| 2008 Signings
The following is a list of all signings for the 2008 season
starting with the most recent signing.
Davis
signs with McPherson soccer
McPherson College has announced
the recent signing of Preston Davis of Erie, Colo., and LegacyHigh
School of Broomfield, Colo., to a soccer letter of intent for the
2008-2009 school year.
The 5'10” Davis received
All-State, All-Conference, and All-Area honors following his senior
season at Legacy HS.
 The
conference Player-of-the-Year, Davis was also named the Denver area,
Metro North Player-of-the-Year after leading the conference and
setting a Legacy HS single season record with 16 goals his final
prep season.
Davis was Legacy High's most
valuable player as a freshman and won the Golden Boot as a senior.
Outside the interscholastic
season, Davis has played for the Colorado Rapids Academy, for whom
he was named the MVP of the Colorado State Cup in 2002.
“Preston
has had quite a prep soccer career ,” said McPherson head
coach Doug Quint. “At Legacy High School
he was voted conference Player of the Year and to the All-State
team as a striker with 16 goals on the year.”
“Preston plays club in the
Colorado Rapids Academy and has won five Colorado state championships.
As an outside back for the Rapids, he creates quite the offensive
threat when moving forward.”
“Preston is a versatile player,
who is strong physically, with good technical skills. He has a bright
future ahead of him. I see Preston playing up top or at the outside
back position for us. He has the talent to play either one.”
“I'm extremely excited that
Preston will be suiting up for the Bulldogs next season!”
“My thanks go out to current
Bulldog senior Ryan McAleer for his assistance in the recruitment
of Preston.”
Preston is the son of Ken
Davis and Jeanine Jolley-Davis of Erie, Colo.
*****
Littleton
commits with Bulldog soccer
McPherson
College has announced the recent signing of Mitchell Littleton of
Guthrie, Okla., to a soccer letter of intent for the 2008-2009 school
year.
The
6'4” Littleton was named the Freshman Rookie of the Year on the
national champion Under 17 boys recreational 3-on-3 team what went
on to finish as runner-up in the 3-on-3 world championships.
“I'm
excited Mitchell has chosen to continue his playing career at McPherson
College ,” said McPherson head coach Doug Quint. “Once
Mitchell begins to train with us on a yearly basis and learns the
system, his potential will be endless.”
“Athletically,
he has a lot of tools. He stands 6'4, 200 pounds, with good strength,
agility, and quickness. He will make us deeper in the back next
year.”
Mitchell
is the son of Chris and Renee Littleton of Guthrie, Okla. Mitchell
plans to major in business management at McPherson College.
*****
Barba
commits with Bulldog soccer
McPherson College has announced
the recent signing of Daniel Barba of Waxahachie, Tex., and Midlothian
Hill High School, to a soccer letter of intent for the 2008-2009
school year.
 The
5'8”, 150-pound Barba was part of Midlothian High's 2008 district
championship under coach Austin Guest.
“I am very pleased Daniel
has decided to attend McPherson College next year,” said McPherson
head coach Doug Quint. “He gives us another technically sound player
that will add depth to our midfield.”
“Daniel is quick, with good
vision on the ball. As he gains collegiate experience, I see him
playing more of a role within our squad.”
Barba is a McPherson College
Presidential Scholar and plans to major in biology/pre-veterinary
medicine.
Daniel is the son of Jack
and Lexie Barba of Waxahachie, Texas.
*****
Montoya
signs with McPherson soccer
McPherson College has announced
the recent signing of Gabriel Montoya of Plano, Tex., to a soccer
letter of intent for the 2008-2009 school year.
The 5'9” Montoya played a
key role in Plano High School 's securing of the 2007 district title
and being a state quarterfinalist under coach Bob Weir.
 Outside
the interscholastic season, Montoya has played club soccer with
the River Plate soccer club, which was undefeated during its 2007-08
season and won the Plano Showcase Tournament.
“Gabriel is a tremendous
young player for our program,” said Doug Quint, McPherson College
head coach. “ He is a very technical back with the ability to go
forward in the attack. His signing gives us another quality player
out of the Dallas Classic League in Texas.”
“Gabriel played for a very
quality club team in River Plate, which finished as the D2 Champions
with a record of 9-0. He was part of a defense that only allowed
a remarkable four goals in league play.”
