Representative Smith Honors University of Rio Grande Soccer Team

COLUMBUS—State Representative Ryan Smith (R-Bidwell) today honored the University of Rio Grande men’s soccer team for its recent NAIA National Championship victory. Smith presented the team with a resolution during the Ohio House session for its accomplishment.

“I was pleased to welcome the University of Rio Grande men’s soccer team to the Statehouse to be honored for their tremendous accomplishment,” said Smith. “Rio Grande soccer has a tradition of excellence that I believe will continue for years to come.”

In December, the team was able to defeat MidAmerican Nazarene University from Kansas to win its second NAIA National Championship. The University of Rio Grande entered the tournament as the top-seeded team and was able to secure the championship title in an overtime goal scored by Jeremy de Hoog, making the final score 1-0. de Hoog was named Most Outstanding Offensive Player of the tournament, while freshman goalkeeper, Ben Martinez, was named Most Valuable Player.

The University of Rio Grande men’s soccer team, head coach, Scott Morrissey, and the Rio Grande University President, Michelle Johnston, were present to accept the resolution.