Eight Griffins receive postseason recognition from the SLIAC
St. Louis, Mo. - The St. Louis Intercollegiate Athletic Conference announced this year's men's soccer all-conference honors after the SLIAC Tournament Championship game in Louisville, Ky. today.
This year Fontbonne has eight recipients named to the all-conference, all-tournament and all-sportsmanship teams:
Austin Willenbrock- F, 1st team Alex Smith- MF, 1st team Greg Ferry- D, 1st team Andres Castro- D, 2nd team Ryan Dudley- F, 3rd team Nick Wolf- MF, 3rd team Tony Pitaro- GK, 3rd team Shay Garner- All Sportsmanship Team Smith- All Tournament Team Ferry- All Tournament TeamWillenbrock- The senior led the Griffins in points this year (13) with four goals and five assists. This is Austin's first time garnering post season honors after recording all but one assist in conference games.
Smith- Also a senior, this is Alex's first time earning all-conference accolades. The Washington, Mo. native led the Griffins in the midfield with two goals and three assists. The 6-4 midfielder was known for his sliding tackles to defend the backfield and/or give the Griffins an offensive chance.
Ferry- Greg, a freshman from Scotland, was a big name on the field this year. Ferry's mature demeanor guided Fontbonne at centerback for most of the season, clearing the ball out of harm's way. Ferry narrowing missed Newcomer of the Year honors as he was one of two freshman who earned first team accolades.
Castro- Another freshman, this time from Farmington, Mo., Castro not only quick with his feet and fast dribbling down the field, but a sizable threat in the backfield. He started in 17 of 19 games for the Griffins in his first collegiate season.
Dudley- Dudley, a junior, earns all-conference for the first time. He was named to the all-tournament team his freshman year. This year all 12 of Dudley's points came in conference contests including his team-high five goals.
Wolf- First year Griffin Nick Wolf also tallied a team-high five goals on the year. All 13 of the junior transfer's team-leading points came in conference games as well including his three assists.
Pitaro- Junior goalkeeper Tony Pitaro received his first all-conference accolade this year. The Nevada native had a breakout year in goal for the Griffins with 67 saves, fifth best among SLIAC goalkeepers. He recorded a career-high 10 saves against non-conference opponent Concordia Wisconsin and seven against WashU and Westminster (during regular season play).
Garner- Shay, a four-year Griffin, was named to the SLIAC All-Sportsmanship Team. Garner played in 15 games this year and notched one goal.
Fontbonne loses Ryan Curran, Garner, Matt Key, Steve Pfeifer, Smith and Willenbrock to graduation.