Shawnee Mission South High School announced on Monday that Swope Park Rangers captain Christian Duke will become the first soccer player inducted into the Raider Athletic Hall of Fame when the Class of 2017 induction ceremony takes place on Jan. 13, 2017.
"Being inducted into the Hall of Fame at such a great school is a humbling honor," Duke said. "I hope to use this recognition to show younger kids that if you stick to your dreams and do all the little things right, in the classroom and on the field, you will one day achieve what you've set your mind to.
"There were many people along the way that helped me. I want to thank my high school soccer coach Travis Gatewood, Athletic Director Dr. John Johnson and all of the Shawnee Mission South staff for giving me all the tools necessary to be where I am today."
Duke, a Sporting KC Academy product and 2009 graduate of Shawnee Mission South High School, was the first player signed by the Swope Park Rangers in team history last November. He is the only SPR player to appear in each of the club's 32 matches this season, contributing two goals and one assist.
Duke began his professional career with Sporting KC and has logged more than 80 appearances in the USL over the past four years, including a starting role in Orlando City's championship victory in 2013. He helped OKC Energy FC reach the Western Conference Final in 2015 and has led SPR to the Western Conference Final in the club's inaugural season in 2016.
The Swope Park Rangers will host Vancouver Whitecaps FC 2 at 7:30 p.m. CT on Saturday at Swope Soccer Village for a berth in the 2016 USL Cup Final. Tickets start as low as $12 and are available to purchase online at Ticketmaster.com.
