Wilging, a midfielder from Mansfield, Ohio, registered 13 goals and eight assists in 20 matches as a senior at Mansfield Christian High School. He was named to the All-District First Team three times and the All-District Second Team once. He received his team’s Most Inspirational Award as a senior, and he once scored a goal in the first eight seconds of a match during his freshman year.  He finished his high school career with 37 goals and 22 assists.

“Steve is going to be such a nice addition to our team,” said MVNU head coach Paul Furey. “He is a strong, physical player with good technical ability. He could play in the back or is capable of helping us in the midfield. He is well-respected by the opposing coaches he has played against. He is a presence on the field.”

“Steve brings a strong competitive edge to him which will make us a better team,” Furey added. “He is a quality individual and I know the players and coaches alike look forward to getting to know him more as a person. Steve’s faith is important to him and that will make him a great fit for our campus community.”

In addition to playing soccer at Mansfield Christian, Wilging has played for Leiderkranz Mid-Ohio United Soccer Club for seven years.  He also earned three varsity letters in baseball and one varsity letter in basketball at Mansfield Christian.

“My older brother, Matt, attended MVNU, so I have been around MVNU a lot and like Coach Furey and the guys on the team,” said Wilging of his college choice. “I see Coach Furey as a character-building coach, which I appreciate. I am excited to continue my education in a Christian setting and believe the Lord led me to Mount Vernon.”

“It has been a pleasure to coach Matt for the past four seasons and I am thrilled to have the Wilging name on our roster for another four years,” said Furey.

MVNU finished the 2007 season with a 14-5-3 overall record. The Cougars won the National Christian College Athletic Association East Region title and finished third at the NCCAA National Tournament in Kissimmee, Florida.