Decker to serve two-year Mormon mission, return in 2013
8/12/2011 5:09:00 PM | Men's Soccer
BETHLEHEM, Pa. - Austin Decker of the Lehigh men's soccer team has decided to serve a two-year Mormon mission and will not play for the Mountain Hawks in either of the next two seasons. He is planning on returning for the 2013 campaign. A Second Team All-Patriot League honoree in 2011, Decker has posted 17 points (eight goals, one assist) through his first two seasons in the Brown & White.
“We are very supportive of Austin's decision to take his mission,” said Lehigh head coach Dean Koski. “If it's important to him, it's important to us. Not having Austin this year and next certainly is a bit of a setback, but I'm very confident in the guys that we have in our program and the guys coming in. We wish Austin well in his mission and look forward to his return two years from now - a little bit older, a little bit wiser and certainly more worldly.”
Decker doesn't yet know where he'll be assigned, but expects to find out within the next two weeks. He will leave sometime in mid-September. Decker's church asks all capable male members to leave on a mission when they turn 19 years old. At the time, the opportunity to play soccer at Lehigh was too good to turn down. But through speaking with family and friends, Decker began to appreciate what he had and wanted to make an impact on others. He knew the time was right.
“Recently, while talking with my parents and fellow church members, it opened my eyes,” said Decker. “I've had so many blessings and have been given so much, so I too must give. Because I've been blessed with a good life, it's even more reason I should go on my mission and help out other, less fortunate people.”
It will be an adjustment for Decker, who won't have soccer and will only be able to contact friends and family through letters. Numerous family members have served missions, including his father, who had a big influence in Austin's decision.
“My father talks about his mission in Tampa, Florida,” said Decker. “People have told me it will be the best two years of my life. I'll be going through a lot, but the work you do changes people's lives forever. It's more important than soccer right now - to help give people the life that I have.”
Despite the loss of Decker this fall, the Mountain Hawks do return their top two scorers (Joe Puleo and Neal Melchionni) and a plethora of talent. Lehigh begins preseason camp early next week, looking to advance to its third straight Patriot League Tournament and win its first league title since 2006.
“There are a number of things that I'll miss at Lehigh,” said Decker. “I'm going to miss the guys and I wish them well this upcoming season. I'm going to miss a lot of people.”
“I feel like the world needs me here,” he continued. “It's a difficult decision for me to leave, but I feel like I've come to a decision I don't regret. I just wish the guys the best on the soccer field; I know they can win a Patriot League Championship without me. Hopefully, I can come back in two years and not miss a beat.”
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