Averett University Athletics Hall of Fame
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Pekka Kaartinen played men's soccer at Averett from 1978-81. Kaartinen was the first Averett student-athlete to earn All-American honors when he garnered the recognition in 1980. He was selected again in 1981.
A four-time All-Dixie Conference Selection, Kaartinen was named the conference's Player of the Year in 1980 and 1981. He also was a three-time All-South Region First Team selection (1979, 1980 and 1981). Kaartinen finished his career with a conference-record 67 goals, and his 26 goals during the 1980 season is still tied for the conference record.
During his playing days, Kaartinen helped lead Averett to conference championships in 1979 and 1980, and the Cougars made NCAA tournament appearances in 1979, 1980 and 1981 — including the 1980 national quarterfinals. He also helped the Cougars win the 1979 and 1980 Virginia Intercollegiate Soccer Association state championships. Averett had a combined 48-8-3 (16-2-2 in conference) record during his final three seasons.
Other accolades include being selected to play in the 1981 Senior Bowl all-star soccer match and earning a spot on Averett's USA South Conference 50th Anniversary Team for men's soccer.
In addition to playing soccer, Kaartinen also participated on the Averett men's tennis team.
Kaartinen was inducted into the Averett University Cougar Club Hall of Fame on Oct. 17, 1998. On June 20, 2018, Kaartinen was inducted into the USA South Conference Hall of Fame.
Gallery: (10/17/1998) HOF: Pekka Kaartinen
