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

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.”

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.

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.”

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.

Austin Olson

Christine Olson and brother to Jordan Olson, Courtney Olson, and Mark Hucklebury.  While anchoring the defense, Austin captained Tri-County  during his junior and senior years in which he started every game.  He has also played six year of club soccer for CASSA.  “When Austin made the decision to attend Grace and play here I was delighted.   He is a person who works hard in everything he does and is always looking to better himself on and off the field.  He has great field vision and awareness.  He reads the game well and will be a great addition to our defense which graduated two players this year.  We have strengthened our defense by adding him.  He can play centrally as well as outside.  We have gained a solid player and all around person in Austin”, stated Coach Buchanan.  Austin has earned All-Conference Honorable Mention, been named to All-District Teams, and selected as MVP.  He is a member of the National Honors Societ as well as Academic Letter, and been named Student of the Month.  Austin is involved in the community as a AYSO referee, works with Youth Soccer Camps, American Rred Cross Blood Drives, youth group volunteer and youth ministries volunteer.  Austin also enjoys spending time in the outdoors, fishing, hunting, and camping.  He credits his Grandfather as the most influential person in his life.  “My Grandfather  is a great person who kept me active and shared a lot of wisdom with me about life and what to expect.  I look forward to furthering my education at Grace, meeting new people, and most importantly improving my relationship with God”, commented Austin.  Austin will wear #2 for the Tigers.