WAVERLY, IOWA - Wartburg College’s 2009 men’s soccer squad, winning an Iowa Conference tournament title and earning the program’s seventh straight bid to the NCAA Division III tournament, was recently rewarded for its strong year by having three players named all-North Region by the National Soccer Coaches Association of America. Junior midfielder Luke Prater and senior goalkeeper Trent Michael each gained first team awards, while senior midfielder Geoff Miller was a second team selection. It was the second first team honor for Michael, the first first team and second overall award for Prater, and the first award for Miller.

* Prater and senior women’s midfielder Lauren Thomas were named Most Valuable Players for the 2009 Knights at the end-of-the-year awards banquet Dec. 12. Prater finished the year with seven goals, five assists, 19 points and a team-high 67 shots. He also notched three game-winning goals. Thomas, despite seeing her season cut short due to injuries, led the way with 19 points as part of six goals and a team-high seven assists.

Head coach T.J. Buchholz and his staff also handed out the following awards – Offensive Player of the Year: Brandon Cook, freshman forward (men) and Thomas (women); Defensive Player of the Year: Kyle McKenna, junior defender (men) and Jess Macauley, sophomore defender (women); Newcomer of Year – Cook (men) and freshman forward Kaylee Benning (women); Most Improved – Mike Miniaci, sophomore defender (men) and Taylor Vermie, sophomore midfielder (women); and Team Award – Eric Ruggles, senior defender (men) and Kari Krolikowski, senior defender (women).