The Tigers were given a boost in net as goalkeeper Drew Smith will be heading to Grace in the fall.  Drew is the son of Lori and Breg Smith and brother to Jessica Smith.  Drew played his club soccer for Petoskey Lakers, and high school soccer for Petoskey High School.  During his senior year as Petoskey’s net minder, Drew lead his team to the MHSAA Class B State title game.  On the way he recorded 9 clean sheets and was  All-State Third Team selection.  After a valiant effort in net and outstanding performance, his team lost in the state final game.  Along with soccer, Drew also lettered in track and was on the Hammerhead swim team.  He has been a DECA Marketing Club Member, and a Student Council representative.  He was on the Baccalaureate planning committee, and committee for a Student Christian retreat.  “We knew getting a keeper would be a top priority for the 2013 season.  Finding one that could make an impact and would be a good fit here was important.  With Drew we’ve done exactly that.  He’s got the ability to provide quality goalkeeping and experience we did not have in net last year.  His mentality and attitude is spot on with what we want in our keepers.  He has the desire to work hard everyday in training and give his all for the team.  This is a very good addition for us and one we are very pleased with,” commented Coach Buchanan.  Drew stated “I am looking forward to attending Grace in the fall.  I am excited to become a part of the family there on the soccer team as well as meeting new people from the college.  I look forward to working with the coaches to become the best player that I can be.  An important aspect of going to GBC is growing in faith and I look forward to that.  My family has always been supportive in any decision I have made especially attending Grace.  I am very blessed to have such a great family and thank them for all they have helped me become.” 

Recently we sat down with Coach Buchanan to discuss Men’s Soccer.

You finished the 2012 campaign 9-9-2.  How do you feel about the season overall?

Of course I would have liked to added a couple more to the win total but I think most were fair results.  There are games such as the Appalachian where we gave up a two goal lead, and the Finlandia game where we just could not score, but we cannot go back an change them.  Instead we can learn from them and understand what we need to do a better job of.  I am proud of the effort this team gave.  We had players like Nathan Porter and Drake Olsen moving out of their traditional spots to help out on defense because of injuries and I thought the did well and went about it with a good attitude.

This year you will have a good number of seniors.  How important will that be to your squad.

It is hard to quantify the importance of these seniors.  We graduated three players from the 2012 season, one  Andrew Clark was a captain for us and we will miss his leadership.  We will have players back for the 2013 season as fifth year seniors which will be invaluable.  These guys understand what their last year means and are not taking it for granted.  Even though I would have liked to have coached Chris Thompson all four years, having him for a second year as  a senior will be important for us on and off the field.

Now, from the Senior players to the new signings and faces that will be or are at Grace already.  What can you tell us?

I can tell you that I am happy with the 2013 recruiting class.  We have filled some areas we needed.   Jonah Stacy and Jared McFarland come with previous college experience.  Although they are new to the team, they  will be ready for what a college season holds.  I have already been impress with the leadership Jonah has displayed.  His willingness to be involved and work with players has demonstrated his dedication and leadership in the team.  The freshman coming in are very excited, eager, and capable. Evan Przybysz, Brady Zomer, and Vasilij  Kuiper are versatile players who can contribute at a number of positions in the midfield and forward areas.  Defensively we have addressed the outside back need by adding players with the likes of Michael Moran and Austin Olson.  Each of the new players will be a factor in this team.

Lastly, you believe in the family motto for your team.  Can you explain what that entails?

Family is one of the main foundations that was important to start this program with when I became head coach here six years ago.  It means a great deal and family is what we are.  Family includes everyone whether it is a four year starter such as Andrew Clark for example, or a player who only managed one season.  It is not something that starts and stops but is ongoing beyond the playing years.  We know family is something special and not just said but rather shown with actions.  I am very thankful to be able to coach where players want to be a part of it and truly believe in being a family.

The Tigers gained a key addition as defender Michael Moran will be suiting up for

