Family Is Forever

      As the Tiger’s 2012 season has closed we take a look at the season’s top performers and memorable moments as well as going forward into the 2013 season.  The Tiger’s overall record was 9-9-2.  Early in the season adjustments were made with out the keeper service from the past in Carl Getty.  Splitting time in net were Kodie Palmer, Jon Proskey, and Aaron Jones.   Aaron Jones finished with most games in net with 9, posting the teams best goals against average of 2.24.  Kodie Palmer had 7 appearances in net, followed by Jon Proskey with 5.  As these three stepped up to help the squad seeing their first college action in net there were other first this year as John Caprari played his first season as a Tiger joining the squad this year.  Creating one of the memorable moments of the season was Senior Marc Mullinex scoring his first  goal for Grace.  Also having memorable moments were Aaron Jone’s performance in net against Purdue Calumet as well as the incredible goals from Chris Thompson and Alex Stoddard.  Freshman Nathan Colby played in every game game this season netting 6 goals and adding 4 assist becoming the top freshman performer ending 5th on the team in points with 16.  Ahead of him were Ryan Snyder (18pts), Chris Thompson (20pts), Josh Armstrong (23pts) and Colt Nieuwenhuis (23).  The Golden Boot winner (Most Goals) was Chris Thompson with 9.  Second in goals was Colt Nieuwenhuis with 8.  Top assist leader was Josh Armstrong with 9 and second was Colt Nieuwenhuis with 7.  Goal of the Year is up between Alex Stoddard’s bicycle kick and Chris Thompson’s free kick beauty.  The winner will be declared at the banquet (TBD) as well as the MVP, YNWA Award, Best Defender, Best Attacker, and Most Improved Player.  Coach Dustin Buchanan commented on the past season saying “The 2012 season was a good season for us.  I have a fantastic group of guys that I cannot say enough good things about.  We have worked hard this season and I know the guys have the fire and determination to build on the things we have done and really improve for 2013.  These guys really did things with focus and purpose and we had quality senior leadership in this squad.  With seniors Andrew Clark, Nathan Porter, and Marc Mullinex graduating (Josh Armstrong and Ryan Snyder additional year pending)will be missed. But we are family here and where and whatever they go on to do they will continue to be a big part of this family because family is forever and now they will just have different roles as a part of it.   The additions we have for the 2013 will give us a boost and the experienced players we have will have to step up and I am confident they will.”