Kirk, Kingdon Highlight Spartans' All-Conference Honorees

2017 Jan 20

Following a season in which the team posted a 7-2 mark in North Atlantic Conference competition, six members of the Castleton men's soccer team have been recognized with end-of-year awards. Freshman Jack Kingdon and sophomore Thomas Kirk highlight the winners, as Kingdon was named NAC Rookie of the Year, and Kirk was named Defensive Player of the Year. Kirk also received First Team All-Conference honors, along with Spartan midfielder Alex McCormick.

Kirk has had a strong sophomore season for the Spartans, helping anchor a back line that posted the second-lowest goals allowed (6) and goals against average (0.67) in conference action. The defender was instrumental in helping Castleton concede less than one goal per game on average in NAC games. Impressively, Kirk and his teammates allowed just three or less shots on goal in six of the team's nine conference games. Kirk also chipped in on offense, taking a handful of the team's free kicks. He tallied one goal and one assist this year for Castleton, with his only score of the season being the game-winner against Maine Maritime to help his squad lock up the No. 2 seed in the NAC Championship Tournament.

Kingdon has enjoyed a noteworthy first season with the Spartans. In conference play, the midfielder tallied 19 points, which tied him for third in the league, while he also ranks third in goals (8) and tied for second in shots on goal (21). He netted at least one goal in six of the team's nine conference games, including a hat trick in a win over Johnson State and the game-winner against UMaine-Farmington. Overall, he is first on his team in scoring with 23 points and has tallied a .690 shots on goal percentage. The rookie was injured early in the season, but started in 16 of Castleton's 18 games and has come on to be one of the Spartans' key players this season. Kingdon is the first Castleton freshman to reach 20 points since 2011.

McCormick returned to action this season for Castleton after a year away in 2015, making an immediate impact in the midfield. He was part of a defensive unit that allowed just six goals in conference play, and part of an offensive unit that averaged nearly three goals per game in the NAC. His leadership was a valuable asset for the young Spartans.