2010 News

First student award created for Western Men’s Soccer

By Karmen Dowling
Wednesday, April 28, 2010

Ronald Van Horne (left) and Western Men's Soccer coach Rock Basacco.

Long-time donor and supporter of the University Preschool Lab, Ronald Van Horne (BA’55) has created the first student-athletic award for the Men’s Soccer program.

A former Western soccer player himself, Van Horne, has made a gift of $30,000 through Foundation Western, creating the Ron Van Horne Award which will give one eligible student each year a $1,000 award beginning in the 2011-2012 academic year.

“The generous gift by Mr. Ron Van Horne is a first for Men's soccer at Western,” says Mustang Men’s Soccer coach, Rock Basacco. “His annual gift will support an athlete entering into Western in their first year and will help to make the decision easier for a student wishing to come to Western and participate on the soccer team.”

Basacco notes that it is important to support the athletes at Western because most of the athletes cannot work during the season, since the time and energy demands of practices and games throughout the season is enormous.

“The soccer team is training and playing six days a week which consumes a lot of their time outside of the classroom,” says Basacco.

He adds that through financial support the team can expand its exhibition schedule, provide training gear to all its players, and provide team meals at important times throughout the season. Additionally, the funds also help the team to bring all the players when qualifying for a National Championship.