Oct 24, 2013

Vancouver, BC – With both the men’s and women’s soccer teams heading into their Pacific Western Athletic Association (PACWEST) provincial tournaments this weekend, Langara is pleased to announce that several players have received special distinction from the league – along with outstanding recognition for men’s coach Marc Rizzardo.

The 2013 PACWEST Soccer Awards, which were announced on Tuesday, counted seven Falcons team members among the winners. Midfielders Ramsey Alfantazi and Carlos Marquez, defenceman Arved Poetter, and veteran forward Brett Wiens from the men’s team were named as 1st Team All-Stars. Poetter was also named as this week’s PACWEST “Athlete of the Week”.

From the women’s side defenders Lena Soutar and Olivia Kappelli were named as 1st Team All-Stars, with forward Amrit Berar named to the 2nd All-Star Team. Both “Rookie of the Year” titles were also awarded to Langara, with the honours going to Marquez and Kappelli. 

But the biggest honour of the day goes to men’s coach Marc Rizzardo, who returned to Langara this year to lead the Falcons through an excellent season, with a 9-3-2 league record and high prospects for the provincial and national competitions.

"As I have noted to those that have contacted me with their congratulations, the award is a team award from my team of coaches that assist me at practices and games, and to my team of players who have performed very well all season,” Rizzardo modestly reflected upon the honour. “If you don't have the horses no coach is going to be successful.”

The men head into the provincial championships this weekend ranked 2nd in the PACWEST and 7th in Canada. They will face Douglas in their first round match at the tournament, hosted by Vancouver Island University in Nanaimo.

The women head into the provincial tournament this weekend in 4th place in the PACWEST, with their first round match against the top-seeded side from Thompson Rivers University.

Learn more:
Annie Mullins
Communications Officer
Langara College
604.323.5058
amullins@langara.bc.ca