Sept. 5, 2008

Nashville, Tenn. - Senior Cyrus Eaton (Carbondale, Colo.) of the men's soccer team has been selected as the subject of this week's edition of Bruin Bytes.

The team had one of its best weeks in school history. Belmont won both of its matches at the Soccer for a Cure Classic hosted by Gardner-Webb in Boiling Springs, N.C. this past weekend to win the Tournament. This is the first time in school history that the Bruins have won its' first two matches.

As a result, Belmont is currently ranked ninth in the National Soccer Coaches Association of America (NSCAA)/adidas South Regional rankings.

The midfielder from Carbondale, Colo., has played in 55 matches for the Bruins. Last season, he was the only Bruin to start all 19 matches.

Cyrus, a biology major, has been named to the Atlantic Sun All-Academic team three times and received the Academic Achievement Award for men's soccer last year.

We caught up with the team captain to discuss the season and serving as a leader on the team:

-How has the season gone so far?

"We've started it well with two road victories. We still have to make some improvements before conference play begins."

-What things would you like to improve on?

"We can run harder and improve our chemistry. We have a deep bench and have no weak players. However, we have a lot of new guys on the team and we need to continue to work together to start clicking."

-You're a senior and captain of the team. Discuss your role as a leader:

"The younger guys definitely look to me for leadership. They ask me questions about teachers and classes often. It's hard for them to balance class and soccer and keep their focus. I try my best to help them with these challenges."

-What changes have you seen at Belmont in your four years here?

"Belmont has changed a lot since I've been here. We're getting more national exposure and recognition with the Presidential Debate coming here. The campus itself has also grown, especially with the new buildings and the student body."

-Describe the team receiving national recognition with the ranking?

"Its good for us to receive the ranking, but we know that we have to work hard to reach where we want to. The teams ahead of us like Wake Forest and North Carolina are national title contenders and we need to improve to reach that level. We just need to continue improving to get ready for the conference season.

-Why did you choose to attend Belmont, especially being from Colorado?

"The athletic department. When I came for my official visit, I was able to meet people like Colette Keyser and Renee Schultz in academics and coach Betty Wiseman. They made me feel comfortable here. I visited other schools and there was a lack of interaction between people that I didn't like. Belmont was a comforting place for me."

-What are your plans after you graduate Belmont?

"I want to pursue a professional soccer career as a player when I graduate. I would also be interested in becoming a soccer coach for youth teams. If that doesn't happen, I would continue my studies in biology in graduate school."

-You're the president of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA). Discuss your plans this upcoming year:

"I'm excited about the position. I want to change up some things with FCA but continue the great work that former president Rebekah Wilson did for us. I want to see some more interaction from everybody, even non student-athletes."

-Discuss your involvement with teaching kids soccer:

"I like to connect with kids through soccer. I've worked in various camps both here and in Colorado with by high school and former club team in Basalt. I want to give kids something positive to focus on so that they can stay out of trouble and learn about the game."

-What do you do in your spare time?

"I organize kickball games in my neighborhood. The last game we played was interesting. I joined Mete Ozkan, my teammate, and played with some of my classmates in the science department. Our skill levels were definitely different, but it was a good time. I'm trying to organize a kickball tournament possibly with the Nashville Sounds to give the kids something positive to do. Hopefully this will take place in the spring."

-What was the last movie that you saw?

"I saw The Water Horse: Legend of the Deep. It's about the Loch Ness Monster. I liked it."

-What television shows do you watch?

"I'm waiting for the season premiere of The Office on Sept. 25. I'm also happy that new episodes of Man vs. Wild have started on the Discovery Channel. Bear Grylls is the man. They just did an episode in Ireland which was great."

-You're a big Denver Broncos fan. What are your thoughts on this NFL season?

"They better win on Monday night against Oakland. I just hope that they do well this season."

-You also follow Liverpool FC of the English Premier League. How are they doing?

"Not so well. They always have issues at forward and now Torres is out for a few weeks. They're going to struggle but they have Robbie Keane and Steven Gerrard to help out. They should finish in the top-four and make the Champions League again, even though I had higher expectations."

-What's the last book that you've read?

"Blue Like Jazz by Donald Miller. It's one of my favorite books."

-Who were some athletes you admire now and when you were younger?

"I've always been a fan of Zidane, Kaka and Gerrard. Growing up in Colorado, I liked John Elway and Ray Bourque. The other athletes that I liked were some Colorado Rockies like Andres Galarraga, Larry Walker and especially Eric Young, because I played second base in little league baseball."

-Who were major influences for your development as a soccer player?

"My dad and high school coach Erick Streff were a big part of my soccer development."

-What music is currently playing on your IPod?

"My favorite song right now is called `This is your life' by Switchfot. I also like Jack Johnson and Red Jump Suit Apparatus."

The men's soccer team (2-0-0) will return to action on Sept. 6 against Oral Roberts in Tulsa, Okla. starting at 7 p.m.