Powell, Wilke earn Dukes of the Week honors

VINELAND - The 2023-24 Athletic Season for RCSJ-Cumberland is off and running with Dukes Womens and Mens Soccer starting their seasons.  With a combined record of 4-3-1, it is the best combined start in recent memory for RCSJ-Cumberland soccer.  Charisma Wilke has been incredible for Womens soccer on and off the field and Ty Powell has been equally as great for the Mens side.  The namesake of the award, Jimmy Williams, was as dedicated as the athletes he served during his time at Cumberland.  His love for the Navy & Gold was not a secret and he gave his all to the Dukes prior to his passing in February of 2017.  For their high character and consistent dedication, much like Jimmy Williams, Charisma and Ty have been named Dukes of the week for the week of September 10.

Charisma Wilke - Elmer, NJ - Veritas Academy

Wilke has been incredible for the Dukes in net.  The freshman goalkeeper from Elmer was critical in the Dukes most recent contest against FIT as she made big save after big save to earn a 2-2 draw against the visiting Tigers.  She went on to finish the game with 11 saves total.  Charisma has been a pillar for head coach, Jason Hearn as he continues to build the Womens Soccer program into a consistent contender and an insitution that 4-year schools will seek prospects from.  Wilke is a team leader and as Coach Hearn puts it: "I'm not sure where we would be without Charisma."  Charisma Wilke is this week's Female Athlete of the Week.

Ty Powell - Bridgeton, NJ - St. Joseph's Academy

One of the more academically decorated recruits for the 2023 class, Ty Powell has been fantastic in helping lead the charge for Dukes Mens Soccer.  Powell tallied a hat trick in the 5-3 victory over Delaware County on September 7 helping the Dukes to a 3-2 record, their best start since 2019.  Powell was one of John McClain's first recruits from the 2023 class, an important class as McClain tries to shake off the team's performance from recent seasons.  "Ty is very reliable and trustworthy, on and off the field.  As a coach, you can't ask for anything more," McClain said.  Ty Powell is this week's Male Athlete of the Week.