Men's Soccer Earns Pair Of GLIAC Post Season Awards
The Northwood Men's Soccer team took home a pair of GLIAC post-season awards from the conference Friday afternoon (November 2).
Senior defender Luke Ruff (Bradford City, England/Delta College) was named the GLIAC Defensive Player of the Year, while Sam Nair (London, England/Nower Hill) claimed GLIAC Freshman of the Year honors.
Ruff has been one of the top defenders in the GLIAC over his entire three-year career for the Timberwolves. He has made 40 appearances in a Northwood uniform, earning the starting nod in every appearance. Ruff earned All-GLIAC honors all three seasons of his career and was an all-region honoree a year ago. He also netted his first career goal this season off a set piece against Saginaw Valley State. Ruff is the first Northwood player in program history to be named GLIAC Defensive Player of the Year.
Nair immediately became one of the top offensive players in the GLIAC during his freshman season for the Timberwolves. He currently leads the team and is tied for second in the GLIAC with 10 goals this season. Nair also is third in the league in game winning goals. His .71 goals per game is second in the conference and ranks in the top-30 in all of NCAA Division II. Nair also ranks among the national leaders in points per game, total points and total goals. Nair joins Keith Lough (2008) as the only two men in program history to earn GLIAC Freshman of the Year honors.
The All-Conference awards were also announced by the GLIAC Nair and Ruff were named First Team All-GLIAC, while sophomore defender Joey Censoni (Rochester, Mich./Adams) claimed Honorable Mention recognition.