Seven Olivet College men’s soccer players earn 2012 All-MIAA honors

OLIVET, Mich. – Seven Olivet College men's soccer players have earned 2012 All-Michigan Intercollegiate Athletic Association (MIAA) honors. Senior defender Cole Dehen (Kentwood/East Kentwood), sophomore goalkeeper Alex Lang (West Bloomfield/Detroit Catholic Central), sophomore forward Esteban Russell (DeWitt) and junior midfielder Fred Smyser (Grand Rapids/Forest Hills Eastern) all earned first-team All-MIAA honors.

Sophomore midfielder Camden Iwasko (Livonia/Stevenson), sophomore defender John Leutzinger (Washington/Warren De La Salle) and freshman forward Cory Werner-Hoskins (Kalamazoo/Mattawan) were second-team All-MIAA selections. In addition, Werner-Hoskins was named the MIAA's Newcomer of the Year. All-league honors are based on a player's statistics during the 14-game league schedule.

Under the leadership of fourth-year Head Coach Chad Wiseman, the Comets placed second in the MIAA with a 10-4 record and advanced to the MIAA Tournament championship game for a second straight year. Overall, Olivet had a 16-5-1 record. The 16 overall wins, 10 MIAA wins and 30 MIAA points all were the most in school history for a single-season.

"I am very happy and proud for the individual accolades these players have earned," said Wiseman. "They have all worked extremely hard and are very deserving. That being said, we know these accolades do not come without team success. Winning 16 games, including 10 against MIAA opponents has solidified us as one of the top programs in the MIAA. Obviously, the opposing coaches have also taken note."

Dehen was the leader of the Comets' defense. From his left-center back position, he started all 14 MIAA games and recorded three assists.

"For four years, Cole has been an exceptional leader on and off the field," said Wiseman. "He has proved to be one of the best central defenders in the conference. Cole has laid down the foundation for the success of our team. I am extremely happy for him, and he will be missed greatly."

Lang started 13 games in net for the Comets, playing 956 minutes. He allowed 14 goals and made 46 saves, while posting a 1.32 goals against average.

"Alex was solid in net all year," said Wiseman. "He came up with the big save when we needed it the most. Alex has gained the respect of the coaches in the MIAA."

Russell started all 14 games at the forward position. He led the MIAA with nine assists, and ranked among the league leaders in goals (tied for fifth, six); points (third, 21) and total shots (second, 68). Russell scored two game-winning goals, one in Olivet's 6-5 come-from-behind win over Calvin College and the other at Kalamazoo College.

"Esteban had one of the best offensive seasons in Olivet history," said Wiseman. "He showed his explosiveness day in and day out. Esteban generated chances against every opponent. He had a really breakout sophomore campaign."

Smyser was a starting midfielder in all 14 games. He had four goals and four assists for 12 points and was successful on both penalty kick attempts. Smyser knocked-in the game-winning goal against Adrian College.

"Fred is a very gifted central midfielder," said Wiseman. "He has extremely talented feet and dominant in the air. Fred has been a great leader the past two years as our co-captain. We has really established himself as one of the top midfielders in the MIAA."

Iwasko started 9-of-13 games played at the center-midfield position.He scored one goal and added three assists for five points.

"Camden was a defensive presence the entire season," said Wiseman. "He was very strong ball winner and a good connector to jump start our attack. Camden competed for every roll of the ball."

Leutzinger was a starting defender in all 14 games. He had two goals, including the game-winner against Alma College, as well as one assist.

"John is a physical presence that this conference does not see every game," said Wiseman. "He is very imposing on both defensive and attacking free kicks. John also showed great leadership throughout the season and you will not find a harder worker."

Werner-Hoskins started 8-of-12 games played during MIAA play. He was among the league leaders in goals (tied for 10th, five); assists (tied for sixth, four); and points (tied for seventh, 14). Werner-Hoskins had game-winning goals at Hope College and Kalamazoo.

"Cory scored some big goals in the biggest games of the season," said Wiseman. "Entering the season, we had big expectations for him and he certainly exceeded them. The sky is the limit for what Cory can achieve not only at Olivet but also in the MIAA."