YORK TWP. — Buckeye’s Ben Szustak knew that he wanted to play soccer at the next level, but when a Division II school came calling, it was too good to be true.

The senior defender found the dream school in Tiffin University, making his official commitment to during the past week.

“The thought of playing Division II soccer was extremely appealing and once I was given the opportunity to play for a Division II school, I couldn’t let the opportunity pass,” said Szustak, who also made visits to Spalding University (Ky.), Bluffton and the College of Wooster. “The other schools were both D-III, which meant I wouldn’t have had the opportunity to earn any athletic scholarships.

“I won’t be on scholarship yet, but once I prove myself through my first year, I believe it will only be a matter of time.”

The 6-foot, 158-pounder already has proved himself and the Great Lake Intercollegiate Athletic Conference Dragons liked what they saw. A stopper for the Bucks’ backline, Szustak help the school to its first Patriot Athletic Conference championship in six years. He also had a goal and three assists for Buckeye (11-3-4).

The regular season showed the Tiffin coaches that the 17-year-old was a perfect fit for their program.

Head coach Rudy Brownell and assistant Mircea Handru were interested in Szustak since last July when he participated in the Adidas Showcase. Szustak said they kept in contact all the way up until his official visit to the campus last month.

It was that personal touch that helped Szustak make his decision.

“The coaches at Tiffin were great,” he said. “They made me feel extremely comfortable on my visit, having lunch with me and showing me their soccer facilities.

“I definitely feel they will be able to challenge me and push me to take my game to the next level.”

The Dragons, who went 10-5-4 last season, have won three GLIAC Tournaments in the last four seasons — winning last fall’s title 3-2 on penalty kicks over Northwood University.

Szustak, who plans on majoring in accounting and scored a 26 on his ACT, is now ready to wrap up his Buckeye sports career as a member the baseball team this spring.

“I’m glad I finally reached a decision and I’m ready to focus on baseball season now,” he said. “I am also excited to experience college soccer and get started on the next chapter of my life come next fall.”

Contact Dan Brown at sports@medina-gazette.com.

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