By Ben Risinger, SID
November 14, 2003

   BLUFFTON , OHIO - Senior Diego Rodriguez ( Kalona , Iowa /Iowa Mennonite) was named All-Heartland Collegiate Athletic Conference in men's soccer for the 2003 campaign. The honor caps off an outstanding career for Bluffton as a forward/midfielder. Rodriguez has been named to the team all four years of his tenure for the Beavers. 

    "I think it's a great honor for him. He's obviously been one of the more consistent and creative players that the program has ever had. I think looking at his numbers all-around you see how complete of a player he was," Head coach Steve Smucker said.  "I was pleased that I had one year to coach him and I think he's set the bar for what is expected at Bluffton."

    Rodriguez is the first Bluffton College soccer player to be named to an all-conference squad for his entire four seasons and is the seventh player in the history of the Heartland conference to be given the prestigious honor for his career. He finishes his campaign with 18 goals, which is a tie for 5th on the all-time career list for the Beavers. He is also second on the career list in assists with 15 and fourth in career points with 51. 

    In the 2003 season Rodriguez posted three goals and seven assists for 13 total points. Full statistics and information on the 2003 season are available online