Men's Soccer 5/31/2013 12:28:00 AM

SPOONER INDUCTED INTO BIG SOUTH HALL OF FAME

HOT SPRINGS, Va. - Former Radford men's soccer standout and member of the Radford Athletics Hall of Fame, Ian Spooner, earned induction into the Big South Conference Hall of Fame at the league awards ceremony as part of the conference meetings Thursday night at the Homestead Resort.

Spooner joined former Liberty volleyball player, Anthonia Akpama and retiring Winthrop president, Dr. Anthony J. DiGiorgio as the 2013 class of inductees. The Hall of Fame was created in 2003 as part of the League's 20th Anniversary celebration, and now totals 52 former Big South Conference student-athletes, coaches, administrators and contributors.

Spooner was the first two-time Big South Men's Soccer Player of the Year honoree when he was selected in 1994 and 1995. A First-Team All-Conference honoree both seasons, Spooner remains ranked among the Big South's Top 5 all-time leaders in goals scored (58 – 4th) and points (140 – 5th). Spooner led the Big South with 20 goals and 49 points in 1995, and as a freshman in 1991, he helped lead the Highlanders to the Big South regular-season title before earning All-Tournament honors. He was a member of the 1991 club that set the school record for consecutive shutouts with 10 as well as a school-record tying 15 overall wins.

Spooner ranks second in every major offensive statistical category in Radford history behind Big South Hall of Famer and former teammate Dante Washington for career points (140), points per game (1.89), goals (58), shot attempts (286) and shots per game (3.86), while sitting third in assists with 24. A three-time Big South Player of the Week honoree during his career, Spooner helped Radford to three 10-win seasons during his career and a 45-27-6 overall record -- including a 20-7-1 Big South mark.

Radford director of athletics, Robert Lineburg congratulated the former RU standout.

"This is such an incredible honor for Radford Athletics, our soccer program, and the University. I cannot think of a candidate any more deserving than Ian. He was obviously a great player, but more importantly a great person, leader, and teammate."

Current Radford head coach Marc Reeves echoed those sentiments.

"Radford Soccer is extremely proud to see Ian's career receive more deserved recognition. Statistically, Ian stood out as a player of real quality, but what I believe to be even more important is the way his teammates talk so highly about his qualities as a player and person. We are grateful Ian remains connected to the program and truly appreciate his and all our alumni's support"

Following his time at Radford, Spooner enjoyed a six-year professional career in the United Soccer League (USL). In 1999, he was instrumental in starting Bridgewater College's women's soccer program when he was named the Eagles' first-ever head coach. Following two seasons at Bridgewater, Spooner returned to his alma mater as an assistant coach of the Highlanders' women's soccer team, which won the Big South Championship in 2002. Currently in his fifth year as head coach of the Greensboro College women's soccer program, Spooner was inducted into the Radford Athletics Hall of Fame in September 2012.

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