SJC soccer players recognized for 2009 achievements

Jeannie Peng-Armao - 1/11/2010Sophomore Edward Campbell is one of four San Jac soccer players to earn 2009 postseason honors. Photo credit: Rob Vanya, San Jacinto College marketing department.

HOUSTON–While not quite repeating the national success of the 2008 season, the San Jacinto College men's soccer team (11-6-1) finished on a strong run of seven straight wins and made it to the Region XIV tournament to showcase some of this season's finest players.

Head coach Dr. David Santesteban recently announced the team and individual awards, including Player of the Year, Edward Campbell. The sophomore, who was the team’s MVP as a freshman, also earned spots on the National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA) All-region team, the National Soccer Coaches Association of America (NSCAA) All-region first team and the NSCAA All-American first team. He scored six goals and six assists this season.
 
“I always believe that individual honors is a tribute to the entire team,” said Santesteban. “I’m very proud of Edward, and I think that he can accomplish great things in his future. The most important of which will be to complete his education. He has several schools offering him the chance to do that, and I’m confident that we will continue to see his name in the sports headlines.”

Joining Campbell on the NJCAA All-region team are newcomers Wendell James, Carlos Recinos and freshman Victor Ruiz. James also made the list for the NSCAA All-region first team and the NSCAA All-American second team. Recinos, named to the NSCAA All-region second team, was San Jac's top scorer this season with 32 points, which included 12 goals and eight assists.

Topping off an uncertain 2009 season, the SJC soccer team entered the Region XIV championship game on Oct. 31 against Tyler Junior College, but fell short to the eventual national champion in a 3-1 loss. San Jac was the national runner up in 2008, finishing the best season in school history with an 18-2-2 record.

“Overall, I believe we had a good season,” said Santesteban. “At this point, we will go back to the drawing board and look to get back to our winning ways in our undying effort to attain a national championship. We are excited about the Spring season, and our recruiting efforts look promising.”

For more information about San Jacinto College men’s soccer, please visit www.sanjacsports.com.

San Jacinto College serves more than 27,000 students in more than 140 degrees and certificates in university transfer and technical programs. The College also serves the community through workforce training. Students come with various goals and aspirations and we are committed to their success. San Jacinto College. Your Goals. Your College.

For more information about San Jacinto College, visit www.sanjac.edu or call 281-998-6150.