Kelly Rulison
Sports Editor
The Lewis and Clark Community College’s Men and Women’s soccer teams were honored for their hard work this season on Nov. 23. Students, family and faculty gathered in the commons for pie and celebration.
The ceremony started at 2 p.m. with Jared Hennings giving a speech regarding the progress the players have made this season, and then proceeded with calling the players from each team up individually.
“This is a great experience for these players because you never know if you are ever going to make it back to this stage again,” said Assistant Coach, Ryan Hodge.
After each player had been called up and recognized, the coaches were then called to give speeches about the team’s accomplishments. These included the fact that both teams brought home District and Regional Championships this year, making it all of the way to Nationals.
The men completed their season at 18-4-1, while the women’s team finished 16-4-2, according to NJCAA.org.
“It’s a great day to be a Trailblazer,” said L&C President, Doctor Dale Chapman.
The speakers included Chapman, Vice President of Student Engagement Sean Hill, Athletic Director Doug Stotler, and Soccer Coach Tim Rooney.
Each speaker was given a chance to share their stories and experiences working with the teams and their personal history working at L&C.
This season set a new milestone for both of the soccer teams in the future, because this was the season that both men and women’s soccer teams made it to NJCAA Nationals.
“It is my hope as the Athletic Director that all of these soccer athletes recognize that hard work and teamwork can and will carry over in their professional lives once they leave college athletics,” said Doug Stotler, Athletic Director.
In previous years it would be only one team that would get to go if they did make it to Nationals. Not only did both teams make it far this year, but it was all under the direction of one coach, Tim Rooney.
For more information regarding the soccer teams, contact Head Coach Tim Rooney at trooney@lc.edu.