Austintown, Ohio - November 18, 2010 - The Ohio Athletic Conference announced the 2010 men’s soccer Academic All-OAC award winners. Three members of the Heidelberg University men’s soccer team defense were recognized. Senior defenders Jon Kijowski (Norwalk, Ohio / Norwalk) and Greg Acuna (Findlay, Ohio / Findlay) earned a spot on the team, while sophomore goalie Ryan Smith (Roanoke, Texas / Keller) was tabbed an honorable mention selection.
To qualify, a student-athlete must have maintained a 3.25 grade point average, be a sophomore academically and is in at least his second year of participation. He must also have been a starter or key reserve who has made significant athletic impact. The honorees are voted on by the faculty athletic representatives.
Kijowski, Acuna, and Smith guided Heidelberg to the best defense in the OAC during the 2010 season. The Berg stood first in the OAC in shutouts (10), goals against averaged (.83), and goals allowed with 17 (.85 avg.).
Kijowski is earning his first postseason honor of his career. He will graduate with a degree in education and cumulated a 3.86 grade point average.
A business administration major, while earning 3.40 gpa, Acuna is picking up his first career all-academic award and second honors of the 2010 season. He also tabbed a spot on the 2010 All-OAC First Team.
Smith earned a 3.34 gpa and led the conference in goals against averaged (.72) and save percentage (.836), while tied for third with five shutouts. Smith was also selected on the 2010 All-OAC First Team.
Heidelberg, under the guidance of 22nd-year head coach Brian Haley, won to its first OAC regular season title in 2010. The Berg finished the season 14-4-2 overall and 7-0-2 against league foes. Its 14 victories ranks second all-time in Heidelberg’s history, only behind its 1999 season where it won 17. The 2010 season marked the only season ever that the Berg went undefeated in the OAC. It’s seven conference victories ties with the 2002 season for most in the history of the program.