The Hamilton College Men’s Club Soccer Team, colloquially known as “Men’s Cloccer,” is a formidable bastion of athleticism and friendship at the heart of the campus’ social fabric. With over 50 members, Men’s Cloccer reigns as one of the largest student organizations on campus. They compete in a competitive inter-collegiate league in the fall, and showcase their resolute commitment to improvement by regularly practicing during the year.
Men’s Cloccer entered the fall season brimming with optimism. The team was coming off a triumphant 2022 season, marred only by a bitter 1–0 loss to Syracuse University that denied them a postseason spot. Unfortunately, the subsequent season unfolded in contrast to the previous impressive year. While injured, I coached the team. After a calamitous start that saw us draw one game and lose two, the team delivered a commanding 3–1 victory over Ithaca.
The team played in a swashbuckling attacking style. Between the posts, Oliver Nathanielz ’26 was an impenetrable fortress. Captains Frank Jones ’25, Mariano Russo ’25 and Jesse Wexler ’24 anchored the backline with resolve. Flying wingbacks Felix Halloran ’26 and TJ O’Neil ’27 bombed up and down the touchline, while midfield maestros Greg Winston ’26 and Orhan Algar ’26 dictated the game with their trickery and guile. Yet, amidst this brilliance, a glaring void persisted in the form of a clinical striker. Jack Phillips ’27, scorer of two goals, encapsulates this dilemma: “It says a lot that I was the top scorer of the team.”
Admirably, the lackluster results did not diminish the team’s spirit. Brandon Ngu ’25, whose towering header secured a pivotal 1–0 victory against Oswego, expresses gratitude for the sense of belonging that he found at Cloccer. “I like how competitive Cloccer is, but at the same time, everyone knows when to be competitive and when to ease off,” Ngu states. “The bonding aspect of getting to know new people is truly fulfilling.”
The Cloccer community is steeped in a rich tradition of social engagement. The pinnacle of this is arguably the annual Cloccer Wedding, in which the men’s and women’s teams converge in jubilant homage to the institution of Cloccer. Ryan Herzog ’27, the fortuitous protagonist of the wedding, fondly recounts the festivities. “It was a wonderful experience, commemorating not only a great season but also the amazing friendships we forged at men’s and women’s Cloccer.” This ethos of enduring fellowship is embodied by the Men’s Cloccer LinkedIn group, serving as a platform for generations of Cloccer players to reminisce and reconnect. Last fall, the team joyously welcomed Luke “The Stallion” Devine ’23 back to campus, as he spectated a match against Binghamton.
The future of Men’s Cloccer is bright, propelled by the electrifying debut performances of the freshman class. Albert Van Ness ’27 caught the eye as a dynamo of midfield prowess, blending tenacity with finesse. He orchestrated one of the finest goals in Men’s Cloccer history, launching a 30-yard free kick that sailed into the bottom right corner, which left the opposing goalkeeper flailing in despair. Dehler Ingham ’27 and Dreden Baldeo ’27 ignited the field with their infectious energy and hunger for victory every time they came off the bench. Finally, Erik DuBoulay ’27 proved more than just a spectator on the sidelines. “It was exhilarating to be on the bench,” DuBoulay said. “We kept the energy high to support the squad. It was great to witness hard work in practice translating into minutes on the field, although I wouldn’t really know since I didn’t play much.”
Men’s Cloccer is eagerly awaiting the coming fall season. In the meantime, all enthusiasts of the beautiful game are more than welcome to join this vibrant community on campus.