The 2012 MLS Rookie of the Year award just wasn’t enough for Fire defender Austin Berry.
The now second-year MLS back liner garnered another honor last week when he returned to high school alma mater Summit Country Day School in Cincinnati where his #21 jersey was retired during halftime of the basketball team’s game vs. Seven Hills Academy.
The ceremony marked the first time the school had ever retired a number for the soccer team.
A 2007 graduate of the school, Berry was an Ohio All-State selection as well as being named Cincinnati Player of the Year during his senior season.
“Nothing Austin does surprises me anymore,” said high school coach Barnard Baker. “There are a lot of coaches in this area that say they got him to where he is today and it’s not true. Austin got himself there.
“He’s worked harder than anyone I’ve ever seen and the cool thing about it all is he hasn’t changed who he is. He’s still a great kid who continues to want to prove people wrong.”
Check out the story on Austin’s jersey retirement courtesy of Cincinnati.com and more photos of the ceremony by clicking here.
