The Men’s Soccer Team have added Tri-County’s Austin Olson. He is the son of Kevin and

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.

Grace have signed the Vilnius, Lithuania born striker and midfielder Vasilij Kuiper from Freedom Christian.  “Vasa” is the son of Randy and Linda Kuiper from Hudsonville, Michigan.  As a standout at Freedom, Vasa was the 2012 Varsity captain starting every game.  He scored 19 goals and added 11 assists.  He has earned awards such as All-District, All-Conference, All-Region and All-State Honorable Mention.  “Vasa understands the game well and is an intelligent player.  He can finish as well as create chances.  He has the ability to create that “wow” moment and provide consistency”, commented Grace Coach Dustin Buchanan.  Vasa said he is eager to suit up for Grace with an opportunity to develop leadership skills and be a part of the family atmosphere within the team here.  He stated “I am very excited to attend Grace Bible College in the fall and use my hard work, talents and abilities that God has blessed me with.  I look forward to being a part of this team and bring honor and glory to Him.”  Vasa will wear number 16 for the Tigers.

Vasa Kuiper In Black

Wes Pierpont from Riverview, Michigan will be joining his brother and current defender

Wes Pierpont

Dan Pierpont as a Tiger for the 2013 season.  Wes is the son of Lois and Ken Pierpont, and brother to Kyle, Holly, Chuk, Heidi, Hannah, Daniel, and Hope. Wes has played soccer, played two years of baseball as well as three years of football while being Home schooled.   He is extremely involved in community and church with youth group during the week and weekends.  “Wes is a perfect addition here.  He has a true heart for the Lord and Christ is his passion.  He is a very talented athlete that will suit us well.   He will be capable of playing multiple positions for us.  We are gaining a great person in Wes”, commented Coach Buchanan.   Wes had this to say about joining the Tiger family:  “I am more than excited to attend Grace Bible College and deepen my relationship with Jesus Christ and also meet new people who I know will encourage me to do so”.

The 2013 season for the Tigers will provide some very exciting match ups and travel opportunities.  The Men’s team will open their season at home against Cleary University (USCAA) on Wednesday September 4th at 4:00 pm.  The Tigers will face strong competition while hosting  Purdue University Calumet (NAIA) and Aquinas College (NAIA) as well as traveling to Hope College (NCAA III).  This 2013 season also has the Tigers facing Mid-West Regional schools.  Grace will travel to Northland International University, Great Lakes Christian College and Maranatha Baptist Bible College.  The Tiger’s will host Moody Bible Institute, Lincoln Christian University and Kuyper College.  The end of the season will send the team to Florida to play Trinity Baptist College (NCCAA II) and Clearwater Christian College (NCCAA II) on October 25th and 26th.  “We are very excited about this schedule.  It has to be one of the toughest since I first played here in 2002.  We have fantastic opportunities to challenge the likes of Hope and Aquinas as well as strong teams in the Mid-West Region where every game is tough.  We have wanted to take a trip to Florida for a while now and I know the guys are thrilled, especially to take it in late October.  It will be a great experience for us.  We welcome the challenges this schedule brings and are looking forward to it,” said Coach Buchanan.  To view the entire schedule select Schedule under “Pages”. *Additional games may be added.

The Tigers have captured the signature of Brady Zomer from Hamilton High School.

Brady Zomer

Brady is the son of Greg and Renee Holstege and brother to Minae Zomer.  The 6’2 midfield player was a two time captain for Hamilton starting every game on varsity, netting 18 goals and adding 22 assists.  Brady also played basketball, 2 years of baseball, and has ran track his junior and senior year as well as winning the Dual Athlete Award while playing soccer, football, basketball, and track in this his senior year.  He has earned soccer awards including All-Conference Honorable Mention, All-District, All-Area, and All-County.  For track Brady earned All-Conference, Regional Meet, and Individual State honors.  “Brady is a fantastic athlete.  He is a tremendous addition to this team.  He is a versatile player who can play across the midfield as well as up top.  Brady has the ability to create and is explosive.  His pace and physical attributes are things we will benefit from.  Aside from playing, Brady is one of the most genuine young men I have had the privilege to recruit.  He has leadership qualities and great aspirations for not only soccer here at Grace but for life.  His parents Greg and Renee are wonderful people and they can be proud of  Brady as we are thrilled to have him here at Grace,” commented Coach Buchanan.  Brady stated, “I am thankful for the support I have been given by my parents and would not be where I am without them, they have been there every step of the way. Both of Grandparents are a huge part of my life and have tremendous involvement in shaping me in to the person I am today.  Coaches have had a huge impact on my life as well such as Kevin Spotts, Brant Haverdink, Mat Rehkopf, Josh Hoppe, and Ted Malefyt.  The teacher who has had the biggest impact on me and who changed my outlook on my life and always been here for me is Jacquie Johr.  I am looking forward to this next chapter in my life and it is a very exciting time.”

