New Era soccer guru Dave Byrne filed this story about Manheim Central standout Kenzie Arment, who will take his skills to Penn State. A couple of Arment’s teammates, Alex Schweitzer and Justin Myer, also made their college choices. Schweitzer is heading to Eastern University; Myer to Virginia Tech to play football.
He was often seen as an artist on the soccer pitch, so it may come as no surprise to learn that art will be a part of Kenzie Arment’s future.
Arment, Manheim Central’s All-State scoring machine, will continue his playing career at Penn State.
He will major in business and minor in art with an idea of someday being a gallery director.
He has a spot on coach Barry Gorman’s roster as a non-scholarship player.
“I didn’t get any money,” Arment said. “I’ll have to prove myself first, and then hopefully I’ll be able to earn some.”
Arment, who scored 43 goals and had 26 assists in the last three seasons, will settle in at outside midfielder for the Nittany Lions, who are coming off an uncharacteristic 7-8-4 season.
Recruited by Division 3 standout programs Messiah and Eastern University, and by Division 1 Virginia Tech, the two-time Section 3 MVP selected Penn State based on the facilities and team chemistry.
“I’d heard a lot of good things about Penn State,” Arment said, “and I talked to Elco’s coach (Mike Seigfried). He’s had a lot of players go there.”
Arment is one of three Barons’ soccer players who will continue their athletic careers in college.
Center-midfielder Alex Schweitzer has selected Eastern University as his collegiate soccer home, while central defender Justin Myer has changed equipment and will attend Virginia Tech to kick for the football team as a preferred walk-on.
Schweitzer, who had 22 career goals and 27 assists, narrowed his choices to Bowling Green, F&M and Eastern.
A member of the Pennsylvania Athletic Conference, Eastern went 13-6-2 last season, winning the PAC championship.
“I know they’re a successful Division 3 program,” said Schweitzer, who will move to outside defender. I’m hoping to make a run at a national championship. If I work hard enough, I should get a decent amount of time and contribute (next year).”
Eastern cannot offer athletic scholarships. But, Schweitzer notes, “I got a decent academic scholarship.”
He’ll see some familiar faces when he gets to Eastern’s St. David’s campus. Former Barons’ Mike Leitzel and Matt Snavely are on the team, as well as Penn Manor alum Terry Fry.
Arment, Schweitzer and Myer were part of the most successful run in Central’s soccer history.
Over the last three years the Barons went 58-15-2, winning L-L Section 3 championships in 2006 and 2007.
The Barons won the District 3 title in 2006 and took district bronze in 2005 and 2007.
Three-time PIAA tournament qualifiers, the Barons finished second in the state in 2006 and were eliminated in the 2007 state semifinals by eventual champion Palmyra.
“These guys have been three of the staples,” Central coach Matt Schwartz said. “The holes that these guys are leaving for other people to fill are pretty significant.”
