The VIP room at the Hyland Arena was packed with well-wishers Monday as Lindenwood University honored its national champion men's soccer team.

Faculty, staff, administrators and student-athletes paid tribute to the Lions, home from winning their national title last week in Olathe, Kan. by a 1-0 score.

Coach Carl Hutter lauded his team, which finished 19-3-1, and called seven athletes forward to present the national championship trophy to LU President Dennis Spellmann. Hutter thanked the president for the university's strong support of athletics, and for sending a mighty busload of noisy students to the championship game.

Athletic director John Creer, who won a national championship himself in track in 1998, read a congratulatory letter from Steve Baker, president of the NAIA.