Ohio Northern Men's Soccer to commemorate 40th anniversary
By: Jose Nogueras
ADA —The Ohio Northern University men's soccer team will be celebrating its 40th anniversary of the first team at the annual alumni game Aug. 21 at 8 p.m.
ONU men's soccer players from the past will challenge the current varsity team that will feature some of the top talent ONU has featured over the past four decades. Prior to the game, past and present Polar Bears will be introduced by jersey number.
Brent Ridenour, the men's head coach who also had the distinction of playing for the Orange and Black, said, "I enjoy hearing from the players of that time and era. They have some amazing stories to tell. I try to share their stories to our current team so they know that they are not only playing for themselves, but all of those guys who worked so hard to get the program off the ground. I am fortunate to be a part of such an amazing tradition and we try to go out every day and make everyone who has worn an ONU men's soccer jersey proud."
In its storied history, the men's soccer team has won more than 60 percent of its game with an overall record of 412-248-50, and an OAC record of 170-121-29. Overall Polar Bears have made the OAC tournament 14 times and have amassed seven regular season OAC titles and six OAC tournament championships.
The Polar Bears, who have made seven NCAA Division III tournament appearances, reached its pinnacle when they were the 2012 NCAA Division III tournament runner-up. In that sensational season the Polar Bears were a record setting 25-3-0.
The Polar Bears have had just two coaches in its 40 years. Dr. Amar Bhattacharya, who coaches from 1975 to 1997 and posted a 163-146-23 overall record. Ridenour, since 1998, has gone 249-102-27.
In team's illustrious season, ONU has had 323 letter winners, six NSCAA All-Americans and five D3Soccer.com All-Americans. One of those All-Americans, Nate Bascom (2008-12), holds the ONU record for most career goals with 56 and assist with 43. Bascom is also the career leader in total points. David Knapp (1989-1992) has the record for most saves. Mac Church, the outstanding goalie on the 2012 team, and teammate Cameron Johnson, hold the record for most matches with 98. Church is also tops in shutouts with 47.