From Husky to a Swede

by Cerwin D Haynes

[UPDATE: 7/14/20]

After just one year at East Los Angeles College, midfielder Damian Lira-Martinez has accepted a scholarship offer to Bethany College. A Evangelical Lutheran college in Lindsborg, Kansas, it is  located in the middle of the state - a little over 70 miles north of Wichita. 

Assistant coach Ramon Rivas says the Swedes has been looking for talent in the SoCal area, and Lira-Martinez was able to catch their eye. "Damian Lira was a player that gave 110% every game," says Coach Rivas. The midfielder's "...work ethic on [and] off the field was praised by players and coaches. He never back[ed] down from pressure." 

The freshman midfielder/center appeared in nine game for the Huskies this past season, starting two games and recording five shots on goal. "He was an essential part of our center midfield," Rivas states. "His technical ability and vision of the field made our attackers job much easier." 

Rivas and the other team coaches wish him well on the next stop of his collegiate journey: "Remember: once a Husky, always a Husky!" 

Bethany College is a member of the NAIA's Kansas Collegiate Athletic Conference (KCAC). 

• CORRECTION: The original release stated that Lira-Martinez accepted an offer from Bethany College in West Virginia.