Willamette Men's Soccer Team Announces Player Awards

By Robert McKinney, Athletics Communications Director, (503) 370-6110

SALEM, ORE. -- The Willamette University men's soccer team has announced its player awards for the 2007 season. A total of four players were selected in recognition of their exceptional efforts during the year.

Greg Beasley (Fr., F, Camas, WA/Camas HS) was named Most Valuable Player. He led the Bearcats in scoring, as he tallied six goals and one assist for 13 points. He played 59.5% of his shots on goal (22 of 37) and was called for just five fouls during the the season. He scored the game-winning goal in Willamette's 3-2 overtime win at Colorado College on Sept. 8, 2007.

"As a freshman, Greg announced to everyone he was here on the first day of preseason and kept going throughout the season," Larson said. "He scored six goals in his inaugural season and will definitely be looking to add to that tally in the years to come. Greg's work rate and competitiveness make him an asset to the Bearcat program."

Thomas Cloutier (Sr., D, Beaverton, OR/Westview HS) was chosen for the Leadership Award. Cloutier, who moved from forward to defender for the 2007 season, started 18 games for the Bearcats. He finished his career with 61 games played, including 37 starts.

"Thomas spent his four years at Willamette helping the team get better year round," WU Head Coach Nelson Larson said. "His devotion to the team and to the program helped set a high standard. Fro him personally, he played his best soccer in his final season at Willamette and was an asset to the team. It will be tough to find someone to replace him and do the work he did while at Willamette"

The Most Inspirational Award went to senior midfielder Trevor Jones (Portland, OR/Grant HS). Jones was the only Willamette player to start all 19 games. He scored two goals and one assist. During four seasons with the Bearcats, he played in 72 games and started 49 times. His career totals included seven goals and two assists.

"Trevor was the guy that everyone liked, and when he played well, everyone else did too," Larson said. "He came up big in a couple of games during the year and helped the team get results. Trevor wore his emotions on his sleeves and let the guys know how passionate he was about the game and the program."

Ross Vartain (Fr., D, Palo Alto, CA/Mid-Peninsula HS) was chosen for the Most Improved Award. Vartain played in just five games, but all of his appearances were in October and November, as he adjusted to the collegiate game.

"Ross didn't come in with the most soccer experience," Larson noted, "but ended the year as a huge part of the team. His work rate was excellent and he earned minutes by the end of the season. His work rate helped set an in-practice standard above and beyond what we have seen before."