McLean County Times

Three members of the Illinois Wesleyan University men's soccer team have been named to the All-College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin (CCIW) teams, according to an announcement from the league office on Friday, October 31. Junior forward Ryder Coleman was selected for the first team, while senior goalkeeper Sam Kedzior and senior midfielder Jerry Smazil were chosen for the second team. This marks the most all-conference selections for Illinois Wesleyan since 2019.

The Titans ended their eight-game conference schedule with a record of 5-1-2, earning them the No. 2 seed in the CCIW Tournament. Their performance this season is their best finish in league play since taking second place in 2017.

Coleman led Illinois Wesleyan's offense during conference play, recording four goals and three assists across eight matches. He finished with 11 points in league games and scored two braces over the season. This is Coleman's first time being named to an All-CCIW team.

Kedzior continued his strong form as goalkeeper, surpassing career milestones with more than 250 saves and 29 wins. He ranked third among conference goalkeepers with a goals against average of 1.20 and fourth in total saves at 39. Kedzior posted one shutout against Elmhurst and conceded more than one goal only once during CCIW competition.

Smazil served as co-captain this year, playing over 600 minutes despite dealing with injuries throughout the season. He appeared in all eight conference matches and contributed one assist on a game-winning goal against North Park University on October 11.

Senior goalkeeper Braeden Gemaehlich received recognition as Illinois Wesleyan's recipient of the CCIW RESPECT award.

The Titans will next compete in the semifinal round of the CCIW Tournament at Neis Field on Wednesday, November 5 at 7 p.m., awaiting either Carthage College or North Central College.

Other individual awards announced by CCIW include Joseph Sargent (North Central) as Offensive Student-Athlete of the Year and First-Year Student-Athlete of the Year; Wes Seneff (Wheaton) as Defensive Student-Athlete of the Year; Jack Krahel (Wheaton) as Goalkeeper of the Year; and Wheaton’s coaching staff receiving Coaching Staff of the Year honors.