GREENVILLE, S.C. (Courtesy of the NCCAA) --- The NCCAA is pleased to announce Wira Wama of Maranatha Baptist University (MBU) as the 2016 Kyle Rote, Jr. Award Recipient for DII Men’s Soccer.

In leading the Sabercats of Maranatha Baptist University (MBU) during the 2016 season, Wira Wama served his team well both on and off the field of play. His composure and outstanding leadership have proven priceless as he has started in every match of his career.

While leading his team in scoring in each of his four seasons, he has been selected as an NCCAA All-American in 2013, 2014, and 2015. In 2014, he scored the game winning goal in the National semifinals and finals to earn his team the National Championship banner. He serves as a team captain and leads by example in every facet of the MBU program.

The Senior Digital Media Marketing major from Papua, New Guinea, has also served His Lord and Savior through various soccer outreach programs and the MBU’s Men’s Soccer singing ministry. Back in New Guinea, Wira was chosen to be his team’s spokesperson for an anti-violence campaign and spoke to jammed-packed stadiums before Champions League matches.

Coach Jeff Pill shared, “Wira simply brings joy to everyone he meets. He has an infectious love for Christ and inspires others by his example. All of us who are a part of the MBU program are better for having known and worked alongside Wira.”

Other Finalists

Andrew Kester, Bob Jones University; Deibys Lopez, Trinity College of Florida; Lance Patrick, Central Christian College of the Bible; Matthew Robinson, University of Valley Forge; Jorge Saucedo, Boyce College; Hanyu Wang, Boyce College

Headquartered in Greenville, South Carolina, the NCCAA strives to promote the gospel of Jesus Christ through its 24 National Championships and 1 National Invitational.  For more information on the NCCAA, contact the NCCAA National Office at (864) 250-1199 or visit www.thenccaa.org.