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Justin Jenkins
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SPRINGFIELD, Ohio — The Wittenberg University men's and women's soccer teams put together outstanding, almost parallel, 2005 seasons, reaching the four-team tournament field in the extremely competitive North Coast Athletic Conference before falling in the semifinals against the nationally ranked No. 1 seeded team. Not surprisingly, the successes enjoyed during the season resulted in recognition from coaches on the Great Lakes Region selection committee.
The men's soccer team rebounded from three straight sub-.500 seasons with a deceivingly strong 7-6-6 overall record in 2005, which included a mark of 4-2-3 in the NCAC, good for fourth place. The six ties equalled a 10-year-old NCAA Division III record.
Freshman defender Justin Jenkins of Dublin, Ohio, class of 2009, followed up on his NCAC Newcomer of the Year and first-team All-NCAC recognition with first-team All-Great Lakes Region honors. He is the first Wittenberg player to break through for all-region honors since Chris McLaren was so recognized in 1999.
"This award is a reflection of how well Justin played all year," said Wittenberg Men's Soccer Head Coach Steve Dawson, who ranks among the top 50 coaches in NCAA Division III history for wins and winning percentage with a career record of 229-167-23, all at Wittenberg. "Also, it is a reflection on how well the team performed.
"Justin was one of just three freshman chosen for the all-region team, and the other two were on the third team. It's a great award for Justin and the program."
Jenkins spearheaded a defensive unit that allowed 27 goals on the season and recorded four shutouts. With four freshman in a six-man rotation (and no seniors), the Tiger defense became more and more stingy as the season progressed, allowing 11 goals in their final 11 regular season games as Wittenberg lost just twice down the stretch.
The Wittenberg women put together a second straight outstanding season, finishing 14-5 overall and just missing out on an at-large berth in the NCAA Division III Tournament. The Tigers achieved a national ranking after opening the season with eight straight wins, including three against teams that reached the national tourney. It was Wittenberg's first national ranking in a decade.
Junior defender Jamie McIntyre of Columbus, Ohio, class of 2007, earned the same honors after the 2005 season that she earned a year earlier - NCAC Defensive Player of the Year, first-team All-NCAC and first-team All-Great Lakes Region. She was joined on the All-NCAC first team by forward Lisa Rusch of Columbus, Ohio, class of 2008, who went on to garner third-team all-region honors after being a second-team selection a year ago.
"Our team was honored to have two players placed on the all-region team," said Wittenberg Women's Soccer Head Coach Norm Riker, who now has a 39-31-5 record in four seasons leading the Red & White. "We had another great year, and Jamie and Lisa had much to do with our success. So it is very fitting that they receive the all-region recognition.
"Although, both individuals are proud of their accomplishments, team success is their ultimate goal and the 2006 season can't come soon enough."
McIntyre has started every game in her three-year collegiate career, including all 19 games in 2005. She spearheaded a defensive effort that yielded just 10 goals all season and recorded a school-record 13 shutouts. In the last two years, Wittenberg has allowed just 24 goals in 39 games and has posted 24 shutouts among its 25 wins and five ties.
"Being a first-team all-region player for the last two years, and a two-time Defensive Player of the Year in our conference, speaks volumes about the impact Jamie has had on our program," Riker said. "Her play has earned her the respect of coaches throughout the region and has brought the Wittenberg Women's Soccer team into national contention.
"Jamie attacks, she defends, she goes end line to end line and for the full 90 minutes each game. I think she is one of the best left backs in all NCAA Division III."
After starting all 20 games in the midfield as a freshman, and ranking among the best in the NCAC with eight goals, five assists and 21 total points, Rusch moved to the forward line in 2005 and topped the team again offensively. She finished with six goals, five assists and 17 total points on the season, tops on the team in all three categories.
"Lisa is a dominating player at our level and her work rate, competitiveness and strength on a ball have helped us find a way to win a lot of games in her first two seasons," Riker said. "She has been our leading scorer for the last two years, but it is keeping possession and handling double and triple teams and turning the corner that make her dominate.
"Lisa is a true competitor and simply loves to play the game, and for her, the real award will come when she and her teammates are playing in late November."
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