Student-athlete wins Elite 89 award for NCAA Division III Men’s Soccer Championship

Ohio Northern University defenseman Matt Fleming, a senior international business and economics major from Liberty Township, Ohio, has been named the recipient of the Elite 89 award for the 2012 NCAA Division III Men’s Soccer Championship. The award was presented at the NCAA Finals in San Antonio in November.

The Elite 89 is presented to the student-athlete with the highest cumulative grade-point average participating at the finals site for each of the NCAA’s championships.

Fleming, a graduate of Lakota East High School, is the first ONU student-athlete to receive this national award.

The Elite 89, an award founded by the NCAA, recognizes the true essence of the student-athlete by honoring the individual who has reached the pinnacle of competition at the national championship level in his or her sport, while also achieving the highest academic standard among his or her peers.

Fleming helped anchor a defense that gave up just 14 goals last season. He also recorded four assists on the year.

Pictured: Brent Ridenour, ONU head men’s soccer coach, and Matt Fleming

Published: Tue, 01/15/2013 - 5:25pm