By By Robbie Robertson/The Meridian Star
Dec. 1, 2000
Meridian Community College soccer coach Steve Clements still remembers his first trip to Meridian.
At the time, he didn't even know if he had a shot at the Meridian High soccer job.
Now some 12 years later, Clements stands atop the soccer world after guiding his Eagles to a 24-1 record and the NJCAA Division I soccer national championship with a 2-0 win over Bryant &Stratton.
The championship came in the program's seventh season. Clements has been the team's only coach.
Thursday at MCC, the team and Clements were honored for their achievements this past season.
After an introduction by MCC vice president Tommy McDonald, Meridian Mayor John Robert Smith recognized the team.
After words from Meridian City Councilman George Thomas, MCC president Dr. Scott Elliott took the stage, basking in the glow of the recent national championship and quick to give credit where it was due.
Elliott then talked about the success of the team and the dominant fashion in which the Eagles won in 2000.
Elliott finished his talk by reading a poem he had written to Clements and the team.
Then Clements took the stage and recalled his first trip to Meridian and the growth of soccer in the town.
Clements got the Meridian job and the rest is history.
Robbie Robertson is sports editor for The Meridian Star. E-mail him at rrobertson@meridianstar.com.