Expectations. That was what the men’s soccer team, including sophomore Jack Jones, came into the 2006 season with. A core group of players returned and led the team to a 9-7-2 record in 2005, the best record for the program since 1992.-And with that came big expectations on the team to win in 2006, and win big.

The team was picked to finish second in the coaches poll for the Mountain Pacific Sports Federation this season and contend for the championship. A big part of this team is Jones, who was expected to provide leadership on the field and keep up the unselfish play and versatility he displayed during his freshman campaign.

Last season, Jones assisted on three goals and started more games than any other freshman. This year, he has continued his outstanding play. Not only is Jones one of the key components to this year’s team, but he is one of the team’s most versatile players and has the ability to play anywhere on the field.

“It’s a pleasure for a coach to have a versatile player like Jack, who can play many positions. We have used him in many areas,” coach Michael Linenberger said. We have used him in the back and at midfield both centrally and wide.”

Jones’ versatility has been needed by the team this year as the season has gone on. He has played anywhere the coaches have asked and the results have worked well for the team because of his ability to fill in wherever he is needed in order to help the team win.

“This year, as a sophomore, we have needed his versatility and we have used it and he has filled in whichever role we have needed,” Linenberger said.

Even though Jones has the ability to play anywhere, coach Linenberger thinks it is wide back where the team will use him as the season winds down and transitions into 2007.-

“His most natural position is wide back and we are hoping he can maybe settle into a position like that for us next year,” Linenberger said.

Jones has also proven himself to be one of the hardest-working players on the team. Jones has a passion to work hard and improve and is early to practice and late to leave.

“He loves to work hard. He comes to practice early and works on his weaknesses. He stays after practice because he wants to get better,” Linenberger said.

So far in 2006, Jones has produced for the Hornets by scoring three goals. But for Jones, it’s all about the team. He is the rare case of a star looking to do what he can to help the team instead of looking at what he can do to help himself. He is the player who looks to set up his teammates before looking to score.

“My whole objective is to help my teammates out. It’s more fun for me to get an assist,” Jones said. “I try to do whatever I can to help the team win, whether it’s clearing balls or defending. It doesn’t matter to me; I just try to help us win.”

Along with winning comes hard work, and Jones has a passion for both. He knows that the only way for the Hornets to reach the goals they set this year is to work hard.

“I just love to win. I’m a competitor. I try to come out to every practice and make myself better. A lot of college soccer is hard work and who puts in the most work a lot of times will win the game,” Jones said.

There are many differences between this team and last year’s team, Jones being one of them. He is now a more important figure to the team and a leader on the field. He has been a staple in a starting lineup that has already been through a lot of changes as the year has gone on.

Even with the adversity, the Hornets are still in the hunt for a Mountain Pacific Sports Federation championship, a title that eluded them last year. But one thing that will guide this team through the final weeks of the season is Jones’ hard work, versatility and willingness to do what is best for the name on the front of his jersey and not the name on the back of it.-

-Since winning games is what the Hornets did in 2005, the expectations for the team are even higher for this season. The team has worked hard this year to compete, despite a losing record. Some say the team has not lived up to those high expectations, but not Jones.

“I think this year we have had a lot of adversity and we have had a lot of guys injured. I give credit to my teammates. They have all stepped up and played really well for us,” Jones said.

That is why the Hornets have lived up to a season filled with expectations, according to Jones. They have worked hard and battled adversity to be where they are and to the Hornets they are expected to be. As for the expectations set on Jones, he has gone above and beyond. He has played well and provided quality leadership to his teammates.

Expectations may only rise in the future.

Aaron Boore can be reached at [email protected]