugural season of intercollegiate athletics.
“What a great night, it’s a great feeling to see Florida Poly Athletics launch like this,” said Roberts after the game. “To see the student body, the crowd, and the support, the players representing the way they did, you couldn’t have drawn it up more perfectly. I’m so proud of our team and I’m honored to be part of this.”
The men’s soccer team will be back in action on Wednesday, Aug. 26 against New College of Florida’s Mighty Banyans.