NEWBERRY — The talent for the Wolves this season stretches from Norway to South Carolina. Tristen Caples, Claus Lehland, and Jordan Szustwal are three of the many faces that represent the Newberry jersey this season. The three participated in a quick but entertaining Q&A.
Name: Tristen Caples
Major: Communications
Favorite Food: Steak and shrimp
Caples, who is originally from Anaheim, Calif., prepares for his first season with the Wolves.
Being a first-generation college student, he has been supported by his family throughout his soccer and school career.
“I was raised as a very family oriented person, so family means everything to me. My dad is the hardest working man I know in this world, so I always strive to work as hard as he has. My mother isn’t as athletic as my dad, but is very loving and laid back. I believe that’s where I get my ‘go with the flow’ attitude from. My family has always supported me in soccer. I am the first person in my family to go to college so my family is very excited to see me succeed here at Newberry,” stated Caples.
Caples played on the Ashley Ridge High School varsity team for three years. He skipped his junior year of play to participate in an academy soccer league. Tristen played club soccer at the United Soccer Academy Mount Pleasant (USAMP) for three years on the 98 Premier team.
The team made it to the State Cup Finals in 2015. He also played one year for the South Carolina Battery Academy which is a USL youth team that played in the U.S. Developmental Academy. His greatest athletic achievement was when he scored a goal and an assist during his debut with the Battery Academy.
Caples made his way to Newberry because of his love for the family atmosphere he received when he got here.
“Everyone is very nice and always eager to help you in any away,” he stated.
To be as successful as he has been in soccer, he credits his very high work ethic. Caples works until he feels like he has accomplished his goal.
He is also very open to learning new ways and ideas to play a position or a style of play. Before each game he enjoys taking naps and getting relaxed.
In his free time, he surfs a lot with his friends in Charleston and back in California. Since his mother and grandmother are Mexican, Caples has even picked up the Spanish language which helps him interact with his teammates better.
As a child, he aspired to be a professional soccer player or a dirt bike racer like his dad. His favorite sports team is the LA Galaxy while his celebrity crush is Felicity Palmateer. He listens to all types of music but his favorite song is Wish You Were Here by Pink Floyd.
Name: Claus Simonsen Lehland
Major: Business Administration and Sport Management
Favorite Food: Sushi
Lehland, a sophomore from Finnsnes, Norway prepares for his second season with the Wolves.
He most recently played club soccer for IL Sandviken in the Norwegian fourth division. Prior to that he played for FK Jerv and was top five on his team in total points the last several years based on goals and assists.
Lehland decided to go to Newberry after Skyping with head coach Bryce Cooper.
“I love his winning mentality and I wanted to be a part of turning Newberry men’s soccer into a winning program,” he stated.
He was selected for the preseason all-SAC second team. Lehland led the Wolves in four statistical categories last season: points (8), goals (4), shots (31) and shots on goal (16). Regarding his success in soccer he states, “A key for me is the need to get better, and the need to win, no matter the cost.”
When he is not competing on the field you can find Lehland playing his teammates in a round of FIFA.
“I used most of my spare-time playing soccer and FIFA with my friends. I got my first FIFA game in 2003, and it’s understandable that the guys here in Newberry are struggling to beat me. Right now, I enjoy being ranked as the number one FIFA player in Newberry,” said Lehland.
Before every game he likes to shave his beard. His favorite sports team is Leeds United, while his favorite athlete is Fredrik Pallesen Knudsen. His celebrity crush is Margot Robbie better known as Harley Quinn in the box office hit Suicide Squad.
His favorite hobby is winning and as a child he aspired to be a professional soccer player. As far as his greatest athletic achievement Lehland stated: “It hasn’t happened yet, but it is soon to come. For further updates, follow me on Instagram at @lehlandofficial.”
Name: Jordan Szustwal
Major: Sport Management
Favorite Food: Milanesa marinara
South Carolina native Jordan Szustwal is set for his third season with the Wolves.
He owes a great deal of his success to his youth group at church.
“I would have to say that camp with my youth group at church during high school has shaped me into the man I am today. The unforgettable experience has as allowed me to grow in my faith and as a person,” stated Szustwal.
He made his first collegiate goal last season against Coker College. With just a little under three minutes left remaining in regulation, Szustwal made a move around Cokers’ goalkeeper and put the ball past the Cobra’s defense to seal the win for the Wolves.
“It was one of the best feelings in the world to cross that off my list accomplishments,” he stated.
Prior to Newberry, he led his high school team with 25 goals and added 13 assists.
“I have to prove myself to my teammates and coaching staff that motivates me to work hard. Improving defensively is an important part of my regimen because I know I need to get better. So, I try and make myself goals each time we train,” said Szustwal.
Before each contest he listens to Willie Nelson and ends with a prayer.
As a child, he aspired to be a professional athlete one way or another. His favorite sports team is FC Barcelona, while his favorite athletes include Christian Laettner and John Stockton. His celebrity crush is Hillary Clinton or Kate Upton. Szustwal favorite hobby is bass fishing or deer hunting. He enjoys listening to Gucci Mane and his favorite song is “Believe it or Not.”