This fall we lose 6 seniors from the Austin College Soccer family. Each one has had an impact on this program over their time with the program. Each embraced my tenure with Austin College Soccer and has been essential in the transition. I owe each of them an enormous amount of thanks for their dedication to what this program is aiming to achieve. No doubt they have helped towards the right direction.
Ian Keeble, Grapevine, TX, had to endure what no senior should have to in their final year of collegiate soccer. Ian had knee surgery over the summer with the plan of being 100% in early September. However complications ensued and despite playing in two games to start the season, Ian had to have season ending surgery in mid-september. Despite this he was at all of our training sessions supporting the boys. Ian was a 3-year starter for the Roo's spending time in the midfield and defense. Thanks Ian.
Matt Dickinson, Paris, TX, is the type of worker and personality that every coach wants on his team. In the summer before his junior season I called Matt up to tell him that he was moving from part-time goalkeeper to full-time. He took it in stride and instantly became one of our hardest workers in training. By mid-season he was a part-time starter and had earned the confidence of his teammates. As a senior, Matt was challenged by Grant Gosselin for playing time. Yet he continued to push in training and 6 games in had earned a starting spot. Finishing the fall with 8 games played on the season. Thanks Matt.
Miguel Lopez, Sherman, TX, came out for the team this fall as a walk-on in his final year at Austin College. Miguel immediately had an impact on training with is work-ethic. We wish him all the best. Thanks Miguel.
Nico Ayala, Dallas, TX, is another player that came out for the team this past spring after playing as a freshman. Nico brought a needed flair to the team as well as exceptional ability. Nico, despite the layoff, earned himself a starting role on the team this fall as an outside midfielder. Nico finished the season playing in 14 games, starting 4. Thanks Nico.
Miles Vaughn, Grapevine, TX, is one of those players that keeps the team running. He has a work-ethic that never stops and an attitude to win...every time. Miles was a four-year starter for the Roo's...starting all 18 games from his center midfield position as a senior. Miles spent last spring studying abroad in Spain for the semester and came into the fall with a focus to get this team over the hump...he did. Thanks Miles.
Tommy Haney, Wylie, TX, has been as influential has anyone in making my transition as good as possible. He embraced my vision and was, without a doubt, our off-the-field leader over the past year. Tommy, a four year starter, started 16 of the 18 games played this fall in leading our defense from his centerback and left back positions. Tommy was named to the All-SCAC Sportsmanship Team for 2008. Thanks Tommy.
