By Dylan Vazzano, Sports Information Coordinator
COOKEVILLE, Tenn. – Having recently rolled off one of its best seasons in program history, the Tennessee Tech soccer team can add another impressive accomplishment to an already robust resume as the 2016 Golden Eagles were recognized in the area of sportsmanship by the National Soccer Coaches Association of America.
Tech was given the 2016 NSCAA College Team Ethics and Sportsmanship Gold Award, one of just three NCAA DI teams in the country to earn the prestigious honor, joining the College of William and Mary and Central Connecticut State University in the exclusive club. In order to earn the coveted Gold Award, a team must have between a 1-10 yellow card percentage, calculated by taking the number of cards accumulated divided by the number of games played in a season. In 21 games, TTU received only two yellow cards, which equated to a miniscule 9.5%.
"This honor is not easy to achieve, especially in today's game which is so much faster and athletic, requiring a level of physicality to handle the demands of the game," Tech head coach Steve Springthorpe said on his squad's gold status. "To go an entire season with only two cards issued is certainly a rarity and I want to congratulate our players and coaching staff for achieving this distinction."
The Golden Eagles collected two yellow cards within the first six matches, before going the final 15 games without being issued a single card. As the season intensified with the start of conference play, Tech managed to breeze through its 10-match slate flawlessly without a card, including not receiving one in either of its OVC Tournament tilts. The Golden Eagles went 6-2-2 in conference action, ultimately making it to the OVC Tournament semifinals for the second-straight year.
"As a coaching staff we ask our players to play with character and to honor the game to the best of their ability, while at the same time competing to win a conference championship, which is not an easy task to say the least," Springthorpe said. "I am proud of our team and their ability to always show grace and character that represents the program and the University to the highest degree."
Tech concluded its 2016 campaign with an 11-6-4 mark, the most wins since 2002, while also tying the 2004 and 2002 squads for fewest losses in a season. The Golden Eagles set a program record with 11 shutouts, and the club's 13 goals allowed were the fewest surrendered in a single season in school history.
Photo by Jim Dillon
