Varsity
Ryan Spring, Head Coach
Bob Brandwood, Assistant

Junior Varsity
Tom Parauda, Head Coach
Edwidge Dorelian, Assistant

Thirds
Eric Lunger, Head Coach
Nathan Moltini, Assistant

The boys’ soccer season runs from September through November.

Dear Prospective Blair Soccer Player:

Thank you for expressing interest in the Blair Academy boys’ soccer program.

For boys, there are three levels of competitive, interscholastic soccer at Blair. At the varsity level Blair competes in both the New Jersey Prep A soccer association and the Mid-Atlantic Prep League (MAPL). This demanding schedule usually includes about 16 games each season, including the state tournament. While the MAPL does not have a tournament, it does declare a champion based on league play amongst the major mid-Atlantic boarding schools: Blair, Hill, Hun, Lawrenceville, Mercersburg, and Peddie. In particular, the Blair-Peddie rivalry is among the most spirited in New Jersey, so the Peddie Day match is always one of the highlights of the season.

For varsity players the season begins in early September with a week-long pre-season camp. With two and sometimes three training sessions each day, the preseason is physically demanding and requires that athletes dedicate themselves to staying in shape during the summer months. In addition, many Blair players have joined the coaching staff for a five-day stay at Team Prep Camp in Casco, Maine in late August during the last five summers. At Team Prep Camp we train twice a day (often including a session with a college coach) and compete in evening games against New England prep powers like Loomis Chaffee, Holderness, and Brooks. Once we return to New Jersey and the season begins, we play two games (Wednesday and Saturday) and practice four afternoons each week.

In addition, we have just added a new lighted, all-weather turf field. The boys’ varsity team has already played two matches on the turf this season. A new grass field will also be ready for next fall. We are excited about these upgrades to our athletic facilities as well as the renovations to the current gym.

Our JV and Thirds soccer teams do an excellent job of preparing young players for the varsity team and a positive experience for players of all levels. The JV team practices four times a week and plays approximately 16 games against many of the same schools as the varsity team. Designed for freshmen and sophomores who are not yet ready for the JV level, the “Thirds” team plays approximately 15 games against our Mid-Atlantic Prep League rivals Hill, Hun, Lawrenceville, and Peddie as well as a number of local public high schools. Therefore, the JV and Thirds teams also compete on Peddie Day.

A number of recent alums are currently playing competitive college soccer. Meanwhile, many more Blair alums are playing intramural and club soccer at their respective colleges. The coaching staff does assist interested players with the college process by contacting college coaches on their behalf. Moreover, our experienced college counseling office staff works with all Blair athletes to help them find a college that suits their academic and athletic aspirations.

Thank you again for your interest in the Blair boys’ soccer program. As you can see, we have a program that suits many levels of ability and interest. Please feel free to contact me with any questions you have about boys’ soccer at Blair. I can be contacted via phone (908) 362-6121 ext. 5694 and email sprinr@blair.edu.

Sincerely,

Ryan H. Spring
Boys’ Soccer Coach

return to top