Michael Moran

Grace in the 2013 season.  The San Bernardino, California born player moved to Bremerton, Washington where he has attended high school. He is the son of Elfega and Raul Moran.  Michael has two brothers Raul and James, and one sister Stephanie.  At Bremerton High School  he played all four years of high school soccer.  He was named Most Improved Player for the each of the 2010, 2011, and 2012 seasons.  He earned Defensive Player of the Year for 2011 as a junior and has a good shot at it again as he currently leads the defense in this his senior season.  He also won the Coaches Award in 2011.  He has started every game on varsity and as a junior he added five assist and two goals playing from the back.  Michael has also wrestled his sophomore, junior, and senior years and played football in this his senior year earning 2013 Special Teams Award and Honorable Mention as a punter.   Michael has had perfect attendance at Bremerton for three years straight, is on the Academic Excellence in Listening, Speaking, Writing, and Reading in Spanish.   He is a Leo Club member as well as Key Club Member, which are community service clubs that help organize food drives for the homeless amongst other services.  Outside of high school, Michael plays high level competition club soccer for Westsound FC and Harbor FC in the Premier Division.  “We could not be getting a more well rounded individual than Michael.  He has a passion for soccer as well as people.  The fact that he was given the most improved player three years in a row shows he knows what it takes to improve and is up to the challenge.  Michael is a quality player and will be a very good addition as we look to the 2013 season.  He will instantly help strengthen our defense.  Everything I have seen from him has shown his leadership ability and organization on the back line.  He is a strong player with very good pace and tremendous attitude.  I am confident he will be a great fit here at Grace and I am very happy to have him as a part of this family”, said Tiger Coach Dustin Buchanan.  On becoming a Tiger Michael stated, “I can’t wait to attend GBC and meet new people.  I look forward to creating a family bond with the soccer team and have a great season(s).  I am looking forward to having a great college experience and make my parents proud.  Both of my parents, especially my mom, are huge influences in my life.  They have kept me going when I thought I could not and for that I owe them so much.”  Michael will wear number 17 for the Tigers

Amongst The Streak article highlights a current member of the Men’s Soccer Team and

Alex Stoddard vs Barclay 2010

are posted throughout the year.  This addition is Tiger’s Forward Alex Stoddard.   Alex will be entering his third year as a member of the soccer team.  Over his two years, the first being the 2010 season and the second the 2012 season, he has scored 17 goals and added 4 assist.  During the 2012 season Alex unfortunately had to miss a few games.   Recently we spent time with Alex as he answered some questions.  Alex stated that his favorite moment playing for Grace was the Ohio Christian game in 2010, coming in as underdogs and getting a hard fought win.    When asked about missing the 2011 season Alex said that it takes a while to get back into the groove with playing and the chemistry with a lot of new players on the team.  He was also asked about the team being a family and what it means, which Alex replied “It means we are in it together.  That no matter what we will always give support to one another.  It’s a bond.”    Alex was asked about his knack for scoring exciting and wild goals and what enables him to do so.  “I just do my  best to be in a position to have a chance. What happens after that I am not always sure, but I hope it ends with the ball in the back of the net”, Alex answered.    Lastly Alex was asked to tell us what he looks forward to in the upcoming 2013 season and what he is excited about, Alex said “I’m excited about getting out there and playing.  Last season I had to miss some games.  This year will be better in that regard so I am looking forward to it.  To have guys like Josh and Ryan back for an additional year will be fantastic.  We also have an awesome group of new guys coming in and I am excited to build that chemistry with them each day in training and off the field.”

Coach Buchanan and the Men’s Soccer Team continued to add to their roster by signing Brandon Moore from Sand Lake, Michigan.  Brandon the son of Dennis and Becky Moore played from Tri-County High School and plays club soccer for CASSA Tri-Hawks.  Along with soccer Brandon also ran cross country for a year.  He is an Honor Roll Student with perfect attendance.   He is also in Band and plays the trumpet where they have earned all Ones at District and State.  Brandon attends The Springs Church and is has been a student leader in his youth group for the last two years.  He helps with media Sunday mornings as well as works with Alpha Women’s Center twice a  year.  Brandon enjoys hunting, fishing and being active.  “Brandon is a player that will work hard and always give maximum effort. Brandon has a great attitude and is always looking to become a more complete player and loves the idea of a challenge.  I’ve seen him in training and he always pushes on and goes hard which will serve this team well.  I love his enthusiasm and eagerness to be a part of the team here,” commented Coach Buchanan.  Brandon state “I am so excited to be attending Grace Bible College in the fall.  I am especially excited to have the opportunity to be a part of the men’s soccer program.  I look forward to getting to know the guys, bettering my ability and skill, and of course strengthening my relationship with God.  A big influence in the past couple years has been a close friend of mine Austin Olson who will be playing at Grace.  He’s the reason I started  playing soccer.  He is the person who pushes me to be the best.  Without him I may not even be playing soccer.  I owe a lot to him.”

