Oklahoma Christian University’s soccer program celebrated 40 years of history as former and current Eagles came together for the program’s anniversary game against Southern Nazarene University.
Although Oklahoma Christian lost 2-1, the night represented more than the final score. A packed sideline and stands gave current players a chance to compete in front of former players, fans and others who have helped shape the program over the past four decades.
Head coach Neil Hilton has experienced the program from several different perspectives. During his 18 years around Oklahoma Christian soccer, Hilton has been a player, fan, assistant coach and now head coach.
“What the program has always stood for in our faith, values and our dedication to the classroom and soccer,” Hilton said. “Also knowing how many lives it has changed along the way, including myself.”
For Hilton, the anniversary game was also an opportunity to bring a large crowd and school spirit back to the soccer field.
“It was special to see the sideline and stands packed for a great game of soccer between two very good teams,” Hilton said.
The energy surrounding the anniversary was felt by the players as well.
Tyler Ackah-Wheatcroft, who scored Oklahoma Christian’s lone goal of the game, said the crowd and returning alumni added to the intensity of the rivalry matchup.
“The game had such good energy and feel around it, which I want to thank the fans and alumni who came out for providing,” Ackah-Wheatcroft said.
Ackah-Wheatcroft’s goal came from a corner kick, an area the Eagles have worked on as a team. After trusting the delivery from teammate Igor Caballero, Ackah-Wheatcroft attacked his spot in front of the goal.
“Once I saw the ball was coming to my spot, I just made the decision that nothing was going to stop me getting to that ball,” Ackah-Wheatcroft said.
His connection to Oklahoma Christian’s history goes beyond the anniversary game. Ackah-Wheatcroft, a native of Liverpool, England, said Hilton’s own journey from Liverpool to Oklahoma Christian played a major role in his decision to attend Oklahoma Christian.
“To have a coach who has been through such a similar life experience to me and been able to come to America and use OC to build a better life for himself, he’s such an example to me of what I could be in the future,” Ackah-Wheatcroft said.
While Ackah-Wheatcroft represents the current team, younger players like Noah Langford hope to carry the program’s history into its next chapter.
For Langford, that history is also personal. His father and uncle both played soccer at Oklahoma Christian.
“It means a lot because my dad and uncle played here and being a part of that history and legacy is awesome,” Langford said.
Langford said the older players have taught him to remain patient, continue working and be ready when his opportunity arrives. Most importantly, he said he has learned “the team is more important than you.”
Hilton said that connection between generations is something he tries to emphasize to his current players. The players who came before them, along with supporters, donors and the university, helped create the opportunity the current Eagles have today.
“They gave everything they had to provide the platform for these guys to play in one of, if not the toughest D2 conference in the nation,” Hilton said.
After four decades of Oklahoma Christian soccer, Hilton hopes the program will continue to grow while maintaining the faith and values that have remained throughout his time at Oklahoma Christian.
“I believe God is in control of those things, but I really hope the program continues to flourish and represent our university the right way,” Hilton said.
For Hilton, the significance of wearing an Oklahoma Christian soccer jersey ultimately comes down to something larger than any individual player or game.
“We are representing something way bigger than ourselves,” Hilton said.
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