SUNY Potsdam Athletes of the Week Sept. 6

POTSDAM, N.Y. (WWTI) – SUNY Potsdam's Athletes of the Week, Sept. 6, 2026, are Junior Forward Thomas Wendel of the Men's Soccer team and Senior Goalkeeper Caroline Vines of the Women's Soccer team. Wendel is a graduate of Mechanicville and is majoring in Business Administration. Wendel was a standout player for the Bears during a week in which the team recorded one win, one loss, and one draw (1-1-1). He contributed significantly by achieving a total of three points: he provided an assist in a game against Nazareth on Tuesday and scored the decisive goal in the home opener for Potsdam against Keuka on Saturday. Vines is a graduate of Irondequoit and is majoring in Educational Technology. Vines achieved a 0.67 goals-against average and a .931 save percentage, making 27 saves with two shutouts during a 1-1-1 week for Potsdam. She topped all SUNYAC goalies in saves and shutouts. Highlights include 12 saves against Russell Sage and a career-high 14 saves in a 0-0 draw against Utica, where she secured her first shutout. Vines completed the week with a second shutout and her fifth career victory in a 2-0 win over Vermont State-Johnson. Visit the Potsdam Bears' website to learn scores and find out when the next game is. Here are your latest local sports stories