WEEKLY SPOTLIGHT:  Former Battling Bishop defender Kris Banghart awarded MLS tryout

Rocky Mount, NC - The North Carolina Wesleyan Department of Athletics is pleased to announce that former men's soccer defender Kris Banghart has been invited to participate in the 2010 adidas MLS Player Combine, Major League Soccer announced last Thursday. Banghart (pictured), who was among a list of 62 seniors from 44 Division I schools, spent the past three seasons with the University of Denver after a stellar freshman year with the Battling Bishops in 2006. The annual player combine will be held at Central Broward Regional Park in
Ft. Lauderdale, Florida from January 8th through the 12th. 

The 6'1" Banghart is a native of Loveland, Colorado and anchored Wesleyan's defense in 2006.  The Bishops out-scored their opponents 75-10 that season and turned in an undefeated 15-0-2 regular season, a USA South Regular Season Championship, and an NCAA Tournament Sweet 16 appearance.  A middle back, Banghart also had a goal and an assist to his credit en route to USAC All-Conference honors.

After transferring to Denver for his sophomore year, Banghart (pictured with assistant coach Frankie Taal and head coach Jason Kilby) started every game at defender for the past three seasons and served as co-captain as a senior. A three-time MPSF All-Conference selection, Banghart was instrumental in anchoring DU's defense, helping the Pioneers win their first ever Mountain Pacific Sports Federation championship and their first berth in the NCAA Tournament in 2008.

"This is obviously a great opportunity for Kris," said Kilby on Monday. "He was a defensive force for us in 2006 and is certainly deserving of this honor after a stellar career at the Division I level.  We are proud to have had him represent our NC Wesleyan program, and we wish him the best of luck!"

Congratulations Kris!