THIS YEAR: Senior defender Mike Pertz is the tallest player for a physically imposing Azusa Pacific squad that features 16 players who stand 6 feet or taller ... Characterized as a vocal player and a good organizer ... Will likely see an expanded role in the central defense and may press for a starting spot.
2007 (Junior): Appeared in 6 games for the Cougars, starting 3 times ... Played in 5 of Azusa Pacific's single-season program-record 14 shutouts.
MT. VERNON NAZARENE (Freshman & Sophomore): Played 2 seasons at Mount Vernon Nazarene (Ohio), a member of the NAIA's American Mideast Conference ... Played in all of Mount Vernon Nazarene's 37 matches over the past 2 seasons ... Assisted 1 goal and put 6 shots on goal as a 2006 sophomore ... Named All-AMC South Division honorable mention as a 2005 freshman after helping the Cougars post an 11-5-3 campaign.
AKRON (Redshirt): Redshirted the 2004 season while practicing with the team at NCAA Division I Akron.
HIGH SCHOOL: Attended Cuyahoga Valley Christian Academy in Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio, where he played 3 varsity seasons for head coach Jason Spodnik ... Was a 2-time all-district first team defender for the Royals.
PERSONAL: Born Dec. 11, 1986, in Akron, Ohio, to Linda Pertz ... Has 1 sister (Andrea) ... Majoring in communication.