“Gabriel is the type of student-athlete
that our program has become known for. I really look forward to
his contribution!”
Gabriel is the son of Gabriel
Montoya, Sr., of Plano, Tex. He plans major in biochemistry/pre-med.
****
Laramie
CCC duo signs with McPherson soccer
McPherson College has announced
the recent signings of Anthony Baldi and Jose Arenas of Laramie
County Community College in Cheyenne, Wyo., to a soccer letters
of intent for the 2008-2009 school year.
This past season, Laramie
CCC finished 13-5-1 and won the Region 9 NJCAA championship under
coaches Adam Buscek and Juston Taylor.
McPherson
coach Doug Quint (center) welcomes Jose Arenas (left) and Anthony
Baldi (right) to the Bulldog soccer program.
“The signing of these two
young men will play a vital role for us,” said McPherson head coach
Doug Quint. “Both are very hardworking players who understand what
it takes to be successful. They will bring a lot of talent plus
collegiate experience and maturity to our program next fall.”
Baldi, a 2006 graduate of
Northglenn (Colo.) High School, received All-Region first team honors
this past season for the Golden Eagles of Laramie CCC. Team captain
for the Eagles, Anthony was named to the Missouri JUCO Invitational
All-Tournament team.
While lettering three seasons
at Northglenn High School, the 5'7” Baldi earned first team all-conference
and all-region honors as a senior. He was named the Northglenn sophomore,
junior, and senior “most valuable player” and as a senior was selected
as the team MVP.
“Anthony is a very strong
defensive player,” said McPherson head coach Doug Quint. “He tackles
hard and is very difficult to breakdown one-on-one. On the ball,
he has the technical skills to give himself time to see the field.
Formerly the captain at Laramie County , his leadership will be
vital for us over the next two years. Anthony will have an immediate
impact for us either in the back or in midfield.”
Anthony is the son of Tony
and Trista Baldi of Northglenn, Colo. He plans to major in graphic
design.
Arenas, a 2006 graduate of
Cheyenne (Wyo.) East High School, received first team All-Region
honors as a sophomore after being a second team All-Region pick
as a freshman.
A four-year letter winner
for Cheyenne East, the 5'8”, Arenas was a two-time all-conference
selection. He received first team All-State honors as a senior after
being named to All-State second team as a junior.
“Jose is a great attacking
player with a lot of creativity on the ball,” offered McPherson
head coach Doug Quint. “He's quick and has the ability to play in
the midfield or up top. His addition to our program gives us another
experienced player who has been very successful at the junior college
level.”
“Jose makes us stronger,
immediately, in the attacking part of the field.”
Jose is the son of Javier
and Candy Arenas of Cheyenne, Wyo. He plans to major in communications
and Spanish.
“With the addition of these
two young men, our program will have five junior college players
transferring in next year, all coming from Top 25 nationally ranked
programs.”
*****
Blenkinsop
signs with McPherson soccer
McPherson College has announced
the recent signing of Shaun Blenkinsop of Northern Oklahoma College,
and York, England, to a soccer letter of intent for the 2008-2009
school year.
Blenkinsop captained the
Mavericks of Northern Oklahoma to a 17-2-1 record and a top 10 ranking
in the NJCAA national poll.
Shaun
Blenkinsop (left) is joined for his letter of intent signing by
McPherson College head coach Doug Quint.
In 2006, after winning
the NJCAA Region 2 Championship, Shaun helped lead the Mavericks
to sixth place finish in the NJCAA National Tournament.
“ The commitment we received
from Shaun to attend McPherson College next year is huge!” said
McPherson head coach Doug Quint. “ Shaun was the team captain and
center midfielder for junior college powerhouse Northern Oklahoma
and coach Michael DuRoy.”
“This is the fourth Northern
Oklahoma player to transfer to McPherson College in five years.
It's nice to keep this great pipeline going. Coach DuRoy has a great
program at NOC. He has great players and wonderful guys who work
really hard and have a lot of integrity.”
“Shaun is a very hard working,
self-driven individual who always tries to better himself everyday.
He's strong on the ball technically and a great ball winner in the
middle of the pitch. His leadership in the center of midfield will
be vital for us next year.”
