TicketsFeb. 19, 2007
CINCINNATI, Ohio -- Seniors Omar Cummings and Mike Vessells were named the University of Cincinnati men's soccer offensive and defensive MVPs, respectively, at the annual awards banquet held on Feb. 17 at the Vernon Manor Hotel. The 2006 BIG EAST Red Division Champions celebrated their season and recognized the efforts of each member of the team with BIG EAST Championship plaques and NCAA College Cup participant medals.
Cummings, a first team NSCAA/adidas All-American, was named the team's offensive MVP after leading the squad with 21 points (6G, 9A). A two-time unanimous first team All-BIG EAST selection, he ranked sixth in the BIG EAST in scoring and finished second in the league with nine assists in 2006. Cummings closed out his two-year career at UC ranked fifth in school history with 16 career assists.
Vessells was a three-year starter and captain for the Bearcats and finished his career with 15 shutouts, which ranks second in school history, and a 1.15 GAA. His 2006 season was superb, as he ranked fifth in the BIG EAST with a 0.89 goals against average during the regular season and finished fourth in the league with seven shutouts.
Senior Kidus Tadele and redshirt sophomore Lionel Jackson were honored as co-Most Improved Players. Tadele, who joined the squad in 2005 as a walk-on saw action in three matches this season. sat out the 2005 season with a knee injury, but made a strong comeback in 2006, starting in 15 of 16 matches and delivering three assists from his left back position.
Freshman Judson McKinney was named the team's Newcomer of the Year after starting all 19 matches at the right back position. He helped the Bearcats to seven shutouts and contributed offensively with an assist.
The DeCarlo Award, which goes to a senior that exemplifies the dedication and sacrifice needed to be a successful student-athlete, was awarded to Mike Dwyer. Dwyer started just six of 15 matches due to injury, but contributed greatly with one goal and three assists.
The Bearcat Teammate Award was given to senior Sam Miller, a captain and four-year starter in the midfield who scored a pair of goals this season.
Juniors Kenny Anaba and Amir Ikner were recognized, along with Cummings, for their All-BIG EAST selections and senior Kwame Sarkodie was lauded with the Mr. Bearcat award, which goes to the student-athlete that scores the highest on the preseason fitness tests. Sarkodie is the first two-time winner of the award.
The team presented a special award to head coach Hylton Dayes commemorating his 150th career win, which he achieved at on Oct. 11.
UC will open its spring season on April 7 against and in . Log on to GoBEARCATS.com for more information.