With only two returning players from last year, a green Bears soccer team has already managed to accumulate five wins, with three of those five wins being shutouts. The newcomers have put the Bears in contention for the Midwest Christian College Conference regular season championship with a 3-1 record in the MCCC. They have three conference games left and they currently sit in a tie for second place. As the Bears race toward the finish line of the season, let’s take a closer look at all the new faces. Crossing nine state boundaries, they have come from all over North America to unite under the Barclay banner.

Name: Drew McLellan
Hometown: Park City, KS
Major: Missions
Position: Goalkeeper

“Following in the footsteps of some of his friends who have played for Barclay, Drew will join the Bears this fall.  Drew is an experienced keeper who played for Wichita Heights and Fury United FC.  Drew will provide a solid base for our defense and will help to launch our offense as he utilizes his skill and experience to essentially become an additional field player,” said head coach Kevin Lee.  

Name: Caleb Overcast
Hometown: Spring Creek, NV
Major: Undeclared
Position: Defense

Overcast, the nephew of Barclay professor Kayleen Stephens, was an All-Elko County player for in Nevada.

Name: Bryan Godoy
Hometown: Katy, TX
Major: Nursing
Position: Defense

“Godoy is a humble, yet effective and respected defender who was also a standout as an all-district keeper,” said Coach Lee.  

Name: Justin Calicchia
Hometown: Montreal, QC
Major: Business
Position: Defense

Calicchia has been a starter for an AAA premiere team in Canada.  He was first team all-conference, first team all-county, and first team all-region. Coach Lee stated that “Justin is very quick. He plays with great awareness, and has sharp technical skills.”

Name: Garet Williams
Hometown: Lawton, OK
Major: Undeclared
Position: Winger

“Garet has played all over the field, and did quite well as a keeper,” commented Coach Lee. “His speed, ball control, and ability to finish will make him a very effective winger.”  

Name: Ben Priebe
Hometown: Rose Hill, KS
Major: Business
Position: Defense

Priebe is a dual sport student athlete playing basketball and soccer.  He played right back for a very successful Rose Hill High School team that finished as the 4A runner-up his senior season. He was honorable mention all-league as a senior as well. “Ben is a big guy who is very agile, he plays tough and clean, and will be a great target player on set pieces,” said Coach Lee.

Name: Isaac Burnett
Hometown: Peabody, KS
Major: Education
Position: Defense

“Isaac is an incredible athlete, and a Heartland Games champion,” commented Coach Lee. “He will bring his competitive edge to help inspire the team to do their absolute best for the glory of God.”

Name: Mason Vang
Hometown: Minneapolis, MN
Major: Bible/Theology
Position: Midfield

“Although Mason is walking on,” said Coach Lee, “it appears that he was born to play soccer. He has an incredible ability to win the ball, and a seemingly unending supply of energy.”

Name: Preston Hall
Hometown: Corona, CA
Major: Business Administration
Position: Defense

“Preston has the size and savvy to be a great defender,” said Coach Lee.

Name: Paul Stovall
Hometown: Bel Aire, KS
Major: AA – General Studies
Position: Winger

“Paul, a basketball player, has picked up soccer while helping his brother prepare to play college soccer,” explained Coach Lee. “Paul is quick and has good instincts.”

Name: Shawn Richardson
Hometown: Colorado Springs, CO
Major: Business Administration
Position: Midfield

Coach Lee said, “Shawn is a ball winner and another player with great instincts for the game.”

Name: Jared Westler
Hometown: Uniontown, OH
Major: Missions/Bible/Education
Position: Defense

Jared could very likely be the tallest soccer player our league has ever seen.  “Jared is good at using his height to his advantage and causes problems for offensive players who can’t seem to get around his strong, long legs,” said Coach Lee.

Name: Jordan Daniels
Hometown: Carl Junction, CO
Major: Youth Ministry and Bible
Position; Defense

Coach Lee said, “Jordan is a hard-working guy and has good size that will be put to good use.”

The next home game will be October 9 against Faith Baptist Bible College (Ankeny, Iowa) at 6 p.m. It will be the Bears final home game of the season.