By Mike Deak
InkFreeNews

NAPPANEE – Add another NorthWood Newcomer to the list of college signees.

NorthWood senior Kayden Newcomer has chosen St. Francis in Fort Wayne as his next destination for his soccer career. InkFreeNews file photo by Mike Deak

Following football signings from cousins Nate Newcomer to St. Francis and Joe Newcomer to Wabash, NorthWood soccer senior Kayden Newcomer – unrelated – will also continue the college path and play soccer for St. Francis soccer.

Kayden Newcomer helped NorthWood to its best season in program history, reaching its first semi-state and a 15-win campaign. Newcomer had a say in plenty of the production, recording eight goals and 14 assists, adding 24 shots on target.

The swing midfielder/forward played a key role in NorthWood’s run, scoring both goals in a 2-2 tie at state power Mishawaka Marian, notching three goals and five assists in a pair of lopsided wins over Mishawaka and Lakeland, and in the state tournament, had a key goal in a win over Angola.

“I am excited to see Kayden compete at the collegiate level,” said NorthWood boys soccer head coach Brad Duerksen. “His speed will definitely be an asset to the Saint Francis squad. Kayden has developed every year at NorthWood, and I fully expect him to continue to grow as a player. Kayden also has the ability to play multiple positions on the pitch, which will make him an even more valuable asset at the collegiate level.”

For his career, Newcomer tallied 21 goals and 24 assists in 56 caps, helping the Panthers to state-ranked status in each of the past two seasons.

Newcomer becomes the third senior from the program to sign on with a Crossroads League program, joining Andre De Freitas (Bethel University) and Andrew Graber (Goshen College).

“I fully believe that the Crossroads League is the most competitive league in the NAIA,” offered Newcomer. “Every single team in the league, top to bottom, brings quality night in and night out, and there are no easy games. It is the perfect fit for me because I’m super competitive. I’m super excited to get to Fort Wayne in the fall and get to work.”

Newcomer joins a St. Francis program led by second-year head coach Jake Essig, who guided the Cougars to its best finish (6-5-3) since the 2013 season. St. Francis boasts of seven athletes on its roster from Elkhart County.

“I have been looking at Saint Francis since my junior year of high school,” Newcomer said. “With my major being in business, Fort Wayne provides great opportunities for internships and jobs. On the field, I knew that Saint Francis was the best fit for me. The culture that Coach Essig is creating there is something special. It’s one big family.”