During his prep school days
in England, Blenkinsop twice received All-County honors.
Shaun is the son of Rob
and Tricia Blenkinsop of York, England. Shaun plans to major in
physical education.
*****
Bowar
inks with Bulldog soccer
McPherson College has announced
the recent signing of Alex Bowar of Aurora, Colo., and Smoky Hill
High School, to a soccer letter of intent for the 2008-2009 school
year.
Bowar was part of two state
championship teams for Smoky Hill High School, and also played club
soccer for the highly successful Colorado Storm Royal.
 “I'm
real pleased Alex chose McPherson College to continue his career,”
said McPherson head coach Doug Quint. “He comes to McPherson College
knowing what it takes to be successful.”
“Alex has had a great prep
soccer career. He won two Class 5A Colorado state championships
while at Smoky Hill High School for coach Danny Winsor. “
“Alex works extremely hard
on the soccer pitch. His speed and technical ability on the ball
caught my eye right away. As a defensive player, Alex tackles the
ball hard and has the speed to catch opposing players.”
“I see Alex challenging for
playing time in our backline next year.”
Alex is the son of Rebecca Bowar of
Aurora, Colo. Alex plans to major in secondary education.
*****
Jett
signs with McPherson soccer
McPherson College has announced
the recent signing of Blake Jett of Fort Worth, Tex., and Keller
Central High School to a soccer letter of intent for the 2008-2009
school year.
The 6'0”, 177-pound Jett
was named 2007 MVP Goalkeeper for District 5-5A of the Texas University
Interscholastic League for coach Dave Maher.
Participating
in Blake Jett's letter of intent signing were (front, left) his
mother Lisa Jett, Blake, father Dwight Jett, and sister Chelsi along
with (back) McPherson College head coach Doug Quint.
As a junior, Jett had posted
14 shutouts and only allowed 10 goals in 22 games for Keller Central.
Jett has been credited with
five shutouts during the Chargers' on-going 2008 season.
Outside the interscholastic
season, Jett has played three seasons of club soccer with the Dallas
Texans Red South of the Division 1/Classic League.
Jett has experienced a high
level of club competition having participated with the Texans in
tournaments in North Carolina, Florida, and Tennessee as well as
Texas.
“I am very excited that Blake
chose McPherson College to continue his education and playing career,”
said Doug Quint, McPherson College head coach. “His club experience
has prepared him well for the collegiate level. The Dallas Classic
League has some of the best soccer in the country and his Dallas
Texans Red South team played in the top division of that league.”
“Blake is a very dedicated
and hard working player, who's strong technically and tactically.
His signing gives us a very strong core of keepers for next year
who will be pushing each other every day in training.”
Prior to joining the Dallas
Texan organization, he played club ball for FC Dallas as part of
the Texas Premier League.
Blake is the son of Dwight
and Lisa Jett of Fort Worth, Tex., and he plans major in business
administration.
*****
Tank
signs with McPherson soccer
McPherson College has announced
the recent signing of Tyler Tank of Austin, Texas, to a soccer letter
of intent for the 2008-2009 school year.
Tyler
Tank is joined for his letter of intent with the Bulldogs by his
parents Darrell and Teresa Tank.
Tank will graduate this
spring from McNeil High School in Austin, Texas. The 6'5” and 180-pound
Tank was a three-year letter winner at McNeil, which was District
5A champions in 2005-06 and 2006-07 for coach Justin Sharrock.
In addition to his interscholastic
play, Tank played Division 1 and Premier club soccer for the Lonestar
Soccer Club.
“I'm
very pleased that Tyler decided to continue his playing career at
McPherson College ,” said McPherson head coach Doug Quint.
“Tyler has the ability to step in and
contribute right away as a freshman. He's a big back that is a strong
tackler of the ball and very intelligent in possession. Tyler sees
the field well and has the technically ability under pressure to
get out of trouble.”
“I look forward to Tyler
's development as a collegiate player and the role he is going to
play in our program.”
Tyler is the son of Darrell
and Teresa Tank of Austin, Texas. A McPherson College Presidential
Scholar, Tank plans to major in business and accounting.
*****
Billings
joins McPherson soccer
McPherson College has
announced the recent signing of Nyle Billings of Enid, Okla., and
Northern Oklahoma College to a soccer letter of intent for the 2008-2009
school year.