The Men’s Soccer Team enjoyed food and spending time with each other, family, and friends.  After the meal the players were honored for their hard work and commitment throughout the season.  The awards ceremony began with Chris Thompson winning the Golden Boot for scoring the most goals, and Colt Nieuwenhuis took home the Silver Boot for coming in second to Thompson.  Colt was also named Best Attacking Player.  Marc Mullinex earned Most Improved player after his continued progression during his time at Grace.  Goal of The Year was given to both Chris Thompson and Alex Stoddard for their individual moments of brilliance.   Best Defender went to Andrew Clark who was also named the YNWA Award winner given to the player who demonstrates great character and  leadership on and off the field.  The MVP Award went to Josh Armstrong.  “This was a special night for us.  It was fantastic to see all the families here to show support for their sons and the program and I can’t say how much that means.  This banquet will be that last one for some of these guys as players, but I hope to see them at many to come giving their support for future players as they are forever a part of Grace Soccer,” commented Coach Buchanan.

Seniors Ryan Snyder, Marc Mullinex, Andrew Clark, Nathan Porter. Not shown Joshua Armstrong

Today was senior day for Grace Athletics.  There were five players honored from the Men’s Soccer Team.  Seniors Andrew Clark, Marc Mullinex, Nathan Porter, Ryan Snyder, and Joshua Armstrong were presented with their framed jerseys. “Today is a special day for Andrew, Marc, Porter, Ryan, and Josh.  It is sad to know they will not be here next year but an exciting time because a new chapter in their lives is happening.  Each one of these guys has meant a lot to this program and I am very proud to see what they have already accomplished and will accomplish in life.  I have so many wonderful memories created by these guys and I am thankful to have had the opportunity to coach them. They may be through playing, but they are forever a part of our Men’s soccer family”, said Coach Buchanan.

Ryan Snyder

Marc Mullinex

Joshua Armstrong

Andrew Clark

Nathan Porter

The Tiger’s senior captain Andrew Clark has been working as the Youth Director at Grace

Andrew Clark

Bible Fellowship in Jenison, Michigan after being hired earlier in 2012.  He has been in the position nearly three months and is really enjoying working with the youth and developing a ministry.  Recently they re-painted the youth room and changed the layout.  Andrew commented “It has been an enjoyable process and it is great being able to live out my passion. The group is growing and the core students are young and fun. There is a lot of potential in the group and I am excited to be at GBF.”  Andrew works with former teammate Caleb Befus who is the Associate Pastor.

Happy New Year from the GBC Men’s Soccer Team!  The 2012 season had the Tigers finishing 9-9-2.  “The 2012 season was a fun one and we learned a lot.  I have a team filled with fantastic guys and it makes everything more enjoyable from coaching to the traveling.  This group have been looking forward to the 2013 season from the minute after our last game.  I am  very excited for the new year and what 2013 can bring.  We will have some quality additions to this great group of guys who can’t wait for things to get started”, said Coach Buchanan.

David Simmer, GBC ’12 alumni, and former Grace soccer player is currently pursuing his

David Simmer

calling and fulfilling his degree by serving as Youth Pastor at Grace Bible Church in Newaygo, MI. He took the job in the beginning of November and has enjoyed adjusting to the culture and pace of a new venture. “Newaygo is a familiar area for me. I volunteered with their youth group in 2009-2010 while attending GBC, and have kept in contact with some of the people over the years. I’ve developed some great friendships with the pastor and some of the other members of the church so the transition has been quite natural for me. Being a native of Traverse City, I’ve always enjoyed smaller towns, and love being able to serve at a church in Michigan. There’s nothing better than serving the Lord in the place where you know you’ve been called and I’m blessed to be given an opportunity like this.”