CHARLOTTE, N.C. – Earlier this week, the NJCAA announced that the 1997 Yavapai College men's soccer team is set to be inducted into the NJCAA Men's Soccer Coaches Association Hall of Fame in the Class of 2022. 

Joining the historic YC squad is Triston Henry of Herkimer College in New York. 

The 1997 team at YC was another historic installment in the storied program that is Yavapai College men's soccer. The Roughriders captured the program's third national championship in 1997 and did so as the first unbeaten team in program history with an overall record of 23-0-1. 

After defeating South Mountain Community College 10-0, the Roughriders tied San Diego Mesa 2-2 to move to 13-0-1 on the season in 1997. Following the tie, YC earned 10-consecutive victories to clinch the conference, region, district and national championship. 

At the national tournament, in Trenton, New Jersey, the squad turned in a historic performance as the Roughriders did not allow a single goal, defeating State Fair (MO) 1-0 in penalty kicks (4-2) in the quarterfinal match, Mt. Ida (MA) 3-0 in the semifinal match and Mercer (NJ) 3-0 in the national championship game. 

While legendary Hall of Fame Head Coach Mike Pantalione took home NJCAA Coach of the Year and Coach of the Tournament honors, forward Kevin Jeffrey, defender Matt Kirkpatrick and goalkeeper Kelvin Jack earned All-Tournament Team honors with Jack taking home Tournament MVP honors as well. All three athletes are also in the NJCAA Hall of Fame as individuals. 

Full Roster
Head Coach: Mike Pantalione
Assistant Coach: Hugh Bell
Trainer: Scott Farnsworth
Matt Kirkpatrick
Kevin Jeffrey
Kelvin Jack
Hakim Bakhti
Kim Briels
Thomas Munck
Daniel Roe
Cody Okuda
Junior Becerra
Ty Engram
Ryan Lockhart
Marc Dudley
Dan Lundgren
Andy Hutchison
Alan Watson
Travis Sterling
Ty Hibbert
Jason Martin
Arturo Romo
Nathan Barton
Alberto Mancera
Ramon Garcia
Santiago Aceves
Alex Zametkin