Men's soccer team graduates five

The men’s soccer team finished the season with a record of 12-4-3 overall and 5-2-2 in Crossroads League play. The Cougars finished 3rd in the regular conference rankings.

This year the Cougars are sending off five seniors: Taylor Dyson, Tent Chivatanaporn, Daniel Rodriguez, Enrique Salazar-Rodriguez and Dennis Taylor.

Head Coach Andrew Belleman is very proud of this group of players and the leadership they have shown throughout the year. Their effort and determination have propelled the legacy of the program these past four years, he said.

“This is a group of guys that have shown tremendous perseverance,” said Belleman. “They are experiencing the positive benefits that can happen when you stick with something. They have all had different paths to get to this point, but if I could define them with one word it would be perseverance.”

After playing on the collegiate team they are grateful to have made lasting friendships on and off the field.

“The best part about playing soccer is being able to compete with amazing guys that share the love for Christ. Soccer is an amazing sport but what really matters is building relationships around Christ,” Dyson said.

Chivatanaporn agreed and said he favored this season more than any other.

“I had such a great time this year with the team and the coaching staff. I've never laughed so much in college as I have this season,” he said.

Their careers on the field have ended but what will be missed the most is the spirit that a team builds.

“Soccer is more than just a game. I will miss the small things about being part of the men's soccer team. Those conversations with my teammates after practice, the tension in the locker room before the game, and the incomparable feeling of winning a game in overtime,” said Rodriguez.

At the end of their careers the seniors encourage the underclassmen to continue to build the sense of brotherhood.

Taylor encourages the guys to invest in the family.

“Our success on the field has been because of the unity we have in the team. We have to keep working hard both on and off the field,” he said. “We also need to be humble and thank God for the great opportunity of playing soccer and succeeding in it.