The spring of 2018, a time where Colorado Mesa University’s men’s soccer Head coach Todd Padgett and Assistant coach Stan Schrock look for their upcoming 2018 class. Padgett, who has a close relationship with Western Nebraska community college coach Todd Rasnic, asked about one of Rasnic’s players– Lawan Abary.
Abary, who showed an interest of CMU for the soccer program’s great reputation and beautiful campus, sent an email to Padgett. Once Padgett asked Rasnic about Abary, Rasnic spoke highly of him so Padgett decided to bring him in for a recruiting trip.
In one session, Abary scored seven goals. Then after displaying high character and talented ability, for Schrock and Padgett, there was no question he would be a great fit for the Mavericks.
Abary has already made a tremendous impact this season. The 6’4” junior’s size and athleticism are providing the Mavericks with another weapon in their hunt for an RMAC and NCAA title.
“In terms of individual ability, it’s not very often that you see someone with his type of frame, build and height be able to run in the manner in which he runs,” Padgett said. “If someone gets in a foot race with him we like our chances for him to come out ahead. He’s a presence in the box.”
Before coming to CMU, Abary went to CSP Mali Bero High School and attended Western Nebraska, where he spent a year piling up accolades. During his time with the Cougars, Abary was the top scorer in Region nine for NJCAA competition with 20 goals and six assists during the 2017 season, earning a spot on the All-Region First Team.
The forward also set Western Nebraska’s all-time single-season and career goals records.
Although his time at CMU has just begun, Abary’s experience in Grand Junction has been nothing but positive early on.
“At practice we have fun,” Abary said. “We try to bring that fun into the game. We just keep working and that’s what we do.”
Abary, whose hometown is Niamey, Niger, has started his Maverick career in spectacular fashion, scoring eight goals in a span of four games, including a four-goal performance in 47 minutes of play during CMU’s 6-2 victory over CSU-Pueblo. The four goals in a single game are a new school record.
The performance helped Abary earn RMAC Offensive Player of the Week honors.
The Mavericks knew the type of player they were getting during the scouting period. The talent was evident, but after getting to know Abary, team coaches and players learned he just wasn’t a gifted player, but a kind individual with an energetic person who has already become a team favorite.
“Abary is genuinely a team-first player,” Padgett said. “When he says his main concern is team success, I genuinely believe him. That’s the thing that has stood out the most.”
At 6’4” with speed and quickness, Abary’s ability is something Padgett and teammates have admired this season.
“[Lawan] definitely takes defenders away,” senior Kevil Del Mazo said. “He has a lot of speed up top so we can now use the long ball more. With that speed that he has, we can sometimes get out of tight spaces by just kicking the ball up and creating chances out of it.”
His team-first mentality also shows. Any time he can help his team win is a plus. When the team is playing well together, it’s the kind of performance Abary and his team play for.
With players like Abary, Del Mazo, James McGhee, Matthew Miller and others, this CMU team has multiple players with talented scoring abilities who can reach the back of the net at any given moment.
Abary’s play has added another dimension to the Maverick’s offense. With his height and speed, he attracts more defenders and opens up looks for his teammates.
“He’s going to garner more attention defensively,” Padgett said. “He’s going to become the player that’s on every opposing team’s board in terms of you need to take him away. I think we’re going to see some guys generate more scoring chances or take more scoring chances on for themselves in the coming weeks.”
Although Abary has spent a short time in his career here in the United States, he speaks great English and his resume continues to grow. He commitment to learn more about the game and be a great teammate speaks volumes for himself and the team.
He plans to earn a bachelor’s degree at CMU and hopes to win an RMAC Championship.
The men’s team is filled with talent, and Abary’s quiet and humble personality has energized the team on game days in their collective hunt for glory.
