2004 Soccer Team Sets New Standards, and Reaps the Rewards
Crusaders end season with 12-6 overall record and the Interstate Collegiate Conference Championship

May 10, 2005

A season with a new coach at the helm and a slew of freshman turned out to be anything but a year of rebuilding. This season the men’s soccer team turned in an impressive 12-6 overall record and walked away with the Interstate Collegiate Conference Championship for the third time in four years, finishing 7-1 in conference play. Adding to this accomplishment the team went on to win the NCCAA Southwest Regional Championship for the first time in over 20 years, earning them a trip to the National Championship Tournament that was held in Kissimmee, FL where they finished 8th overall in the nation.

When asked to comment on the season Coach Duke stated, "Coming into this season in my first year of coaching at DCC, I didn't know what to expect. I knew we had some talented returners and incoming freshman, but God has blown me away with the things we have accomplished. The team stepped up their level of play and has met the challenges I placed before them with enthusiasm. This team truly had the desire to win this past season and to be Christian witnesses to those around them while doing so."

Along with the team’s outstanding success came individual recognition. Making the All-Conference Team was Derry Gambill (Sr.), Lupe Gaona (Sr.), Eric Lee (Fr.), Hector Mendoza (Fr.), and Nathan Lewis (Jr.). Making the All-Region Team was Derry Gambill (Sr.), Lupe Gaona (Sr.), Luke Oliver (Fr.), and Eric Lee (Fr.) was named MVP of the region. Those named to the All-Region Tournament Team was Matt Richards (Sr.), Eric Lee (Fr.), Hector Mendoza (Fr.), and the tournament MVP was Lupe Gaona (Sr.). Moving on to those receiving national awards was Matt Richards (Sr.) being named an NCCAA Scholar Athlete. Lupe Gaona (Sr.) and Eric Lee (Fr.) both received NCCAA DII “Player of the Week” awards during the course of the season.
Eric Lee (Fr.) was selected to the National Tournament Team, and was selected as an Honorable Mention NCCAA All American, being the first ever DCC Soccer athlete to receive this high of an honor.

Receiving team awards this season based on voting of teammates were:
Newcomer of the Year: Luke Oliver (Fr.)
Most Improved: Bryan Schlackman (Fr.)
Hustle Award: Justin Adams (Jr.)
Playmaker Award: Lupe Gaona (Sr.)
Defensive Player of the Year: Derry Gambill (Sr.)
Servant Award: Ray Ware (Sr.)
Spiritual Leader: Matt Richards (Sr.)
Team MVP: Eric Lee (Fr.)