LAKE WALES, Fla. – The Warner University men’s soccer program has named their 2009-10 team award winners. Student-athletes receiving awards include: Thanas Bitro, Jonathan Romero, Jose Alcerro, Reginald Francois, Gary (Sean) Smith and Daniel Scully.
The Top Academic Award was given to junior defender Bitro. He played in eight matches with one start in the 2009 season and scored one goal on seven shots. Bitro showed strong acumen in the classroom this past season to earn the award.
Romero earned the team’s Rookie Award after logging over 1400 minutes in goal as the Royals starting goalkeeper in his first season with the program. The Miami, Fla. native saw action in 16 games, making 11 starts in the backstop. He registered a goals allowed average of 1.16, made 48 saves and anchored five shutouts in his rookie campaign.
Alcerro was named the team’s Most Improved Player. The El Progreso, Honduras native played in 15 games, making six starts. Alcerro has showed steady improvement over his three seasons on the pitch for the Royals. This season the midfielder scored a goal with an assist.
Junior Reginald Francois was named the team’s Most Valuable Player recipient. The Miami, Fla. native was also the team captain this past season. Francois was a second team all-Sun Conference selection and played in all 17 games, making 16 starts. The defender played stout defense throughout the season, helping the Royals cut their goals allowed to 21 this past season, a seven-goal decrease from the 2008 season and to register seven shutouts. His all-around play caused fits for opponents on offense as well as he also totaled four points with a goal and two assists.
The Champion of Character Award was given to Gary (Sean) Smith. Smith, who has been heavily involved in Student Government, played in 14 matches, making three starts. The junior defender scored his first collegiate career goal this past season as he finished with two goals for the 2009 season.
The Champion of Character Award is named after the NAIA’s premier program that places significance on these five core values: integrity, respect, responsibility, sportsmanship and servant leadership, which Smith portrays.
The Coaches Award was given to junior Daniel Scully. He played in all 17 games with 16 starts at midfield for the Royals. Scully finished with five points for the season, scoring two goals with one assist. The Dublin, Ireland native earned the award after demonstrating the necessary dedication and commitment to help the Warner side consistently improve throughout the 2009-10 season.