Men's soccer players receive awards

By Joe Stark
12/9/2009
Sports Editor

Six Yellowjacket men’s soccer players were given WIAC Post Season Awards for the 2009 season.  

Senior Jack Hajewski (River Falls, WI) was named to the All-Sportsmanship Team, and five other players were named to the All Conference Team: juniors Jon Bell (Proctor, MN) and Tom Fitzer (Chisago Lakes, MN), and sophomores Eric Nilsen (Duluth, MN), Thomas Shuldheisz (Andover, MN), and Dan Warnke (Burnsville, MN). 

All of these players played a huge role in UWS’ successful season.

Hajewski, who played midfield for four years for the Yellowjackets, appeared in five games for UWS, starting one of those.  Although he did not record any points, he worked very hard and helped other players in practice to get better and achieve greatness. 

“I was speechless when I found out that I got the award,” said Hajewski. “I was so proud of myself and my team because I made myself work hard every season.  I made sure to make everyone a part of the team, and I owe everything to my coaches and teammates, and my hard work.  I will always be a Yellowjacket and will always help my team and future players achieve.”

Bell started at defense for UWS in 17 games this season.  He was instrumental in the ‘Jackets’ season success.  He was tied for second on the team with three assists.

Fitzer played goalie for UWS in 10 games this season, starting 7 of them.  He finished with a 2-2-2 record and three shutouts on the season.  He led the ‘Jackets with 51 saves and boasted a 1.19 goals against average.

Shuldheisz played the majority of the season at midfield for the Yellowjackets after switching over from forward.  He played in 19 games and started 17 of them.  He led the team in assists (6), and was second in points (14).  He also added 4 goals on the season.

Nilsen played forward for the ‘Jackets in 18 games this season.  He was their major offensive threat this season, as he led UWS in goals (7) and points (16), and added 2 assists. 

“I am honored to receive this award,” said Nilsen.  “It not only means a lot to me, but it means a lot to our program, being our first year in the conference. It's nice to be recognized by the other teams in the conference.  However, I need to thank my teammates, they helped contribute to me getting this award, and there are other players on our team that also could have gotten it.  I hope there are more to come in the future.”

Warnke proved to be one of the best defensemen in the conference.  In 18 games this season, he scored 2 goals, which was tied for first for all UWS defenseman. 

“It is a great honor to be in the first All Conference team for the WIAC and I thank the Lord for it,” said Warnke.  “I am not going to dwell on it too much, though, because I have plenty of things that I need to work on.  I would also like to give thanks to my team and coaching staff because without them in practice everyday and in games I wouldn’t be the player that I am.”