March 28, 2018


East Central Community College soccer players Tyler White (left) and Jacob Thomas have signed to continue their soccer careers at Belhaven University in Jackson. (EC Photo)

East Central Community College men’s soccer players Jacob Thomas and Tyler White have signed to continue their careers for the NCAA Division III Belhaven University Blazers in Jackson, Miss.

The pair helped lead the Warriors to 19 wins and appearances in the Mississippi Association of Community and Junior Colleges state playoffs the past two years, including an MACJC North Division title in fall 2017.

Thomas, who prepped at Northwest Rankin, was a standout midfielder for the Warriors. He had 17 points in 16 matches for East Central, including five goals and seven assists. He was named First Team MACJC All-State and selected to play in the MACJC All-Star Game following his sophomore season. He received the team’s Best Defense Award at the Fall Sports Awards Banquet on campus and was named team captain.

Thomas was also named MACJC Distinguished Academic All-State and received the National Junior College Athletic Association Award for Superior Academic Achievement.

White, who played his high school soccer at Madison-Ridgeland Academy, was a standout defender for East Central. His play during the 2017 season earned him a spot in the MACJC All-Star Game and on the NJCAA All-Region 23 Team.

White earned MACJC Academic All-State honors following his sophomore season.