The Tri-Unity Christian midfielder Evan Przybysz will be putting on the number 12 shirt for the Tigers this fall.  He is the son of Robert and Barbara Przybysz and brother to Jillian.  Evan has an extensive soccer background playing his club soccer for Georgetown Rangers.  As a captain starting every game and leading the Defenders from his center midfield position, Evan was the teams top scorer with nine goals and added six assists.  He also has experience playing as a forward and even as a center defender when called upon to do so.  Evan was named to the River Valley All-Conference Team as well as All District Team for soccer and voted the team MVP.   Evan also played basketball where he helped Tri-Unity Christian to the State Championship game in this his senior year.  He was also named All-Conference in basketball.  He not only has excelled in sports, but in the classroom as well carrying a 3.9 GPA and being named to Academic All-Region Team with a 3.92.  Evan has been on the Principal’s Academic List throughout his high school career.  He is involved in the National Honors Society and Student Council Association.  He is a student leader at his church and small group leader at school.  “Getting to know Evan during the recruitment process has been a joy.  Evan’s ability and willingness to do whatever is ask of him is a testament to his leadership and desire to benefit the team.   He has been raised well and succeeds in the classroom and in athletics.  He has tremendous athleticism which has enabled him to earn awards in multiple sports.  Watching him play on TV in the MHSAA State Finals game was exciting and I was proud knowing he would be playing soccer here.  He represented Tri-Unity well and I am very happy to have him do the same as a Tiger”, said Coach Buchanan.  The new Tiger stated “I am excited to get working with the coaching staff and with the other athletes here at Grace. I am anxious to get in season and have the fall arrive. My family has been very supportive throughout this whole decision, and I feel like Grace is where God is leading me to be, not only for soccer, but also for the career that I am pursuing.”

Tigers With Wayland AYSO Coach Jason Reed And Team

Coach Buchanan and two of his players, Asumani Iyakaremye and Chris Thompson made the trip to Wayland to give a day training session.  The Wayland AYSO (American Youth Soccer Organization) enjoyed a day learning and having fun.  “Most of us started playing soccer in AYSO at early ages.  It is nice to be able to come back to help out especially where I went to high school.  This is a great group of kids and they were all eager to learn and have fun doing so.  It was clear to see they love being out there playing the best game in the world.  A special thanks to Chris and Asu who were great with them and the kids really enjoyed learning from them and getting to play against them at the end.  I think we enjoyed it just as much as the kids”, said Grace Coach Dustin Buchanan.

The Men’s  Soccer Team would like to say congratulations to their Goalkeeper  Coach Josh Rumenapp and his wife Aubrey on the birth of their son, Carter Joseph Rumenapp and welcome him to the Tiger family.  This is their second child.  Congratulations to the entire Rumenapp family!!

The Tiger’s have added Ben Helsen from

Ben Helsen

Ravenna High School.  Ben is the son of Louie and Sally Helsen, and brother of Kaitlin Helsen.  The 6’2″ defender was the senior captain  starting over twenty games while playing at the back.  He has also played football, wrestled and ran cross country.  Ben, an Honor Roll student, earned All-District and All-Conference for Ravenna.  He has worked with St. Catherine’s Church helping provide meals such as fish fries and turkey dinners.  “Ben is an extremely hardworking young man and absolutely loves soccer.  His involvement with the soccer program at Ravenna High School shows the dedication he has and will bring here.  He is always looking for ways to improve and I am excited to have him here.  I know what we are getting with Ben and that is a player who will give his all and is a complete team player”, said Coach Buchanan.  Ben stated “I am looking forward to attending GBC and meeting the team as well as new people, stay active in God and continue to play soccer in college while earning my degree.  A big part of my decision was my grandparents who are very active in our church and have always encouraged me to be involved with the church community.  I am thankful for my parents who have been very supportive with me in my college decision as well as life choices to to help me in becoming who I am today.”

Grace has added defender Jared McFarland from Muskegon, Michigan. Jared is the son

Jared McFarland

of Craig and Tessa McFarland and the older brother to Megan.  Jared spent one year playing Spring Arbor University during his first year of college.  In high school at Orchard View Jared twice captained the team while spending all four years on varsity and started every game from his sophomore year on.  He earned All-Conference 1st Team, All-District First Team, All-Area 1st Team, and All-Region 2nd Team during  high school.  “In my heart I wanted to be here and now that is finally happening.  I am extremely excited and thankful to be going to Grace in the fall.  I am looking forward to getting on campus with the team and creating that family bond on and off the field.  There is a great group of guys here and the other incoming players I have met make it even better.   I am exited to continue growing in God at Grace as well as investing in new friendships here”, commented Jared when asked about becoming a Tiger.  Jared is involved in children’s church and youth group.  Coach Buchanan stated “Having Jared here he absolutely adds to the defense and also the attack.  He is physically strong and uses all of his 6’1 frame.  He is very capable of playing at center back as well as an outside back.  He has been involved in soccer for basically all his life which will serve him well from an experience stand point.  He is a new player for us but he has a year under his belt and will be able to provide that leadership in the team and to the new first year players as well.  I am happy that Jared is here and I know what he brings as a player and person.” Jared will wear number three for the Tigers.