Houghton University Athletics

Arguably one of the finest teams in Houghton College history, the men’s soccer team of 1979 finished 18-2-1 and captured the NCCAA National Championship. The Highlanders knocked off Eastern College, Messiah, Central Wesleyan, and Trinity College to earn the title. Steve Burke was named tournament MVP, while Jon Ortlip was voted Most Valuable Defensive Player. Burke, Ortlip, Peter Fuller, Kevin Austin, and Doug Johnson earned all-tournament honors.