News

The Mount Vernon Nazarene University men's soccer team has added another recruit to its roster for the 2002 season with the addition of Les Claxon.

Claxon, a defender from South Webster, Ohio, scored three goals as a senior at South Webster High School. For his efforts, he was named to the All-Conference and All-District First Team and the All-Ohio Third Team in Division III. Claxon was also an All-Conference First Team selection and an All-District Second Team pick as a junior.

"Les comes from a long line of talented siblings, and I was fortunate to coach his two older brothers (Casey and Corey) who both contributed greatly to our program," said MVNC head coach Paul Furey. "I believe that Les will do the same, if not more. He is a quality individual both academically and athletically who brings a genuine personality and sincere faith to our squad. With all of our back line returning, it will be challenging for Les to step right in, but I would not be too surprised if he did."

In addition to his achievements on the soccer field, Claxon is also the valedictorian of his class and a member of National Honor Society. He is the president of South Webster's Key Club, and he was class president as a freshman, sophomore, and junior. He also received the Branch Rickey Award.

"There are several reasons why I chose to attend MVNC," said Claxon of his college choice. "I wanted to attend a school where I could obtain a good education and the skills needed to succeed in life. MVNC can meet my spiritual needs as well."

The Cougars are coming off a 14-6-2 season in 2001. The team advanced to the semifinals of the NAIA Region IX Tournament for the second straight year, and MVNC also finished fifth in the highly-competitive American Mideast Conference with an 11-4-1 conference mark.