Poortinga named boys soccer MVP at team banquet

Post-season awards presented at the Ramona High School boys soccer team’s banquet included the 2009-10 most valuable player award going to senior defender Walker Poortinga.

The banquet, held in the Venolia residence, also saw senior forward Chris Huber receive the offensive player of the year award, senior goalkeeper Jake Venolia presented with the defensive player of the year award, and senior forward/midfielder A.J. Kruger take home the Coaches’ Award.

Huber scored 10 goals during the 2009-10 season and added five assists.

“We scored a lot more goals than last year,” Ramona varsity head coach Michael Jordan said.

The Bulldogs recorded a total of seven shutouts for the season.

“Jake and Walker were a big part of that,” Jordan said. “Jake was just a rock back there for us.”

Poortinga hopes to continue his soccer career at a junior college, and Jordan has asked him to return to Ramona as an assistant or lower-level coach.

“He’s so smart on the field and the boys respond well to him,” Jordan said. “He’s going to make a great coach one day.”

The 2009-10 season was Kruger’s first on the Ramona varsity, but he was in the program for four years.

“Great attitude. Great kid. Just awesome to coach,” Jordan said.