The Grove City College men’s soccer team capped an undefeated regular season record with a resounding 1-0 victory Saturday over the Franciscan Barons, earning its first Presidents’ Athletic Conference championship in 20 years and securing a place in this week’s NCAA tournament.
It is just the third time the program has won a conference title. Head coach Mike Dreves ’97, who was named PAC coach of the year on Wednesday, has played a role each time.
“I have been blessed to win a conference title as a player, assistant coach and now as a head coach, and that means a lot,” he said. “I am super excited for the team. This group of seniors has been to the finals three years in a row, and to see them celebrate and enjoy this is awesome. They have worked hard,” he said.
Dreves said the long drought between PAC championships has been hard for the program. “I think we have been good enough in many years, but in a few moments, we were just missing something. Over the past 19 seasons we have had some tough overtime or penalty kick losses. To be fair it has been heartbreaking,” he said.
The College’s nearly 90-year-old soccer program has deep roots in the alumni community, and they have rallied with this victory. “This championship means so much to them, and they have been reaching out to me in droves since we won,” Dreves said. “I think for many who came so close during their years this win has lifted a lot of weight off their shoulders as well.”
At 1:30 p.m. Friday, the team will face the Calvin University Knights in its first NCAA tournament appearance since 1980.
However it plays out, Dreves said he is confident that the team has followed its vision. “We are trying to build our team into something that glorifies God in everything we do … to seek excellence within that vision. We have tried to not make the championship an idol, tried to not have our identity in winning, all while preparing well and competing hard.”
The Grove City College women's soccer team also took the PAC title, its third straight, by pulling out a 1-0 win Saturday over Waynesburg. They will face Illinois Tech at 1 p.m. Friday in the NCAA tournament.