VIENNA, WV – OVU’s Fighting Scots men’s soccer team recently honored its seniors for their contributions on and off the field during the 2011-12 season.
Zach Branca is a psychology major from San Diego, California. He is the son of Laura Branca. Branca served as a midfielder for the Fighting Scots and hopes to continue to play soccer overseas following graduation. He will graduate in December 2012.
Yaniel Garcia, a native of Havana, Cuba, is a marketing major at OVU. He served as a defender for the men’s soccer team and plans to one day start his own business. He is the son of Yamira Bermudez and Ivan Garcia. Garcia will graduate in December 2011.
Roberto Jofra is an accounting major at OVU and a native of Miami, Florida. He is the son of MayRob Garcia. Jofra served as a forward for the Fighting Scots and is ranked second in the school’s history for career goals and points. He was also ranked in the top five nationally for goals per game in 2011; was a three-time WVIAC All-Conference player; and named to the Daktronics 2nd All-Region Team. Upon graduation in May 2012, Jofra plans to play professional soccer.
Josh Oberlin is the son of Pam and Steve Oberlin and a native of Canton, Ohio. He served as a midfielder. Oberlin is majoring in marketing at OVU and will graduate in May 2012.
Jordan Valentine, a native of Preston, England, is majoring in sports management at OVU. He served as midfielder and defense player for the Fighting Scots and was a two-time WVIAC All-Conference player. He is the son of Phil and Shirley Valentine. Valentine plans to develop his own soccer academy and coach following graduation in May 2012.
Jorge R. Vazquez, a senior majoring in criminal justice, is originally from Miami, Florida. He played the position of center back for the Fighting Scots. He is the son of Jorge L. Vazquez and Dalia Gutierrez. Vazquez earned high academic honors during his time at OVU. He earned recognition on the university’s Dean’s List and will graduate with Cum Laude honors. He plans to work with a federal agency after graduating in December 2011.
Spencer Widlicka, a native of Salem, Ohio, is majoring in sports management and Bible at OVU. He is the son of David and Jolene Widlicka. While part of the Fighting Scots men’s soccer team Widlicka served as goalkeeper. He earned top honors for his athletic talents and academic work. Widlicka is a two-time WVIAC All-Conference player and WVIAC Player of the Week. Academically he was listed on OVU’s Dean’s List. He will graduate in May 2012.
Ohio Valley University is a proud member of the West Virginia Intercollegiate Athletic Conference and competes in the NCAA Division II in men's baseball, basketball, cross country, golf, lacrosse, soccer and wrestling, as well as women's basketball, golf, cross country, softball, soccer and volleyball. Visit www.ovu.edu to learn more.
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PHOTO CAPTION: (left to right) Josh Oberlin, Spencer Widlicka, Jorge Vazquez, Roberto Jofra, Jordan Valentine, Zach Branca, and Yaniel Garcia