Another local student-athlete has made the decision to continue his athletic career at the next level as North Adams senior soccer standout Aaron Pertuset will take his talents next fall to the men’s soccer program at Ohio Christian University. In a signing ceremony on Jan. 8 at NAHS, Pertuset signed his letter of intent to become a member of the Trailblazers in the fall of this year.

“I heard some good things about Ohio Christian from some friends,” said Pertuset. “I ended up training with the team my junior year and I loved it. I got to meet the coach and he was a great guy who knows a lot about the game and really cares about you as a person and a soccer player.”

“They’re looking to bring in a good class and they just want me to come in and work hard and they feel like I’ve got a good shot to get playing time and make a good contribution.”

In his senior year at North Adams, Pertuset scored 14 goals and dished out 14 assists, even with missing five games to injury, and for his career, scored 33 goals with 34 assists. North Adams boys soccer coach Ike Wooten appreciates all the efforts that his senior put into the Devils’ program.

“Aaron’s balance of goals to assists shows his willingness to get others involved first and then take over games when his team needed him the most,” said Wooten. “Aaron is a product of what you put in is what you receive in return. He has put in hours in the off-season and extra time during the season for four years and that dedication showed through his leadership both as an educator of the game to others and a model for students for playing soccer.”

“Aaron has been a success on the field and in the classroom and that will continue at the next level. I wish him all the best and he will be sadly missed and very difficult to replace.”

The Ohio Christian University Trailblazers are an NAIA program, competing in the Kentucky Intercollegiate Athletic Conference. The Blazers men’s soccer team finished 8-11 this past season in the eighth season at the helm for head coach Josh Murton.

“We are real excited about Aaron joining the OCU family,” said Murton. “He is going to be a great fit to our program on and off the field. His maturity and self-less demeanor is something we feel will help him excel in his career here and we are excited to start working with him. We see Aaron coming in and competing for a center back or even midfield role for us due to his composure and calmness on the ball. His ability to lead is another reason for our interest in Aaron.”

On the academic side, Pertuset plans to study Middle School Education, with hopes of someday becoming a History teacher.

In a Jan. 8 signing ceremony at North Adams High School, senior Aaron Pertuset signed his letter of intent to continue his soccer career at the next level, at Ohio Christian University. Pictured here at the ceremony are: Front row, from left, Brian Pertuset (father), Aaron Pertuset, and Bonnie Pertuset (mother); Back row, from left, Josh Murton (Ohio Christian University Men’s Soccer Coach), Isaac Wooten (NAHS Boys Soccer Coach), and Tony Williams (NAHS Athletic Director).
https://www.peoplesdefender.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/01/web1_Pertuset.jpgIn a Jan. 8 signing ceremony at North Adams High School, senior Aaron Pertuset signed his letter of intent to continue his soccer career at the next level, at Ohio Christian University. Pictured here at the ceremony are: Front row, from left, Brian Pertuset (father), Aaron Pertuset, and Bonnie Pertuset (mother); Back row, from left, Josh Murton (Ohio Christian University Men’s Soccer Coach), Isaac Wooten (NAHS Boys Soccer Coach), and Tony Williams (NAHS Athletic Director).
North Adams standout to continue soccer career

By Mark Carpenter

mcarpenter@civitasmedia.com

Reach Mark Carpenter at 937-544-2391 or on Twitter @adamscosports.