St. John's University Athletics
Wingert Named First Team Verizon Academic All-American
11/25/2002 12:00:00 AM | Men's Soccer
Wingert and Lonergan were two of three St. Johns mens soccer players who were on the national ballot joined by senior midfielder Rich Bradley (Bayport, N.Y.) after being named to the Verizon Academic All-District I team.
Wingert, who carries a 3.8 grade-point average in communication arts, was a third-team Verizon Academic All-American last year as a sophomore.
A center-back, Wingert has led the Red Storm mens soccer team to unparalleled success this season. The defensive unit has registered a school record 13 shutouts and carries a 0.40 goals against average, which ranks as the best mark in the country. After a season-opening loss at Boston College, the Red Storm did not allow an opponent to score more than one goal in a game until a loss in the BIG EAST Tournament semifinals, when Connecticut tallied three against the Red Storm. During that time, the defense held opponents scoreless for two stretches of at least 400 minutes.
Wingert is fifth on the team in scoring, with three goals and two assists for eight points. His play has helped him earn numerous honors. Heading into NCAA Tournament play, Wingert is one of 15 finalists for the Hermann Trophy, given to the mens national player of the year. He was the only unanimous selection to the All-BIG EAST first team, and was named the conferences defensive player of the year.
After helping to lead St. Johns to the programs 10th BIG EAST Championship and to the NCAA Final Four last year, he was selected to the United States U-23 National Team, and spent most of the summer starting for that team.
Lonergan, meanwhile, has been a stalwart on the defensive side of the ball for the Red Storm for four years. He has been a key factor in the Red Storm posting a 12-2-5 overall record and earning a No. 1 national ranking this year, a spot they held for five weeks during the regular season. A sports management major, he carries a 3.63 grade-point average.
Wingert, Lonergan and their Red Storm teammates will be back in action on Wednesday night, hosting Fairleigh Dickinson at Belson Stadium. Kickoff is slated for 7 p.m. Tickets are $8 for reserved chairback, and $5 for endzone seating.