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After posting another record season in the fall, the Mount Vernon Nazarene College men's soccer team has now signed two high school standouts to help the Cougars continue their winning tradition in 2000.
Jeremy Hilen, a defender from West Chester, Ohio, helped Lakota East High School post a school-record 10 shutouts in 23 matches during the 1999 season as he set a school record for most minutes played.
For his efforts, Hilen was selected to the Greater Miami Conference First Team, the Cincinnati All-City Team, and the All-Butler County Team. He was also named Lakota East's Best Defender, an honor that he also received as a sophomore.
In addition to playing soccer, Hilen has been a member of Show Choir for two years. He is also active in "Under Pressure," a drama team.
"I am very pleased to have Jeremy joining the Cougar program next fall," said Furey. "He comes from a tremendous high school program, and he will certainly add size, skill, and speed to our back line. Overall, he is a great fit to our college and our program."
"MVNC was the first college I had ever heard of and visited growing," said Hilen, explaining his college choice. "My parents attended MVNC and encouraged me to look into it. I have heard many great things about the atmosphere and the campus. It was an easy choice for me to choose MVNC."
Zach Nemeth, a defender from New Philadelphia, Ohio, helped New Philadelphia High School post a school-record nine shutouts in 21 matches in 1999. He was a two-time All-Southeast District Honorable Mention selection as a junior and a senior.
In addition to his efforts on the field, Nemeth is a member and the vice president of the National Honor Society chapter at New Philadelphia High School. He is also a four-year member of the French Club.
"Zach's senior year was a tremendous run for his program as he anchored their (New Philadelphia's) defense," Furey said. We anticipate Zach bringing many of the good things that helped his high school experience success as we look to continue our winning tradition."
"There are several reasons why I chose to attend MVNC," said Nemeth. "Most importantly, it is a Christian school. It also has a very good teacher education program and a winning soccer team."
MVNC posted a 17-5-2 overall record in 1999, and the Cougars finished second in the National Christian College Athletic Association National Tournament in only their second appearance. The addition of Hilen and Nemeth will help solidify the team's defense that is losing three starters to graduation.
"It is a true pleasure to have these two young men become part of our program next fall," said Furey. "Their academic reputation, character, involvement in their churches, and warm personalities combined with their outstanding soccer achievements make them a very welcomed addition to the Cougar program."
