Bowling Green State University Athletics
Lawrence and Van Houten Reach Academic All-MAC Status
November 27, 2007 | Men's Soccer
Nov. 27, 2007
BOWLING GREEN, Ohio - Sophomores Jacob Lawrence and Hunter Van Houten have been recognized amongst their Mid-American Conference peers as standouts both in the classroom and on the playing field with their nominations to the 2007 Academic All-MAC squad. The announcement came for the league office today, Nov. 27. In total 12 MAC men's soccer student-athletes were distinguished with the post-season award.
For both Lawrence and Van Houten this is their first conference post-season award.
"I am excited for both of these young men," said head coach Fred Thompson. "Each works hard on the field at practice, gives their all in games and translates that effort into the classroom.
"While it is gratifying to see them receive this recognition, both of the young men have outstanding character which pushes them to excel regardless of the attention they may receive."
Lawrence, a Film and Psychology double major, started in all 19 of the Falcon's games this season and was just one of two player's to do so; Van Houten was the other. The midfielder/defender assisted twice on goals in the opening weekend win at Florida Atlantic with one directly leading to Chuko Evwarayes's game winning goal. The win propelled BGSU (then 1-0-1) to their finest road start since winning twice to open the 1995 season.
He was also an integral part of a defense that posted its first multiple shut out season (FIU, UCA, IPFW, WSU) since 2003. Lawrence also helped BGSU beat the Wright State Raiders for the first time since the 1983 season and aided the Falcon defense as they became the third team (at game time) to hold then No. 19 Ohio State scoreless for more than one hour of play.
The Brandon, Miss. native maintains a perfect 4.00 undergraduate GPA. Last season he was the recipient of the Dr. Lee and Marge Meserve award, given to the student-athlete on the men's soccer team with the highest GPA.
Van Houten, a Health Science major who maintains a 3.85 GPA, served as a captain of the 2007 men's soccer squad in just his second season with the team. Throughout the past season, he earned the leagues' weekly Player of the Week honor for the week of Oct. 29 and was twice distinguished as the MAC Scholar-Athlete of the Week (Sept. 21 and Oct. 29). While the POW award is a sport specific award, the SAW is presented to one male and one female, regardless of sport, each week.
The Valparaiso, Ind. native, recorded a goal in each of the final three regular season games (UDM, WMU and NIU) and during that stretch, scored as many points (8) as the combined opponents notched against the Falcon defense. In the final two MAC regular season games (WMU and NIU), he scored both a goal and an assist helping him to become one of three Falcons to net double-digit points (10) since the 2003 season. He also joined Lawrence on the accomplished Falcon defense this season.
At season's end, Van Houten led team in assists (4) and was tied for second on team in goals (3).
The Academic All-MAC honor is for a student-athlete who has excelled in athletics and academics. To qualify, a student-athlete must have at least a 3.20 cumulative GPA and have participated in at least 50 percent of the contests for that particular sport. First-year students and junior college transfers in their first year of residence are not eligible for the award.
2007 MAC Men's Soccer Academic All-MAC Team
Elliot Bradbrook, Akron
Ossie Michaelsen, Akron
$ Steve Kalan, Akron
Jacob Lawrence, Bowling Green
Hunter Van Houten, Bowling Green
Dan Gwyther, Buffalo
Chris Sardon, Hartwick
Barry Pearson, Hartwick
Kyle Knotek, Northern Illinois
Jordan Fylonenko, Western Michigan
% Mark Kroeger, Western Michigan
Kyle Hall, Western Michigan
$ Three-time Academic All-MAC selection
% Two-time Academic All-MAC selection
##BGSU SOCCER##
