Men’s Soccer Hands Out 2010 Team Awards

MACON, Ga. – Head coach Brad Ruzzo announced the winners of the 2010 Mercer Men's Soccer team awards on Monday afternoon.

The awards signify the efforts of specific players and their contributions to yet another solid season under Ruzzo's guidance.

The Bears finished 2010 with a 10-6-1 record, its first 10 win season since 2004. The Orange and Black defeated No. 29 UAB, 1-0, in Birmingham to secure their first-ever win over a ranked opponent in program history. The UAB win brought forth another program first when Mercer appeared as the No. 10 team in the National Soccer Coaches Association of America South Regional Poll.

Despite a disappointing first round exit in the 2010 A-Sun Tournament against Jacksonville, Mercer finished the season ranked 83^rd in the RPI, a 108-spot improvement from its 2009 ranking (5^th best turnaround in the country according to ESPN.com).

Seven awards were given out to the following players:

Most Improved Player- Sophomore Richie Edmondson

Top Newcomer- Sophomore Josh Shutter

Bears Award (awarded to the ideal teammate on and off the field) – Sophomore Stefan Wingo

Offensive MVP- Senior Ian Cameron

Defensive MVP- Sophomore Josh Shutter

Team MVP- Senior Ian Cameron

Coaches Award- Sophomore Joey Heavner   

With only one senior departing, Cameron, and nine starters coming back to Macon for 2011, the future looks bright as the Bears prepare for their spring season.