Quest for the 8th star resumes today in Madison

The whistle is blown and the black and white checkered ball is kicked. Each breath is visible as the players run up and down the 120-yard grass field. The sweat still drips from their faces even in the crisp fall weather.

This is what the Indiana men’s soccer team lives for. With 7 national championships on their crest, nothing is stopping them on their journey towards the 8^th star.

The Hoosiers are off to a great start with an undefeated 6-0-2 record. As of now the Indiana Hoosiers are ranked 5^th after beating Penn State. Senior center back Tommy Meyer says, “With each game the confidence is building, and my teammates and I know we aren’t going to lose.”

The Hoosiers want it bad this year and have all the talent and belief to win their 8^th national championship, Meyer says. “The past two years we have been building for this moment and some freshmen have stepped up, filling spots we need. We really feel we can do something special this year. It’s our year.”

Not only does the team feel it, but the fans supporting them feel it as well.

IU Senior Tommy Meyer

The “Hoosier Army” is newly introduced this year, developed by the marketing department this summer. Redshirt senior forward Tim Wylie says, “We have a lot more support this year because of the Hoosier Army, and now the fans can have their own identity and say they are a part of something. Fans, parents, and alumni living in the city even support us at away games.”

As the Hoosiers journey towards the 8^th star, the fans play a huge role in their success. Meyer says, “The Hoosier Army has done wonders because the fans build up the atmosphere with excitement. We have always been a good team and people are finally starting to realize we are good.”

IU has always been a great soccer school historically, and that reputation continues to grow every year. “The reason why our whole team came here was so we could win a national championship,” said Wylie. “The Big Ten is one of the toughest conferences, and we all thrive on competing against the best.”

In his last year, Meyer wants to leave his mark on the program. “It is exciting but I almost feel pressure because everything is depending on this season. This is my last year to get the job done.”

In winning seven national championships, IU soccer has built tradition. A tradition to compete, win, and be the best. This season has a promising future as they are off to a great start. The soccer team and the Hoosier Army will travel to Wisconsin today , looking to get even closer to their goal of an 8^th star.