By Evan Weber
Sports Editor
A stampede of cleats dug into the earth as a ball soared through the air and collided with the back of the net. The crowd erupted in cheers as St. Paul’s won the state championships in men’s soccer, changing Daniel Wayert’s life forever.
Originally, Wayert had planned to attend Franciscan University, following in the footsteps of his parents. He had visited and became familiar with the campus numerous times for conferences and homecomings, making it an obvious choice after graduating high school.
But on the same night he celebrated the championship victory, Wayert received a call from Chris Leondari, head coach of the Spring Hill Badger in Mobile, Alabama. He was offered a roster spot on the Division II team, presenting an exciting opportunity to improve his skills at a higher level of competition. With the promise of a rigorous soccer program, Wayert committed to Spring Hill for the 2023-24 season.
However, his first year brought unexpected challenges. The soccer team underwent many tumultuous changes, leaving Wayert feeling lost amid the chaos. Soccer had been the primary reason for attending Spring Hill, and as the team entered a rebuilding phase, he reconsidered his original plan: Franciscan University.
Transferring to Franciscan felt both familiar and exhilarating for Wayert. No longer just a visitor, he became a full-time student and a member of the men’s soccer team.
“I like that I can get better at soccer while growing closer to God at the same time,” Wayert said.
He expressed surprise at the strength and competitiveness of the Barons, who won the Presidents’ Athletic Conference championship in 2022. The team has started the current season with a scorching-hot 3-0-1 score, and Wayert has already made significant contributions, scoring three goals in four games. His experience at Spring Hill is expected to help propel the Barons further this season.
Franciscan offers support for his love of soccer, but for Wayert, it all comes down to deepening his faith through it — to run down the field, find the ball and score — to walk to the chapel, find the Eucharist and pray to your heart’s content.