Late Goal Delivers Canterbury a Record Sixth State Championship
Michael Clark’s rebound goal at the 75:56 mark lifted Fort Wayne Canterbury to a thrilling, 2-1 win over Covenant Christian in the Class A boys state championship match at Butler University’s Sellick Bowl Friday.
Clark’s goal came after a shot by teammate Ben Kunce was saved by Covenant, but Clark was there for the rebound and booted it.
The championship is the sixth for Canterbury and coach Greg Mauch, which is a state record. Mauch and Indianapolis North Central coach Jerry Little had been tied with five state titles each.
Canterbury (13-6-3) broke through at the 13:39 mark as Jonathan Bowen netted an unassisted goal. Covenant Christian (16-5-1) netted the equalizer with less than two minutes left in the first half on a goal by Braden Havics.
The two teams, who met in the 1A final in 2012 (won by Canterbury, 5-0) played even through most of the second half and the game appeared headed for overtime until Clark’s goal.
Canterbury outshot the Warriors, 16-10. Cavaliers goalkeeper Clayton Perry finished with two saves, while Jacob Susud had six saves for Covenant Christian.
Austin Wagner of Covenant Christian earns C. Eugene Cato Mental Attitude Award
Austin “Aussie” Wagner of Covenant Christian High School in Indianapolis was named the winner of the 2017 C. Eugene Cato Mental Attitude Award, sponsored by Indiana Farm Bureau Insurance, for Class A Boys Soccer by members of the IHSAA Executive Committee.
The Warriors’ team captain has helped lead his team to sectional titles in all four years in addition to the regional, semi-state and state runner-up finish as a senior. The midfielder has scored 20 goals and assisted on 56 others during his high school career. Austin is also the team captain in both basketball and golf for Covenant Christian, while being the recipient of the Joshua Leadership Award in both 2015 and 2016 for being a player who embodies the ideals of the team. He is a National Honor Society member and has volunteered during youth events at Plainfield Christian Church, Indiana Faith and Zionsville Soccer Club.
The son of Ron and Michelle Wagner, Austin is undecided about his college selection but is interested in pursuing a Business degree.
The IHSAA Executive Committee, on behalf of Indiana Farm Bureau Insurance, will award a scholarship for $1,000 to Covenant Christian High School in the name of Austin Wagner. Since 1989, nearly $900,000 in college scholarships have been presented to deserving high school students in Indiana.