Bowling Green State University Athletics
Mackenzie and Van Houten Receive Top Awards at Annual Men's Soccer Banquet
January 20, 2007 | Men's Soccer
Jan. 20, 2007
BOWLING GREEN, Ohio - The Bowling Green State University soccer Falcons gathered to celebrate the 2006-07 season in which the Falcons saw such team accomplishments as their first opening day win since 1999 (WIU, 2-1OT, 8-25), first road victory since 2003 (Detroit, 3-0, 10-3), and first conference tournament win under head coach Fred Thompson and since the 2004 season (WMU, 2-1, 10-31). Individually, the Falcons saw seven student-athletes record their first collegiate goals while keeper Paul Shoemaker recorded his shutout match as a Falcon (Detroit, 3-0, 10-3).
Today, after an inspiring speech given by legendary Bowling Green coach Mickey Cochrane, the Falcons continued to celebrate their achievements as head coach Thompson and assistant coach Tony Economopoulos recognized their squad with a number of individual awards.
Rising senior John MacKenzie was the recipient of the Gary V. Palmisano Memorial award as the team's most valuable player as decided upon by his peers. He was also honored with the Mickey Cochrane Coaches' award, which recognizes the student-athlete who exhibits an outstanding attitude. MacKenzie played in 17 matches with 14 starts this season and finished second on the team with a shots on goal percentage of 75 percent.
Freshman Hunter Van Houten was named the Tony Corsiglia Memorial award winner as the top newcomer to the team for his performance as a first year Falcon. This season, Van Houten played in 18-of-19 of the Falcons matches and made 12 starting appearances in the meantime. Two important firsts in Van Houten's career include his first collegiate start against St. Mary's (CA) on September 8, 2006 and his first collegiate goal. The score came against the Akron defense in the semifinal match of the MAC Tournament on November 3, 2006.
Rising senior Alec Perea also had a moment to shine as he was given the Most Improved Player award after starting in 16-of-17 matches that he participated in as a Falcon. This season he scored his first goal in Orange and Brown at the University of Detroit on October 3. The goal gave the Falcons their first road win in 29 outings. Besides assisting on one connection with his twin brother Ryan, Perea had a team high three assists with points against Furman, Pitt and in the MAC quarterfinal win over Western Michigan. He was selected for the award by his peers.
Newcomer Jacob Lawrence was also recognized not only for his numerous soccer accomplishments including his naming to the Falcon Classic All-Tournament team and his two rookie goals, but also for his commitment to his studies. Lawrence, a 4.0 Film and Production major, was awarded the Dr. Lee and Marge Meserve Academic award. The award is given to the Falcon with the highest grade point average.
"I am exceedingly proud of the work each of the players on this team has exhibited throughout the season," said Thompson. "It is very pleasing to see them receive recognition in front of their family and friends for their success."
Mid-American Conference awards were also presented to Justin Kim for his selection to the All-MAC second team and to Kyle McNayr and Ryan Perea for their Academic All-MAC nods. Kim finished the season leading the team in overall points (12) and goals (5). The sophomore also led the team in single game points at Pitt (4) and against Western Illinois (3). The four points at Pitt were a result of a team high two goals.
McNayr, a sophomore computer science major, earned All-MAC Academic honors as a result of his fifteen starts in as many matches and his conversion of the penalty kick in the MAC semifinal match against Akron. Perea, a junior Sport Management major, joined McNayr on the All-MAC Academic team after scoring twice this season. Perea, like McNayr, also converted one of the Falcons three PK's. He joins his brother atop the leader board with three assists. His two against Detroit were the most for a Falcon in a single game this season.
Eighteen Falcons were awarded a varsity letter at the banquet, while six Birds of Prey received their varsity lettermen jacket.
Varsity Lettermen
Tim Crone
George Davis
Tyler Deal
Gavin Dozier
Ochuko Evwaraye
Cameron Hepple
Justin Kim
Jacob Lawrence
John MacKenzie
Kyle McNayr
Alec Perea
Ryan Perea
Brent Petkus
Abiola Sandy
Paul Shoemaker
Ahmad Smith
Hunter Van Houten
Kyle Williams
Varsity Letter Jacket Recipients
George Davis
Justin Kim
Kyle McNayr
Brent Petkus
Abiola Sandy
Paul Shoemaker
