Thursday, February 17, 2011

The Valparaiso men's soccer program had four players honored as the Horizon League announced the 2010 Academic All-League team.

Fifth-year senior Ryan Schwarz (Rockford, Ill./Boylan Catholic) earned his third Academic All-League honor from the Horizon League to close out his Crusader career.  Schwarz set career bests in goal in 2010 in goals against average (0.93) and save percentage (.806) and closed his career as Valpo's all-time leader in shutouts (17) and GAA (1.45).  A finance major who carries a 3.748 cumulative GPA, Schwarz was a CoSIDA Third Team Academic All-American this season and has twice received First Team Academic All-District V honors.

Redshirt junior Wei Ming Wong (Hong Kong/Hong Kong International [SMU]) earned the honor from the league office after starting all 19 matches on defense for the Crusaders in 2010.  Wong anchored a back line which surrendered just 16 goals in 19 games, tying a school record for fewest goals allowed in a single season.  Wong, an international business and finance double major with a 3.753 cume GPA, has previously earned Academic Honor Roll mention from the Horizon League and was a member of the Arthur Ashe Jr. Sport Scholar Team last year.

Redshirt sophomore Kyle Zobeck (Coralville, Iowa/Iowa City West) made it two Crusader netminders who earned a spot on the Academic All-League squad.  Zobeck had eight appearances in goal in 2010, including six starts, and led the league in save percentage (.852) and finished second in GAA (0.56).  The sophomore posted two shutouts and also entered in relief in two more clean sheets.  Zobeck, a mechanical engineering major with a 3.95 cume GPA, has earned Academic Honor Roll accolades from the league office each semester he has been eligible, and has also received Presidential academic honors during his time at Valpo.

Sophomore Kevin Miller (Jefferson City, Mo./Helias) rounded out the quartet of Crusaders on the Academic All-League team.  Miller, who carries a 3.957 GPA as a physics major, was a steady presence in the midfield for Valpo in 2010.  The sophomore appeared in all 19 games, starting 17 contests.  Along the way, Miller picked up his second career assist, helping on the game-winning goal against IUPUI.