Before he played professional soccer in Columbus, Justin Meram was captain of the crew that took Eisenhower to its only state finals.
And to add to his soccer honors, Meram - who plays on the Columbus Crew professional team - has become the first and so far only Eagle soccer player to have his number retired.
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“We are very proud of what he has accomplished and he has been a very good representative at Eisenhower and for college athletes,” said his freshmen coach, Chris Corteg.
Meram wore number 9 at Eisenhower from 2003-2006. He was a four-year varsity player and was captain in the last two years, helping his team in its only state finals match his sophomore year and going undefeated in the regular season his senior year. He was named the MAC Red MVP as well as 1st team All-State his senior year.
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“Today was an amazing experience, having my jersey number retired, something that I never thought would happen,” he said. “I’m so privileged that my family and all of my coaches throughout my high school career could make it. Coming back to Swinehart field brings back so many memories. Just talking to the guys and being around this group at home is amazing. I am so blessed that they decided to retire my jersey number. I cannot thank the school and everyone enough.”
Meram played college soccer at Yavapai Junior College in Arizona and later at the Unversity of Michigan. At Yavapai, he led the team to the NJCAA National Championships and was named 2007-2008 National Junior College Player of the Year. He was later elected into the National Junior College Player Hall of Fame.
At the University of Michigan he helped the Wolverines make a run at the National Championship Tournament.
The Columbus Crew professional team drafted Meram fifteenth overall four years ago. This past year, he scored seven goals and made four assists for the team.
