ALL-BIG EAST SOCCER

MICHAEL MODAHL is the defensive player of the year in the Big East Conference. – Photo by Chris Hendrikse

Christian/Lutheran soccer player Michael Modahl went from a junior season that was wiped out because of an injury to a senior campaign in which his team won state and he was tabbed defensive player of the year in the conference.

“Coming back and bringing the gold ball home this year was amazing,” he said. “It was a rough ride after surgery. It was really sad and I had to work very hard to get back in time for this season. … It was the lowest of the low and went to the highest of the high. It was great.

“I played (defensive midfielder) so I was very surprised when I got it. But glad to at the same time.”

Modahl was one of four from his squad that made all-Big East first team. He is not on the back line but normally does not get much time in the attacking area.

“When we played other teams, their midfield could rarely get past our midfield,” he said. “Tony (Schmitz, our goalkeeper) had barely any shots on him all year. Most of our midfielders are like more defensive minded.”

Schmitz, a junior, was joined by senior Josiah Stecker and junior Nathan Richardson on the first team.

“We had really good chemistry and those guys worked their tails off in practice,” Modahl said. “They really deserved it.”

Second team players were juniors Nate Alsum, Caleb Hendrikse and Bobby Moeller, and junior Caden Solle received honorable mention.