2000-01 OCAA MALE ATHLETE OF THE YEAR - JOHN SOZIO

John Sozio of Hamilton, Ont., has been the strength of the Mohawk Mountaineers men’s soccer team over the last three years and this was never more evident than when he was selected as both the CCAA and OCAA men’s soccer player of the year.

His knowledge of the game and depth on and off the field has made Mohawk a contender in each of the past two seasons. John makes things look so easy, while completing difficult plays. He is very coachable and is highly respected by all of his fellow teammates, peers and athletic department staff.

To John, soccer is not only a game of skill, it is a game of dedication and heart. As team captain, John believes there is no one player that can bring the team to the top, it is a team effort. He knows there is always room for improvement and that you need to have respect for the game and all the players and leave what happens on the field, on the field.

"John is a classy individual who will be missed at Mohawk, for what he brings with him as an athlete and more importantly, as a person," states Mary Hrycay of Mohawk College.

John was selected as a CCAA all-Canadian and CCAA player of the month in both the 1999-2000 and 2000-01 seasons. He is also a three-time OCAA all-star.