Casey Swanson, a two-sport athlete at Mount Vernon High School, has signed a letter of intent to continue his education and his soccer career at Mount Vernon Nazarene College.
Swanson, a native of Mount Vernon, Ohio, led the Yellow Jackets with eight goals in 1998 as the team posted an 8-5-3 overall mark. A captain on the team and two-year varsity starter, Swanson also added eight assists as he was selected to the Ohio Capital Conference Second Team.
"We are happy to have Casey as part of our program next fall," said MVNC head coach Paul Furey. "Having seen him play and develop over the past nine years, I can say that he has always been the type of player and individual we would welcome as a Cougar."
"Casey will bring additional depth to our front line, and with his size and intelligence will develop into a solid target player for us," Furey added. "It is always a great thing when you sign a player who is an outstanding student and person who will enhance your team in many ways beyond just performance and work ethic - that’s Casey."
In addition to playing soccer at MVHS, Swanson was a starter and a Second Team All-OCC and District 11 pick on the basketball team. He is a two-year member of National Honor Society and was chosen as an OCC Scholar-Athlete in both sports as well as being a National Merit Scholar. He has been active in Fellowship of Christian Athletes and Student Council throughout high school, and he is also a qualifier for the American International Mathematics Examination.
"I think that the environment at MVNC is a great one and will provide a positive atmosphere throughout my college experience," said Swanson, who will major in either Mathematics or Computer Science. "Also, the opportunity to play soccer in college is very exciting. I think that being a part of the MVNC soccer team will be a very fun experience."
The Cougars are coming off the best season in school history in which they posted a 19-8 overall record and finished third at the National Christian College Athletic Association National Tournament in their first-ever appearance. The team graduated four seniors but return a solid core of starters and key reserves which should lead to another exciting season in 1999.
