College notes: Judson soccer coach Burke honored

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Earning yet another coaching honor in his storied career at Judson University, men’s soccer coach Steve Burke was given the National Intercollegiate Soccer Officials Association Coaching Award through the National Christian College Athletic Association.

Burke was named the 2011 Frank Jewel award winner for his character and coaching ability on the field.

The Frank Jewel award goes to a coach who has given of himself to make the NCCAA an association where fair play and sportsmanship are the norm. Frank Jewel initiated this award in 2007 and Joe Harding, John McGillivray, Josh Beers and Dr. Chris Davis have been the past recipients. The award was given to Burke at the NCCAA men’s soccer meetings at the NSCAA Convention in Kansas City, Mo.

Burke has been the NCCAA National Coach of the Year four times in his career and the NCCAA Regional Coach of the Year nine times. He has also been awarded the CCAC Coach of the Year six times.

He is the all-time wins leader for the NCCAA and NAIA with 498 career victoroes and Judson holds the record for most program wins in both the NCCAA and NAIA.

JU’s Tobie headed to MLS

According to close sources to Judson University athletics, men’s soccer player Mike Tobie has unofficially signed an undrafted free agent contract with the San Jose Earthquakes of Major League Soccer.

Tobie, who earned NCCAA All-American status this year, played for Judson just two years (2010-11). In those two years, he had 32 goals, four assists and 68 points. He took 143 shots with 72 on goal and also had 13 game-winning goals in 46 matches played. He started 45 matches.

He is a two-time All-CCAC second-team selection and has won the CCAC Player of the Week five times and been the NCCAA National Player of the Week, once.

Tobie joins a long list of Judson men’s soccer players to go on to play professionally but becomes only the second player in Judson history to be affiliated with the MLS.

Jason Acres (1995) was the last men’s soccer player to work with a MLS team as he was in the Chicago Fire system. Last year, goalkeeper Alex Tyton tried out with the Chicago Fire. He is currently signed with a professional team in Poland.

JU’s Belokon spearheads blood drive

Trying to save 300 lives at Judson University, the Red Cross will hold a blood drive on January 25-26 at the Lindner Tower Eagle Lounge. Women’s cross country runner Stephanie Belokon is in charge of the blood drive as part of her commitment to the NAIA/Red Cross Leadership committee.

The blood drive will take place starting Jan. 25 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., and from 2:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. on Jan. 26 in the Eagle Lounge of Lindner Tower.

Those interested can contact Belokon at (815) 245-2923 or e-mail at 1sbelokon@student.judsonu.edu. Walk-ins are also welcome.