The Kalamazoo College men's soccer team was honored as Nick Kraeuter and Mikey Schwartz were named to the All-MIAA Second Team on Tuesday.
Kraeuter, a junior from Jackson, Mich. (Jackson HS), was named to the Second Team for the second consecutive season. Kraeuter started all 17 games this season and 50 of 52 games in his career in the midfield for the Hornets and was a consistent presence for the team. As a defensive minded midfielder, Kraeuter did not have any goals this season, but he did help his teammates with two assists and was instrumental in Kalamazoo's defense. As the Hornet's team captain, Kraeuter had a great year helping this young team stay true to its identity and secure the fifth seed in the MIAA Tournament.
Schwartz, a sophomore from Plymouth, Mich. (Salem HS), also played a pivotal role in Kalamazoo's defense. Also starting all 17 games for the Hornets, Schwartz consistently found ways to help the young Kalamazoo defense stay competitive all season long. He has started all but one game since joining the Kalamazoo soccer team as a freshman last season and will look to continue to improve this team's defense in the years to come. Kalamazoo's shutout against Olivet in the final game of the season gave them a spot in the conference tournament and Schwartz proved all game long why he is deserving of this award.
Coach Lumumba Shabazz said, "Both Mikey and Nick are truly deserving of this honor because they have been our most consistent performers this season. In addition to their obvious skill and work ethic, these young men exemplifies the best of our values here in this program and that is a credit to themselves and their families. Congratulations to them both from myself, the entire athletic department and the rest of their teammates."
While the season may have come to an end, Kraeuter, Schwartz and the rest of the Hornets will now shift their attention to a group trip to South Africa with the women's volleyball team. The 12-day trip that occurs over Kalamazoo's break between fall and winter terms will allow each team to learn, play and serve within a new community.