Decker, Nelson and Sullivan earn NSCAA First Team All-Central Region honors

GOLDEN, Colo. – Colorado School of Mines’ Ted Decker, Jeff Nelson and Chike Sullivan have been named National Soccer Coaches Association of America (NSCAA) First Team All-Central Region.

Decker, a senior midfielder / defender from Butte, Mont. (Butte H.S.), earned Second Team All-RMAC honors this season. A Pre-Season All-RMAC selection, Decker scored five goals (one game-winner) and tallied four assists. Decker was also named Daktronics Second Team All-Central Region and was selected as the RMAC Defensive Player of the Week on Sept. 29th.

Nelson, a senior forward from Laramie, Wyo. (Laramie H.S.), garnered First Team All-RMAC accolades for the 2009 season. A First Team Daktronics All-Central Region pick, Nelson led the team in both goals (12) and points (28). Nelson finished the 2009 season ranked second in the RMAC in game-winning goals (5) and fourth in points. For his efforts in the classroom, Nelson was a First Team Academic All-RMAC selection and earned CoSIDA/ ESPN the Magazine Second Team Academic All-District honors.

Sullivan, a sophomore midfielder from San Juan, Trinidad and Tobago (St. George’s College), garnered First Team All-RMAC honors during the 2009 campaign. Sullivan earned Daktronics First Team All-Central Region honors as he finished the season with seven goals (three game-winners), four assists and converted all three of his penalty kick attempts.

The Orediggers are ranked 18th in the final Division II National Poll. CSM earned a bid to the 2009 NCAA Division II Soccer Championships for the second time in program history. Mines finished the 2009 season with a record of 15-3-4 overall and 11-2-1 in RMAC play.