Kansas City MO - The NAIA named it's All-American selections over the weekend and William Carey University men's soccer had five players named amongst the various awards.

Senior midfielder Tito Salas and junior midfielder Joseph McNiell were named Academic All-Americans. Salas from Dallas, Texas was also the recipient of the NAIA Champion's of Character Award for his team. McNiell from Belfast, Northern Ireland was named on the same weekend his father underwent surgery back home where he has received a lung transplant. The latest update is that he is recovering well and the surgery was a success.

Junior midfielder Carl Reynolds (Brize Norton, England) was named a third team All-American. Sophomore defender Jonny Fairbairn (Northumberland, England) and freshman forward Reece Wilson were named honorable mention All-Americans. Wilson from Surrey in England was also named the Gulf Coast Athletic Conference Player of the Year.

Crusader's coach Nigel Boulton said, "I am extremely proud of all five of them. I hope they enjoy the honor but I know they also realize that without the entire team doing it's part it is very difficult to be noticed for any award. Tito (Salas) has been an example to everyone during his 2 years here at Carey. As a transfer player part of this honor must go to his previous school, Richland College in Dallas. They did their part in preparing him for his academics here at Carey as well as his soccer. We are proud to be associated with such a fine school and hope to maintain our long standing connection with them. As for Joe (McNiell), he has overcome a lot just to get here from Belfast and he has not wasted a moment. Everyone back home should feel proud of his achievements. He is another player that every freshman could model themselves on both on and off the field. It is much more difficult to combine academics at a high level as well as athletics and they both thoroughly deserve this honor for all their hard work".

McNiell missed the GCAC tournament final and National Championship round with a broken foot and he was certainly missed. With McNiell recovered together with Reynolds and Fairbairn the Crusaders will be looking for their leadership and Reece Wilson's goals to keep the team winning in 2010.