(Nov. 12, 2009 - Ann Arbor, Mich.) -- In a sport where goal scorers and goalkeepers usually get all the press, defenseman David Ujkic (Jr. - Novi, Mich.) established himself in his first season at Concordia as the premier defender in the Wolverine-Hoosier Athletic Conference as he was named the Defensive Player of the Year by conference coaches. Ujkic wasn't the only Cardinal honored as head coach Murali Nair was named by his peers as this season's Champion of Character while Ali Badra Diallo (Jr. - Niarney, Nigeria) and Erik Schultz (Sr. - Belleville, Mich.) were also named to the postseason team.

Ujkic played a pivotal role in the clamp-down defense displayed this season by the Cards, as the team set a school record for shutouts in a season with five on the year, while posting the most wins in a decade and extending their postseason drive to the final weekend of the season. In addition to his defensive abilities, Ujkic also had three goals and three assists on the season.

Nair, who has built the program from a team that was winless in the 58 games prior to his arrival before last season and has won eight games and tied another six in his two seasons, was honored by his coaching peers for his display of character during league matches.

Badra Diallo had a solid season for Concordia this year as he finished tied for second with Ujkic with three goals scored while leading the squad with four assists. For his effort, Badra Diallo was named to the WHAC All-Conference Second Team.

Erik Schultz, who has been a pivotal player in changing the culture of Concordia soccer, was selected to the WHAC All-Conference Third Team in his final season as a Cardinal.