Oglethorpe Soccer Stars Earn Honors

The Southern Collegiate Athletic Conference (SCAC) has announced the 2011 men’s soccer postseason award winners and three current players received recognition.

The winners were Mark Lavery earning defensive player of the year status. Senior midfielder Aaron Walker was tabbed to the All-SCAC first team while junior goalkeeper Frank Petersen received a second team nod.

A two-year starter at center back since transferring from the University of Kentucky, Lavery spearheaded an Oglethorpe defense that allowed its fewest goals per game (1.22) since Akin’s 2005 squad that led the league in that category. In addition to controlling the back line with aplomb, Lavery was also a key offensive weapon for the Petrels, tallying 6 goals and assisting on four others for 16 points on the season. He is the first Stormy Petrel to be named SCAC defensive player of the Year since the award was instituted in 2003.

Walker is a four-year starter in the midfield. Each of his three goals were game-winners for Oglethorpe. His last game-winning goal came in the Petrels 2-0 win over Southwestern to propel Oglethorpe into the SCAC Championship match. He also added seven assists on the season for a total of 13 points.

Petersen collected an All-SCAC second team nod for his play in the net for the Petrels this season. Petersen recorded four shutouts in 2011. He posted a 16-3 overall record in net and made 68 saves en route to stopping 76% of the on-target attempts at the Oglethorpe goal.

The set a school record by winning twelve straight games during the campaign en route to posting a 17-4-0 overall record.