The Mount Vernon Nazarene College men's soccer team has landed one of its top recruits for the 2001 season as the Cougars have announced the signing of Nate Sommers.
Sommers, a forward from Mount Gilead, Ohio, was a three-year member of the varsity soccer team at Mansfield Christian School. During the 2000 season, he led Mansfield Christian to its first appearance in the state finals as the Flames advanced all the way to the semifinals.
Sommers, who scored a school-record 62 goals in his career, notched a school-record 30 goals as a senior to go along with 20 assists. For his efforts during the 2000 season, he was selected to the Division III All-Ohio First Team and the North Central Ohio Small School Coaches Association All-District Team. He was also named the NCOSSCA Division III Player of the Year.
"I am very pleased to have Nate join our program next fall," said MVNC head coach Paul Furey. "He is a guy that I have had my eye on for some time, and I am glad he has chosen to attend MVNC."
"It is a nice feeling when you sign a player who is the complete package of a quality player, student, and person," Furey added. "Nate is exactly what MVNC is about, and he will be a great addition to our school and our soccer program."
In addition to his accomplishments on the soccer field, Sommers has also achieved success in the classroom. He was named to the 2000 NCOSSCA All-Academic Team, and he received an Academic Excellence Award for maintaining a 3.70 grade point average while playing soccer. He is also a three-year member of National Honor Society, and he served as its chaplain in 2000.
"My main reason for choosing MVNC is to play soccer for Coach Furey and the Cougars," said Sommers of his college choice. "This past soccer season was nearly a dream come true as our team made it to the state semifinals. I have heard and seen nothing but positive things about the MVNC men's soccer program, the players, and the coaches. Coach Furey is one of my good friends, and I am looking forward with anticipation to playing for him."
The Cougars are coming off a 16-7-1 season in 2000. The team advanced to the National Christian College Athletic Association for the third straight year where MVNC finished third.
