Bonatto, Minton Named Second-Team Academic All-Americans
Oskaloosa–William Penn men’s soccer players Eduardo Bonatto (Sr., Rio Grande, Brazil, Business Management) and Joe Minton (Sr., Stoke-on-Trent, England, Physical Education) both reached top scholar-athlete status as they were named NAIA Academic All-Americans as part of CoSIDA’s Academic All-America program.
The seniors were both selected as Second-Team Academic All-Americans. They are two of the five Heart of America Athletic Conference representatives among the entire 24 individuals from within the NAIA.
The award recognizes student-athletes not only for their athletic prowess, but also their successes academically. The NAIA is in its third year of having its own exclusive division; prior to that, it was grouped in with other associations as part of the College division. The Academic All-America program began in 1952.
Bonatto set school records for goals (17) and points (41) this fall. The first-team all-Heart honoree finished the season with 87 shots (54 on goal) and managed four game-winning goals. The senior was 5-for-7 in penalty kicks and won two Heart Offensive Player of the Week awards, while claiming one NAIA laurel.
Minton started all 20 games in which he played, tallying one goal for two points. A leader in the defensive backfield, he helped WPU post six shutouts and limit opponents to 1.52 goals per game.
Both Bonatto and Minton are first-time honorees. In fact, they are the first Academic All-District or Academic All-America recipients in program history. They guided the Statesmen to their best campaign in school history, finishing 15-5-1 and reaching the NAIA National Championships for the first time ever.
Nate Foddrill of Spring Arbor (Mich.) was chosen as CoSIDA Academic All-America Team Member of the Year.
To be eligible for the award, athletes must be of at least sophomore academic standing, be a starter or key reserve player (other playing requirements where applicable), maintain a cumulative grade point average of 3.3 or above on a 4.0 scale, and have attended the nominating institution for at least one full calendar year.
