Ort signs to play soccer at Emmaus Bible College

Zachary Ort will continue his love of playing soccer at the collegiate level this fall. Ort transferred to Newton High School two years ago and earned a starting spot on the Cardinal boys’ varsity soccer team as a junior.

Of course, Ort’s senior season was canceled by the coronavirus pandemic which forced schools to close for the final three months of the 2019-20 year. The Cardinals were poised to contend in the Little Hawkeye Conference in 2020 and make a run at another state appearance.

Ort chose to sign a letter of intent to play for the Emmaus Bible College Eagles. Emmaus Bible College is in Dubuque and Chris McHugh is the new head coach for the men’s soccer team. McHugh also is EBC’s athletic director.

“We are thrilled to being adding Zach to the Emmaus men’s soccer program this year. It was a pleasure to connect with Zach and his family during their visit to Emmaus in February,” McHugh said in a EBC news release.

Emmaus competes in the Midwest Christian College Conference and the National Christian College Athletic Association Division II. The Eagles were 3-12-1 overall in 2019.

“I chose Emmaus because it is a perfect fit for my journey to grow closer to God,” Ort said. “I am blessed to play soccer with other Christian athletes, and I’m excited to begin this journey with Coach McHugh, with this being his first year as the soccer coach.”

Ort played as a defender/midfielder for Newton in the 2019 season as the Cardinals went 10-9 and finished ranked 15th in Class 2A. He was one of the 15 returning lettermen for Newton this season.

Ort also played soccer for the Altoona Soccer Club and Iowa Rush South during the club season.

“Ort, who attends Community Heights Alliance Church in Newton, plans to study Youth Ministry at Emmaus. He is the son of Kristin and Bob Beiner and Shane and Erin Ort.

Contact Jocelyn Sheets at
641-792-3121 ext. 6535 or jsheets@newtondailynews.com