“NSU…it feels like home…”
For Miguel Torres, a member of the RiverHawks men’s soccer team, the family like atmosphere at Northeastern State University was apparent from the first time he came on campus.
“My first trip to Tahlequah was for a soccer camp. I came with a group of my friends from Tulsa and when I showed up, coach already knew my name, that was really cool,” replied the sophomore member of the NSU men’s soccer lineup.
Fast forward to 2022 and Torres’ passion for RiverHawks soccer and the opportunity to further his education is a life changing reward.
“Growing up, my dad would take me to work with him on the construction sight. He always said that anything of value requires hard work and that includes education.”
While still to define his major in either business management or civil engineering, Torres describes the overall experience at NSU as a family atmosphere.
“I like it. It feels really comfortable. The support you get from everyone here is really nice,” said Torres, who attended Union High School in Tulsa. “The campus is not too big, which is good. You get all the help you need from your instructors. It’s been easy to make friends in classroom that help out too. It’s good when you look in the stands and see your classmates and instructors. ”
On the soccer pitch, Torres likes the opportunity to be a game changer.
“Playing striker I have the opportunity to score goals. When coach has me play midfield, my job is to pressure the ball.”
Miguel’s coach, Rob Czlonka, defines the multi-talented player on the RiverHawks lineup card as man of action, a man of few words.
“He’s a great young man who let’s his work ethic and talents do all his talking. Miguel truly lives the RiverHawk soccer creed…well done is better than well said.”
Torres’ “bicycle kick” exemplifies his approach to playing soccer as well as in his daily life.
“You have to know what you want and know when the ball is going to be there. It requires footwork and vision,” explained Torres. “I like the vision of NSU and the family environment where everyone is willing to help everyone. It feels like home.”
