By Craig Beilfuss
LocalSportsJournal

LUDINGTON–Steven Stidham skills on the soccer certainly did not go unnoticed by recruiters from the college ranks.

The Ludington senior recently signed his national letter of intent to continue his soccer career next fall at Cornerstone University in Grand Rapids.

Stidham, a center attacking midfielder, played three seasons on the Oriole varsity soccer squad after being pulled up during his freshman year. That was 2019 when Ludington made a run to the state semifinal.

“I chose Cornerstone because of their Christian philosophy and how welcoming Cornerstone has been,” said Stidham. “My faith is very important to me and at Cornerstone I can see my faith flourishing and growing.”

And that started from the very first time he met the coaching staff.

“The very first day I met with Coach Herdsman and some of the guys on the team I felt welcomed,” Stidham sad. “The soccer program at Cornerstone is a competitive one with a lot of guys that want to win and that is also something I want to be part of.

“Overall, I chose Cornerstone because their mission is bigger than just me and it’s something I want to be a part of. What I mean by that is this is a program and school that wants to Speak Truth to the whole world and wants to help each and everyone of us at Cornerstone grow as a person and as a follower of Christ.”

The Golden Eagles are a NAIA college and a member of the Wolverine-Hoosier Athletic Conference. Last season, the Golden Eagles finished 6-8-4 overall, 3-7-1 in the league.

Over the course of his soccer career at Ludington, Stidham earned postseason honors including All-Area, All-Conference, All-District, and All-Region.

Over the past two seasons, Stidham scored 10 goals and had 17 assists.

Ludington soccer coach Kris Anderson thinks Cornerstone is the perfect place for Stidham.

“He has set high goals for himself of wanting to play collegiate soccer,” said Anderson. “Cornerstone will allow him to continue that dream and at the same time allow Steven to deepen his faith which is a major part of who Steven is. Steven’s passion, commitment and drive to be successful have left a mark in our program and will be missed next season.”

For Stidham, his career at Ludington will provide lifetime memories.

“During my time as a student athlete here I have learned to push myself and have learned to strive for above the bar,” he said. “I have also learned how to be a leader and how to work with others.”

Stidham’s focus is completing his general studies at Cornerstone and may look into either the Sports Management program or the marketing program as a major. He has a 4.113 grade point average. Steven is the son of Steve and Deni Stidham.