Bowling Green, Ky. — The Western Kentucky University men's soccer team celebrated its 2007 season Sunday morning with a brunch in the E.A. Diddle Arena Hall of Champions.
"It was an emotional occasion coming so soon after the university's decision to drop Men's Soccer," remarked Coach David Holmes. The team gathered to reflect on the program's 25th season and also to honor the contributions of four seniors. Chris Davies, Travis Garner, Kevin Hitchel, and Kyle Schroeder left their mark on the Hill. These four men were significant leaders on our young team. We regularly started 9-10 underclassmen. "Chris, Travis, Kevin, and Kyle were definitely outnumbered by the rookies, said Holmes. We coaches relied heavily on the maturity of these seniors. "All four honor roll students will soon be proud Western Kentucky University graduates." The soccer team registered the top grade point average for WKU men's teams this fall. Team GPA was 3.23.
"I truly enjoyed my time working with this group," said assistant Coach Sean Helliwell. "I regret that coaches and returning players will not be able enjoy the successes that everyone had predicted for 2008 and beyond. We will, however, be able to share in the successes of transferring team members at other universities."
Ian Smith was honored as the team's top freshman. He also was one of only two first-year players to earn a spot on the MVC All-Conference team. Andy Masteller and Paul Kopec were also named to the MVC All-Conference team. Masteller and Kopec were teammates along with Pat Rickman on the Chicago Magic S.C. team that were USYSA National Runners-up in 2005 and 2006. The Chicago Magic was named the best boys club team in the U.S. during those years.
Coaches’ awards went to Kyle Schroeder and Kevin Hitchel. Chris Davies, chemistry major from Frankfort, picked up the team's Scholar-Athlete Award. Davies was named to the COSIDA ESPN The Magazine Academic All-American, Third Team. He also was selected to the COSIDA ESPN the Magazine Academic All-District IV, First Team.
"W Club" president, Doug Gorman, handed out letter jackets and blankets to the team's 23 letter winners. Gorman, a former Hilltopper great and member of Holmes' first team (1984), spoke about alumni efforts to reinstate the program. "We have raised over $125,000. I look forward to working with the university to find ways to bring back the Men's Soccer program that is so close to my heart. I have truly enjoyed getting to know the young men on this team. Dustin Downey has emerged as a significant student leader. His energy and never-say-die attitude is infectious."
Downey, a broadcasting major from Frankfort, received the fourth Coaches' Award for underclassmen leadership accomplishments.
