This award was established to enhance the Christian purpose of athletics, excellence in Christian athletic competition, and to perpetuate the Christian philosophy and faith in the NCCAA institutions across the nation. It is presented to the outstanding Division I & II NCCAA Christian men’s soccer players of the nation, who meet the established criteria, during the National Men’s Soccer I & II Championships.
Kyle Rote, Jr. simply excelled in every area of life. He played every available sport but soccer grabbed his allegiance in his teen years and he was an All-American selection during his days at the University of the South. He rose to worldwide fame as the first US professional player to be viewed as a superstar during the days of the North American Soccer League. Throughout his career in sports, and today as a representative for professional athletes, Kyle Rote, Jr. simply let his faith in Christ drive him to be excellent as a husband, father and community leader.
This award is sponsored by Mr. Gary Beck, manager of the Gary Beck Foundation and a former NCCAA All-American student-athlete from Greenville College, IL. The award shall be presented annually at the National Men’s Soccer Championships.
Greenville, SC: The NCCAA is pleased to announce Wira Wama of
Maranatha Baptist University (MBU) as the 2016 Kyle Rote, Jr. Award Recipient for DII Men’s Soccer.
In leading the Sabercats of Maranatha Baptist University (MBU) during the 2016 season, Wira Wama served his team well both on and off the field of play. His composure and outstanding leadership have proven priceless as he has started in every match of his career.
While leading his team in scoring in each of his four seasons, he has been selected as an NCCAA
All-American in 2013, 2014, and 2015. In 2014, he scored the game winning goal in the National semifinals and finals to earn his team the National Championship banner. He serves as a team captain and leads by example in every facet of the MBU program.
The Senior Digital Media Marketing major from Papua, New Guinea, has also served His Lord and Savior through various soccer outreach programs and the MBU’s Men’s Soccer singing ministry. Back in New Guinea, Wira was chosen to be his team’s spokesperson for an anti-violence campaign and spoke to jammed-packed stadiums before Champions League matches.
Coach Jeff Pill shared, “Wira simply brings joy to everyone he meets. He has an infectious love for Christ and inspires others by his example. All of us who are a part of the MBU program are better for having known and worked alongside Wira.”
Other Finalists
Andrew Kester, Bob Jones University; Deibys Lopez, Trinity College of Florida; Lance Patrick, Central Christian College of the Bible; Matthew Robinson, University of Valley Forge; Jorge Saucedo, Boyce College; Hanyu Wang, Boyce College
See
Previous Winners