DAYTON, Ohio – University of Dayton men’s soccer players Michael Deyhle, Nate Dombrowski and Tommy Watkins have been selected to the ESPN Academic All-District IV First Team. Watkins has been selected to the All-District IV First Team for the third consecutive season, which is the most any collegiate student-athlete can be selected for the honor.
Both the men's and women's soccer programs had remarkable days as seven total Flyers were selected to ESPN Academic All-District IV Teams. That number is the second-most in the University Division following Eastern Illinois' eight total selections.
Deyhle, a redshirt sophomore, has a 3.85 GPA and scored his first collegiate goal on Oct. 17 against the Saint Joseph’s Hawks. In addition, Deyhle has been a key part of Dayton’s back four. He has helped the Flyers combine for eight shutouts this season. He was on the Dean’s List last semester and is a four-time Atlantic 10 Commissioner’s Honor Roll member. Deyhle helped Dayton to the 2009 A-10 Regular Season Title and redshirted in the Flyers’ 2008 run to the first round of the NCAA Tournament.
Dombrowski, a sophomore, has a 3.98 GPA and added his first assist of the season on Oct. 17 against Saint Joseph’s. He has played in every match this season and is a two-time Atlantic 10 Commissioner’s Honor Roll selection. In addition, Dombrowski helped the Flyers in their ’09 run to the Atlantic 10 Regular Season Championship.
In addition to Watkins’ three selections to the ESPN Academic All-District IV First Team, he is also the most decorated Flyer on the team both academically and athletically. A senior captain, Watkins was a candidate for the 2010 Lowe’s Senior CLASS Award celebrating scholastic achievement, service and talents on the field. Additionally, he was selected to this year’s Atlantic 10 Preseason Men’s Soccer All-Conference Team and was UD’s 2009 Defender of the Year. Watkins leads the team with eight points this season (3 G, 2 A) and has played in the last 56 consecutive matches.
To be nominated, a student-athlete must be a starter or important reserve with at least a 3.30 cumulative grade point average (on a 4.0 scale) at his/her current institution. Since each Flyer has been selected as First Team Academic All-District, they are now eligible for the highest distinction of ESPN Academic All-American. Voting on Academic All-Americans will begin on Friday, Nov. 5 and will be voted on by members of Academic All-America Committee and the College Sports Information Directors Association Board of Directors.