Nyle
Billings is welcomed to the Bulldog soccer program by McPherson
College head coach Doug Quint.
A 2005 graduate of Enid
High School , the 5'10” and 150-pounds Billings was a three-sport
letter winner at Enid HS, lettering in soccer, cross country, and
track.
The past two seasons, Billings
played at Northern Oklahoma College for coach Michael Duroy.
“I'm really pleased to add
Nyle at semester,” said McPherson head coach Doug Quint. “Nyle played
for a junior college powerhouse Northern Oklahoma under coach (Michael)
DuRoy.”
“Nyle will bring a lot of
speed and experience to McPherson College . He works extremely hard
and has the ability to play multiple positions. I see him having
a very successful career here.”
“I enjoy the fact that he's
coming in second semester. He will then be able to begin training
with the team and getting to know the players.”
“Former NOC standout and
McPherson College academic All-American Nathan McDaniel referred
Nyle to me and I really appreciate his help.”
Nyle is the son of Rick and
Marsha Billings of Enid, Okla.
*****
Plooster
signs with McPherson soccer
McPherson College has announced
the recent signing of Chris Plooster of McPherson, Kan., to a soccer
letter of intent for the 2008-2009 school year.
The 6'0” and 170-pounds Plooster
played two years at Iowa Central Community College following his
graduation from Hutchinson High School in 2003.
Chris
Plooster is joined for his letter of intent signing by McPherson
College head soccer coach Doug Quint.
He will join the Bulldog
program for the second semester of the 2007-2008 school year.
Plooster was a two-time All-ICCAC
and NJCAA All-Region XI selection for Iowa Central under coach Andy
Manners.
Ranked among the NJCAA's
top 20 both seasons at Iowa Central, while giving up less an a goal
per game, Plooster helped lead the Fort Dodge, Iowa, based Tritons
to back-to-back Region XI titles, records of 18-2-0 and 15-4-3,
and a #5 national NJCAA ranking, the highest in school history.
Prior to junior college,
Plooster played under current McPherson College head coach Doug
Quint, beginning at the U-11 club level and later at Hutchinson
High School.
As a SaltHawk, Plooster was
selected first team All-Ark Valley, All-Region, and Class 6A All-State
as a goal keeper while helping HHS to two Ark Valley League and
regional titles, back-to-back Class 6A Final Four appearances and
a Class 6A state runner-up finish in 2001.
“I'm thrilled to be here,”
said Plooster upon his signing. “I'll admit I was a little spooked
about coming home and feeling like I was under the looking glass,
but I'm O.K. with that now.”
“It should be fun (rejoining
Quint). I know what he's about and what he expects.”
Chris has been pursuing his
education at the University of Iowa, and training the University
of Iowa club team.
“I'm looking forward to being
in a situation where the path to my degree is laid out, and I know
exactly what I need to complete my degree,” said Plooster of the
advantage of coming back to a smaller, more personal education environment.
“Coach Quint, the folks in Admissions, Shay (Maclin, Assistant Professor
of Education) and the others in the education department have been
real helpful.”
McPherson College head soccer
coach Doug Quint added, “(Chris) Plooster and I have a lot of history
together. He initially started playing for me at the club level,
where we were extremely successful together.”
“Together, we were able to
take Hutchinson High School to new heights. Each year Chris was
between the pipes, we won the (Ark Valley) league outright, the
(KSHSAA) region, and appeared in the Class 6A Final Four. This was
competing against the state's best competition, at the highest level.
There was a reason that he was recognized as the best keeper in
the state! People just didn't score on him.”
“With the graduation of our
all-conference keeper Michael Davis, I needed to find someone with
proven game experience. I couldn't have asked for anyone better.”
“Chris gives us someone who
will keep us in games. He organizes the players in front of him
better than any keeper I have ever coached. He's hands are glue
and he's technically sound.”
“To have him transfer in
at semester will allow him to train with the team during the off-season
and really get to know the players. I'm looking forward to the new
things we can achieve together. It's very comforting knowing that
he is going to be the last line of our defense. I will definitely
sleep better at night!”
Chris is the son of Keith
and Sheila Plooster of McPherson, Kan., and he will major in elementary
education and secondary education English.
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