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Issue date: 3/6/08 Section: Sports

Media Credit: Ian Grey/MCLA Athletics Dept. Photographer Joe Irwin gets control of the ball in the rain in his last game of his career.

Media Credit: Ian Grey/MCLA Athletics Dept. Photographer Joe Irwin lines up for a shot on goal.

The rain came down hard, making the newly appointed Shewcraft Field wet and slippery, but Senior Joe Irwin could not think of any way better to end his college career, then on a wet, cold, Saturday afternoon with a win against Fitchburg State.


"My last game as a senior was the first men's soccer game played on the new Shewcraft field," said Irwin. "We won that game. It was pouring which seemed fit because the majority of my games here at MCLA were played in the rain."


Joe was born in Long Island, NY and grew up in a town called Southold. Sports were an early part of his life. He played little league baseball and soccer and that is where he met most of his friends as a kid.


In High School, they did not offer football, so naturally, Joe took to soccer. The school prided itself in tradition and excellence and that was something Joe did too. His High School was actually tied with his rival, Mattituck, for the most state championships in New York. He also played basketball and tennis at his high school.


When Joe graduated high school, he did not see himself as a college student and did have plans of attending one, but a quick talk with Coach Hildabrand at a soccer camp, quickly changed his mind.


"I decided to come to MCLA and play soccer because I met coach Hildabrand at a soccer camp at Hartwick College and he recruited me," Irwin explained. "I never heard of MCLA, but didn't really have any other plans to attend college, so MCLA worked out. NYS tuition reduction was also big factor in my decision, as well as coach Shewcraft's experience."


In his freshman year of play here at the college, Joe can still remember his first goal. It was the fastest goal he has ever scored in his career.


"My first goal was against Springfield College my freshman year," said Irwin, "and it was scored six seconds after the halftime kickoff, which has to be the fastest goal I have ever scored. I was happy that I scored, but we lost that game so my happiness was short lived."


As a lot of athletes use confidence on the field to get themselves ready for the game, but Joe likes to use anger and believes this will help him play better and more aggressive, especially considering he was moved form forward to defense for the first time in his 15 year-career.


"I usually listen to a TOOL CD before a game, or something else filled with a lot of hate and aggression," said Irwin. "I always felt that if I was angry I always played better and more aggressive."


Turning Joe into a defender was not at all a bad idea as he excelled at the challenge and was recognized for his efforts this season.


"This past year I played defense for the first time in my life," said Irwin, " and I received defensive player of the CIAO tournament, MVP, and 2nd team all mascac. I Played forward for the previous 15 years or so of my soccer career. go figure. "


When Joe looks back at his career here at MCLA, he often looks at one of the greatest coaches ever here at the college, Coach Shewcraft. He found his three years under his belt to be quite the experience and unforgettable one.


"Shewcraft was a great coach who did a lot for the school and many players," said Irwin, "and I couldn't think of a better way to end my career with a victory on the newly anointed Shewcraft field, with rain."


Joe believes in success and often achieves it with hard work. He believes while working hard on the field, it can only lead to a great accomplishment on the field and off. For any incoming freshman, Joe would offer this advice.


"What you put into this commitment along the road will only result in success," said Irwin, "on and off the field. Take D3 sports seriously and strive for success. Not only for yourself and your teammates, but for MCLA and all those who came and played before you."


As Joe will not be playing anymore, he still wants to be around the game he loves and will be volunteering next fall with the team.


"I hope to stay involved with the game," said Irwin. "Volunteer assisting with Coach Hildabrand in the fall, and hope to coach soccer in the future."


As for after college, Joe would like to attend graduate school, but first wants to travel before he gets back into schooling.


Joe has learned many things here at MCLA playing soccer, but believes that he will not realize them until later on in life. One thing he has learned that has stuck with him is that of commitment.


"Sports at MCLA have taught me a lot," said Irwin. "Many lessons, which may not be evident at the time, but in which one will realize later in my life. The greatest lesson it taught me was commitment, and following through on something you
started."

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