Steve Lesmes, Isaac Bush, Aaron Caluza, Adam Pelak, Seth Taylor, and Matt Wilging have helped the MVNU men’s soccer program post a 37-27-9 record over the past four years.

Lesmes, a forward from Fredonia, New York, is in his second season with the Cougars. The former Fredonia High School star has played in 32 career matches with 26 starts and he has registered 14 goals and 10 assists. He was an AMC South Division Honorable Mention pick in 2003 and is a two-time First-Knox Cougar Invitational All-Tournament Team selection. This season, Lesmes has compiled four goals and a team-high seven assists while playing in all 16 matches with 11 starts.

"Steve’s journey through college has been an interesting one and it’s still going,” said MVNU head coach Paul Furey. "He is back to where he started his collegiate experience here at MVNU. Lots of interesting twists and turns have taken place, but Steve has managed to bring himself full circle. I am glad that he returned to MVNU. He has had a good final season and I believe that he is determined to make something special of his life. I’ll miss him, but I think he may still be around for awhile yet.”

Bush, a defender from Mount Vernon, Ohio, has played in 31 career matches with one start in his four-year career. This season, the former Mount Vernon High School product has played in seven matches with one start. He also scored his first collegiate goal and also registered an assist.

"Isaac has been a great asset to our team over the past four years,” said Furey. "He is the ultimate team player. It makes no difference if it is a pick-up game or an actual match - he leaves it all on the field. His intensity on the field is also reflective in all aspects of his life and faith. Sometimes soft-spoken, he makes no apology for where he stands on spiritual matters. His heart and spirit will always be remembered.”

Caluza, a midfielder from Lakewood, California, has played in 71 career matches with 54 starts during his four years on the team. The former Valley Christian High School graduate has recorded four goals and 13 assists in his career. This season, Caluza has started 14 of the 15 matches in which he has played and contributed two goals and two assists.

"Aaron is the consummate walk-on,” said Furey. "He elevated himself from walk-on to three-year starter. His commitment and desire to play brought him back to MVNU for a fifth year and a double major. He has been a speedy, versatile, hard-working midfielder. He has been regarded and respected as a spiritual leader by his teammates. He is an overcomer and a competitor - two attributes that will follow him into future ministry working with young people.”

Pelak, a midfielder from South Euclid, Ohio, has seen action in 73 career matches with 32 starts. The former Brush High School standout has compiled six goals and 13 assists including six assists in 16 matches this season that includes eight starts.

"Adam is among our most technical players,” said Furey. "He has tremendous skill and a lethal shot. He has been an easy-going, enjoyable personality. As confident as Adam has been as a player, I have always felt like it was team first with him. He is really a very unselfish player and just wanted to help his team win. I have always appreciated the respect and loyalty he has shown me. He has been a good Cougar, teammate, and friend.”

Taylor, a midfielder from Stow, Ohio, has seen action in 63 career matches with 43 starts. The former Cuyahoga Valley Christian Academy star has registered six goals and nine assists in his career. He was an NCCAA Scholar-Athlete in 2005 and is up for NAIA and NCCAA Scholar-Athlete honors again this season. He started in seven matches and tallied one goal and one assist until he was sidelined by a season-ending injury for the second straight year.

"My heart aches for Seth when I think of what he has had to endure as a player,” said Furey. "He is a guy who loves the game of soccer almost to a fault. He has been committed and hard-working and earned a starting job his sophomore year on the way to being one of our team captains. Unfortunately, he was injured and red-shirted his first senior year before the season started. He returned optimistic and eager to play this year only to suffer a different season-ending injury. As disheartening as it is, Seth will bounce back from this and make something very special of his life. He will be inspirational to his future students as a teacher. His heart is in the right place, and we are fortunate to have him as our captain and teammate.”

Wilging, a defender from Mansfield, Ohio, has played in 70 career matches with 68 starts and has anchored the back line over the past four years. The former Mansfield Christian High School standout was named to the NCCAA East Region Team last year as well as being an NAIA and NCCAA Scholar-Athlete. He scored his first career goal this year and has started 15 matches.

"Over the years, the Cougar soccer program has been blessed with certain individuals who embody certain quality attributes,” said Furey. "Matt is such an individual. He is an outstanding student, a committed Christian, and a dedicated captain to his team. He has shown great leadership during his tenure here and has been inspirational to his teammates in his conduct and model behavior. Matt has meant a tremendous amount to me personally as an intelligent student, as a quality leader, and as a caring friend. We’ll miss Matt and all that he brings to MVNU, and we know that his future is very bright as he continues to portray those qualities that have made him such a special individual for us.”

Heading into the match against Ohio Dominican on Wednesday, the Cougars know that they need a win against the Panthers and then a win at Walsh University on Saturday night in order to qualify for the third and final spot from the AMC South Division for the conference playoffs.