By Cort Reynolds
Senior Jonathan Schriner of the powerhouse Bluffton soccer team recently was named a boys' soccer all-American.
The national honor was based on a combination of personal statistics, the tough schedule the team played and the club's record.
Schriner led Bluffton in scoring with 27 goals and 17 assists this past season.
Bluffton's first-ever boy all-American soccer player, according to Dave Fett, former BHS coach, was Ethan Reichenbach.
The 2020 Pirates finished 16-1-2 and were ranked first in the final NOSSCA district regular season poll, as well as second in the state.
Bluffton captured its sixth straight Northwest Conference championship with a perfect 5-0-0 record, and has won 30 consecutive league matches.
The Pirates were upset 1-0 by Riverdale in the district finals. In 2019, Bluffton advanced to the state finals.
Schriner also was voted first team All-Ohio and to the All-Great Lakes Region teams. He is the fourth boy Pirate to earn back-to-back all-state honors in Bluffton boys' soccer program.
Other 2-year all-state players
Jeremy Parkins 1998-1999
Matt Renfrow 1999-2000
Ethan Reichenbach 2005-2006
The Great Lakes Region team covers six states - Ohio, Michigan, Indiana, Minnesota, Wisconsin and Kentucky - and includes players from all divisions.
Previously in 2020, Schriner was voted Player of the Year for both the northwest district in Div. III, and for the Northwest Conference.
He also served as team co-captain. In 2019 he was part of the 4 x 400 Bluffton track relay quartet that qualified for the state meet.
Schriner is currently playing on a club soccer team in Perrysburg over the winter. He is undecided at this time about what college he will attend and play soccer for.
Abbey Schaaf 2-year girls' all-stater
Abbey Schaaf, a 2000 graduate, was the first girls' soccer all-stater and won that award as a junior and senior. She was on the second team in 1998 and first team in 1999. The girls' team advanced to the regional finals during the 1999 season.
