Kyle Rote, Jr. (right) with Pele during his pro career.
4/27/2010 10:30:28 AM
SEWANEE, Tenn. -- Sewanee alum Kyle Rote, Jr., C'72, was elected to the U.S. National Soccer Hall of Fame this month. Rote was the 1973 rookie of the year in the North America Soccer League, the 1973 scoring champion, a 1973 All-Star and was the leading scorer for the Dallas Tornados for three years. He was also known for his three-time victory in the ABC Superstars Competition. Rote also represented the the country on the US National Soccer Team for three years.
At Sewanee after transferring his sophomore year, Rote played three seasons of soccer and had record breaking marks of: 17 goals in 1969, six assists in 1970, 47 career goals, 16 career assists and 110 career points. During his junior year, Rote took up the javelin and was the CAC champion his senior year and set the school record. He was also an NCAA national qualifier in the event and team captain in track as well as soccer. Rote has been elected to the Tennessee Sports Hall of Fame, The Texas Sports Hall of Fame, the Sewanee Athletics Hall of Fame and was the 1980 Sewanee Alumnus of the Year.