7 December 2001
CONTACT: Head coach David Barrett, (309) 556-3343
 
 

Wachholtz Named IWU Men's Soccer "MVP"

BLOOMINGTON, Ill. -- Senior goalkeeper Adam Wachholtz has been chosen as the "Most Valuable Player" for the 2001 Illinois Wesleyan University men's soccer team.

After sharing time in goal as a junior, Wachholtz (Newburgh, Ind., Castle HS) started all 18 games and posted a 1.63 goals-against average with 5 1/2 shutouts. For his career, Wachholtz played in 41 games with a 1.61 goals-against average with a school-record 12.5 shutouts.

"Statistical numbers alone don't speak to the leadership and steady play Wachholtz provided to a young team," said IWU coach David Barrett, whose first team finished with a 5-11-2 overall record. "There were numerous times this season when Adam's presence was felt through leadership and making the big save when called upon. He helped keep a very young team together and came up huge for us throughout the year. He will be missed next fall."

Senior Bob Nierzwicki (Chicago, Fenwick HS) was chosen as the "Most Improved Player" while junior Chris Bobowski (Darien, Benet Academy) will return as captain after serving as a co-captain in 2001.

In his first season playing soccer at IWU, Nierzwicki assisted on one goal while Bobowski scored two goals and added an assist.

"The fact that Chris was selected to help lead the team as a junior and senior speaks volumes for his strength of character," said Barrett. "I am confident he will once again do a fine job as captain."

Barrett awarded letters to 22 IWU soccer players, including 16 who will return for next season. The lettermen are, with hometowns and high schools:

SENIORS - Andrew Christman (Bloomington, Normal Community HS), Larry Kociolek (Oak Forest HS), Bob Nierzwicki (Chicago, Fenwick HS), Clay Scott (Gurnee, Warren HS), Adam Wachholtz (Newburgh, Ind., Castle HS), Paul Zidron (Barrington, Lake Zurich HS).

JUNIORS - Chris Bobowski (Darien, Benet Academy), Michael Guenther (Belleville, Mascoutah HS), Szymon Krzyzanowski (Park Ridge, Maine South HS), Dan Lau (River Forest, Oak Park-River Forest HS).

SOPHOMORES - Paul Abraham (Arlington Heights, Hersey HS), David Munz (Mt. Prospect, Prospect HS), Marques Rice (Hawthorne Woods, Libertyville HS).

FRESHMEN - David Beckett (Bolingbrook HS), Reed Grimwood (Eagan, Minn., HS), Scott Hernandez (Oswego HS), Nick Hogren (Metamora HS), Alan Mila (Bartlett, Wheaton Academy), Matt Robertson (Arlington Heights, Hersey HS), Mark Rubin (Elgin, Larkin HS), Clint Warren (Ottawa, Serena HS), Jeremy Witt (Waukegan, Warren Township HS).