Soccer star Omar Cummings to be honored at Cincinnati State

January 13, 2011

Will be inducted into Hall of Fame on Jan. 22

Omar Cummings, one of the most exciting scorers in American MLS soccer today, will be inducted into the Cincinnati State Athletic Hall of Fame on Jan. 22.

Cummings, a native of Jamaica, started his American career at Cincinnati State in 2003. He played two years for the Surge, where he won All-American honors before graduating and moving on to the University of Cincinnati, where he was twice named to the All Big-East Team.

After leaving UC he was drafted in the third round by the Colorado Rapids, where he has blossomed into one of the most feared strikers in the league.

In 2009 he scored eight goals and recorded 12 assists. In the season that just ended he accounted for a team-high 14 goals to help lead the Rapids to the MLS championship. For his individual scoring achievement he was awarded the team’s "Golden Boot" award.

At present Cummings is on loan from the Rapids to Aston Villa in the English Premier League –¬ one of the most competitive venues in the soccer world. He is scheduled to return to the Rapids by mid-March to help the team defend its 2010 MLS championship.

“We are proud to recognize Omar’s achievements and welcome him into Cincinnati State’s Athletic Hall of Fame,’’ said Theresa Check, Cincinnati State’s athletic director.

The induction ceremony will take place Jan. 22 at halftime of the Cincinnati State men’s basketball game against Cuyahoga Community College. That game – which is also part of the College’s homecoming activities – is scheduled to begin at 3 p.m.