"Four Cougars Receive NCCAA All-American Soccer Honors"

written by Dave Parsons, Sports Information Director

Trevor Knowles	Preston Elifritz	Nels Radtke	Casey Swanson

   Four members of the Mount Vernon Nazarene College men's soccer team were recently honored when the National Christian College Athletic Association released its All-American and Academic All-American Teams for the 2001 season.

   Trevor Knowles, a junior goalkeeper from Gahanna, Ohio, was selected to the NCCAA All-American First Team. The former Westerville North High School standout posted a 1.07 goals against average as allowed just 22 goals in 22 matches this season. Knowles also helped the Cougars post 10 shutouts as a team.

   Preston Elifritz, a senior forward from Fletcher, Ohio, was named to the NCCAA All-American Second Team. The former Miami East High School star led MVNC with 20 goals and nine assists in his final collegiate season. Elifritz wraps up his stellar four-year career ranked second on the Cougars' all-time list in goals scored (54), assists (45), and points (153).

   Nels Radtke, a senior midfielder from Worthington, Ohio, received NCCAA Honorable Mention All-American status. The former Worthington Christian High School standout started all 22 matches and registered six assists.

   Casey Swanson, a junior defender from Mount Vernon, Ohio, was selected to the NCCAA Academic All-American Team. The former Mount Vernon High School product has compiled a 3.790 grade point average as a Mathematics/Computer Science double major. Swanson also recorded five assists this year and helped the defense post 10 shutouts.

   MVNC finished the season with a 14-6-2 overall record and an 11-4-1 American Mideast Conference mark.