Submitted by South Puget Sound Community College
Clipper Athletics and SPSCC celebrate as the Northwest Athletic Conference (NWAC) awarded the men’s soccer team with three distinguished awards at the close of the 2016 season. Awards include a region all-star, all-academic award, and co-coach of the year selections.
Juan Vega, forward, selected for South-West All-Star Team.
Juan Vega played alongside other all-stars this past Sunday at Starfire Sports after scoring 13 goals for the Clippers this season. He led the West Region in goals scored, was ranked 6th in overall points in the NWAC, and tied for 4th place in goals overall. Head Coach Chris Crowe stated, “He is quick and moves the ball very well. He is not scared to take someone on one-on-one to score the goal but will pass the ball to help the team succeed.” Vega is a freshman from Shelton, WA.
Alex Barene, defender, listed under All-Academic Award Team.
Alex Barene was added to the All-Academic Award Team with a grade point average of 3.57. Barene has been very active on the SPSCC campus, as well, working in both game management and the front desk in the Student Life office. The sophomore from Aberdeen, WA, plans to transfer to the University of Puget Sound to continue studies in psychology.
Coach Chris Crowe voted West Region Co-Coach of the Year.
Coach Crowe, in his seventh season working with Clippers Men’s Soccer, shares the Coach of the Year honor with Highline Coach Steve Mohn. “Congrats to Coach Crowe on his selection as Co-Coach of the Year, “said Athletic Director Nick Schmidt. “I think it’s a testament to the effort he, his assistants, and all the players put into the season.”
With 28 goals, the Clippers played their highest scoring season since 2004 and achieved their best season standings since 2011. “It was the last two games where you could really see this team come together and play as a unit,” said Crowe. He added, “They got a handle on the speed of the ball and speed of the game, overall, and those last few games they played 90 minutes of that.”
The team will celebrate and share team awards at their end-of-season banquet.
The NWAC made its announcements for West All-Region Team as well and SPSCC has three players who made it: Coby Castillo, Forward, Alex Pugadelarosa, Midfielder, and Gavin Trotter, Defender.
