Martinez chosen NCCAA All-American
Scoring threat led Lions to Nationals
Junior forward is SAGU's all-time scoring champ
WAXAHACHIE, Texas -- Martinez is the most popular Spanish surname in America. It was 19th among the overall most common in the 1990 census. With its roots dating back in the 1500’s in Spain, it means God of war.
This fall, however, it meant 2nd Team All-American for Danny Martinez, the junior forward for the men’s soccer team at Southwestern Assemblies of God University. He was selected by the National Christian College Athletic Association at the conclusion of the 2011 season.
It was the highest honor a SAGU soccer player has ever received from the NCCAA.
“This is exciting for our men's soccer program and SAGU,” said Jesse Godding, the Southwestern Athletic Director. “It is a testament to the continuing improvement of our programs and the caliber of athlete being recruited by our coaches. Danny is certainly worthy of placement on the NCCAA Second Team.”
The team had their first winning season (10-9-5) since the program began in 2001. The Lions have appeared in the post-season four times, but 2011 saw them produce a win for the first time. They posted a 3-0 mark in winning the NCCAA Central Regional
tourney as the #6 seed. At the NCCAA Nationals in Orlando they went 0-2-1.
Martinez, who played for the Lions in 2007-08, returned this season and enjoyed a record-setting effort on the soccer pitch.
He scored 11 goals during the regular season, which broke the school record of nine in 2005, set by Eric Stocchero. Martinez also registered three assists, giving him 25 points before the post-season. Joe Ballah (2010) and Chase Bishop (2006) owned the previous record of 20.
At the Central Region, which was hosted at SAGU’s Pride Park, he netted three goals and two assists, and added a goal and another helper at Nationals. His total output of 15 goals and six assists enabled him to set other school marks.
With 17 career goals he eclipses Dallas Horne (2005-07) and Bishop (2005-06), who shared the record with 13. Bryan King (2008-10) was next with nine.
Martinez also moves on top in career points with 44 (17 goals, 10 assists). Bishop had the record with 36, followed by Horne (31) and King (25).
The 5-foot-10 native of Houston, Texas, played for the Cougars of Cypress Creek High School.
SAGU's Purple Pride has a roster loaded with talented underclassmen. They should contend for the Red River Athletic Conference championship in the fall.
Previous NCCAA Awards
It was the eighth time that a player from the men's soccer team was cited for a national award by the NCCAA. Five of those selected received Scholar Athlete honors; Nolan Jones (2007-08), Phillip Otwell (2008-09), Girien Salazar (2006-07), Jonathan Woods (2007-08) and Salazar (2007-08).
Kyle Greiser (2001-02) and Hector Longona (2001-02) were each selected to the Honorable Mention All-American Team.
Other SAGU athletic teams to have players listed on the NCCAA national awards list include: Women's Basketball (19), Volleyball (19), Women's Soccer (9), Men's Basketball (4), Football (2) and Baseball (1).
Contact: Mark “Link” Warde, Sports Information Director, at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or at 469-658-2847.
SAGU Men's Soccer
COACH (Seasons), Career Record, Post-Season History
Austin Guest (2001-2005) 24-32-0. Qualified for RRAC Tourney in 2001 and NCCAA Central Regional in 2005.
Jeremy Tosaya (2006-2008) 6-43-3. Qualified for RRAC Tournament in 2006.
Tim Grant (2009) 5-10-0.
Aaron DeLoach (2010) 6-12-0. NCCAA Central Regional in 2010.
Gerald Nichols, Jr. (2011) 10-9-5. NCCAA Central Regional Champs (3-0-0) 2011, NCCAA Nationals (0-2-1).
