Nov. 28, 2007

DETROIT - Northern Illinois sophomore Kyle Knotek was named to the Mid-American Men's Soccer All-Academic Team, the conference announced Tuesday.

Knotek (Geneva, Ill./Geneva) has maintained a perfect 4.0 grade point average while pursuing a degree in business at NIU.

"You watch Kyle Knotek on the field, and see he's eye-catching with his energy and his effort," head men's soccer coach Steve Simmons said "That energy and diligence translates to the classroom, where he is so passionate about his academics."

On the field, Knotek was an important part of the Huskies' efforts as a starting defensive midfielder. He contributed two assists on the season while playing in 17 matches.

"Kyle is one of many of our kids who are a picture of what it's like to be a student-athlete here at Northern, competing and excelling both in the classroom and on the field," Simmons said.

Northern Illinois wrapped up a 7-9-4 season with a trip to the MAC semifinals, Nov. 16, where the fell 1-0 in double-overtime to eventual conference champion Akron. The year concluded the most successful four-year stint in NIU soccer history.