Dec. 9, 2008

Story courtesy of Kurt Snyder, Newark Advocate

MOUNT VERNON, Ohio - Senior year is the one to remember, but Watkins Memorial graduates Scott Spangler and Alex Stout will hold their junior years in a special place.

In 2004, Spangler and Stout helped the Watkins boys soccer team to the first state title in school history during their junior season. Last weekend, the pair helped the Mount Vernon Nazarene men's soccer team to a semifinal appearance in the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics tournament.

"I just feel blessed every day I get to play the sport I love," Spangler said. "It was Dec. 5, and we were playing soccer in California. Not many people could say that. It was just an awesome feeling."

The Cougars picked up a 2-0 victory against Lee University in the first home tournament match in program history Nov. 22. Then, the week before finals, they set out on a working vacation.

After two victories at the NAIA final site in Fresno, Calif., the Cougars were eliminated in the semifinals in a 1-0 loss to rival Rio Grande on Friday. The Cougars, who finished 18-4-2, previously had ended a 19-year losing streak to the Red Storm on Nov. 12.

"It was kind of like an escape from reality," Spangler said. "We got away from the snow and schoolwork, and we were just out there with a bunch of guys who are like brothers."

Said Stout, "At the beginning of the year, we were thinking we could win (the National Christian College Athletic Association tournament), but if we got into the NAIA tournament, it would be awesome. We did not think we would go that far."

In the second round, the Cougars beat top-ranked Lindsey Wilson 1-0. Lindsey Wilson had won seven of the previous 13 national championships. Stout had nine saves in the victory as Lindsey Wilson peppered the goal box with 29 shots.

The Cougars then shut out Westmont 1-0, with Stout making four saves. Spangler controlled the midfield for the Cougars, who set a school record for team shutouts.

"We weren't expected to stand a chance against (Lindsey Wilson), and we held our own," Spangler said. "That was unreal. That, itself, was like winning the national championship in a respect."

Unfortunately the dream season ended when the Cougars ran into the Red Storm. Jon Brooks' shot from 30 yards out found the net when Stout was shielded away.

Stout's three NAIA tournament shutouts gave him 14 for the season and 26 for his career, extending both school records. He was one of three Cougars named to the all-tournament team after picking up 16 saves and allowing just the one goal.

"They scored on a deflection, which makes it unlucky I guess," Stout said. "It bothers me, but there was really nothing more I could have done about it. It was like forgiving to me. ... I was in the right place, but then it hit off somebody else."

Unlike high school, Stout and Spangler did not get to the top, but their semifinal appearance was the first in the Cougars' athletic history. They also have one more year to win two more matches.

If they do, their senior year might truly be one to remember.

"Since we have tasted that, we definitely want to get back there," Spangler said. "It will take a lot of work, but I definitely think next year's team can do it."