Monday Memory: Eagles Claim First AAC Championship Banner Over Bryan (Tenn.)
By Mike DeVader, Reinhardt Director of Athletic Communications & Media
WALESKA, Ga. – Aaron Whitten's 14th-minute goal secured Reinhardt's first Appalachian Athletic Conference (AAC) Championship title in history on Nov. 9, 2018, as the Eagles held on with superb defense to shut out Bryan (Tenn.), 1-0, under the lights at Ken White Field at University Stadium.
Today's Monday Memory helped Reinhardt (14-3-2) qualify for the 60th Annual NAIA Men's Soccer National Championship.
"I would like to congratulate Coach Courtney, Coach Mattheiss and the players from Bryan on an outstanding season," head coach Joey Johnson said. "It was a classic final tonight with both teams giving everything they had to give. Bryan certainly earned our full respect with the way they battled throughout the game. Their senior class, whom I have watched compete for four seasons, showed great character and couldn't have given more. I wish them well.
"Each season is a journey with a group of players and is always unpredictable in nature. I am grateful for this group of guys and the journey that we have been able to share. It has been over three months since the guys reported for training camp and began the process of working towards our full potential as a team. Although I am pleased with their development as players, I am even more pleased with their development as young men. I am grateful to our senior class for their leadership as without it, we would not have been able to build a consistent platform for success this season. I am appreciative to our players for their sacrifice, hard work and loyalty to each other this season and am just sincerely happy for each player that wears an RU jersey. For me, it is always about the players and always will be.
"I want to recognize that it is a 'team' of people that has helped our team have the opportunity to provide student-athletes with a positive experience each season. I am grateful to work for an institution whose leadership values the student-athlete experience and supports our programs. I am thankful to Athletic Director Bill Popp, Jeffrey Pourchier and the athletic department staff for all that they do behind the scenes to create a professional environment for our students to learn and grow. Special thanks to our athletic trainer, Madilyn Crabill, who has worked countless hours to provide our athletes with quality care and keep them on the field. Also, thanks to DeVante Wynn for game day operations and Mike DeVader and his staff with sports information. Lastly, I want to thank my assistant coaches Zack Schultze, Justin Crozier and Jorge Gonzalez for how they have invested in the lives of our players and in our program."
The Lions tripled the Eagles in shots at 12-4, but AAC Championship Most Valuable Player – Torge Wiedenroth – made four saves to go along with his teammates stopping another foursome of attempts in the misty night.
Jack Hardacre's assist in the contests lone goal proved-to-be the spark Reinhardt needed to hold off Bryan in yet another quality conference clash. The Lions had a couple key chances that didn't go their way as they tried to at least knot up the score and possibly force extra time.
One occasion came later in the first half as a shot glanced off the crossbar and out of play, keeping the score 1-0 in favor of the home team heading into the locker room at halftime. Three second-half saves, coupled with a crucial offsides on Bryan with 12:36 remaining (on a score), helped keep the Lions off the scoreboard the entire 90 minutes.
The final seconds would tick away and the Eagles celebrated a championship together on their home pitch.
Reinhardt has collected four-consecutive shutouts dating back to Senior Day against Talladega (Ala.) on Oct. 27.
2018 All-AAC Championship Team
Pablo Acebron: Point (Ga.)
Koen Vos: Point (Ga.)
Kyle Wynne: Tennessee Wesleyan
Yuri Parisotto: Tennessee Wesleyan
Jason Ward: Bryan
Dino Jones: Bryan
Charlie Clarke: Bryan
Jonathan Ricketts: Bryan
Jack Hardacre: Reinhardt
Michael Lamb: Reinhardt
Todd Fidler: Reinhardt
Victor Profit: Reinhardt
MVP: Torge Wiedenroth (Reinhardt)
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