CCA soccer honored

Christian Central Academy held its soccer banquet on Nov. 13. Several players from the boys and girls teams earned postseason honors. Pictured top photo, far left, are members of the boys team - Ben Boron (Coach's Award); Tim McAllister (team MVP, Independent Athletic Conference First Team); Kurt Froese (Christian Character Award, IAC Honorable Mention); Austin Tom (IAC First Team); coach James Vandenberg; Joshua Blueye (IAC First Team) and Mitch Narbe (team's Most Improved Player). Pictured bottom photo, from left, is the girls team - Laura Albrecht (IAC Honorable Mention); Kristen Ganze (IAC Honorable Mention); Amie Stuitje (co-team MVP); Sarah Wade (Christian Character Award, IAC First Team); Alicia Fairclough (IAC First Team); coach Joe Karnath; Faye-Lyne Noel (Coach's Award, IAC First Team); Katie Smith (co-team MVP, IAC First Team); missing from photo - Meredith McLaughlin (Most Improved Player) and Ashley Tom (special Coach's Award).

Six girl and four boy soccer players from Christian Central Academy were named Independent Athletic Conference all-stars.

CCA girls recognized as all-stars were seniors Katie Smith, Alicia Fairclough and Sarah Wade. Sophomore Faye-Lyne Noel was also named to the First Team. Senior Kristen Ganze and junior Laura Albrecht were named Honorable Mention.

Smith was named for the fourth of her five years playing varsity soccer. She missed her sophomore year because of an injury. She scored 27 goals in her four years on the team. Noel has been named First Team two years in a row. In two years, she has scored 31 goals.

Wade and Albrecht have been named all-stars two years in a row. CCA coach Joe Karnath said both played several positions wherever they were needed.

Karnath stated that this year's girls team was the best and strongest in at least ten years.

"Certainly, the all-star players helped create a solid team," he said. "But, the all around play of many players, including some junior varsity players who moved up when there were injuries, gave the team its regular season record of 11-7-4."

Five other female players also received special awards. Senior Meredith McLaughlin was named Most Improved Player for her overall improvement and leadership. Wade was honored as the best example of Christian Character. Noel was given the Coaches Award and was also presented with an annual trophy with Noel's 23 goals listed. Seniors Smith and Amie Stuitje shared Most Valuable Player honor for their leadership and on-field performances.

CCA boys recognized as all-stars were senior Tim McAllister and freshman Austin Tom. Honorable mention went to senior Kurt Froese and freshman Joshua Blueye.

McAllister, the team goalie, played an extremely solid season with 2.1 goals allowed average and had three shutouts. Tom played well as a freshman with five goals and four assists. Froese had 16 goals and eight assists.

New CCA boys coach Jim Vandenburg, who played for CCA in 1991, was pleased how much the team improved throughout the season. Special awards went to Mitchell Narbe (Most Improved Player); Froese (Christian Character); Ben Boron (Coaches Award); McAllister (Most Valuable Player). The boys team finished 8-8-3.