KIRKLAND, WA - Northwest University Head Coach Gary McIntosh announced the signing of  three outstanding athletes to play for the NU men's soccer team.

Midfielder James Kerr from Woodinville, WA and Cedar Park Christian School in Bothell has signed a letter of intent to play for the Eagles. Kerr was named to the Emerald City League's All-Conference team for the 2007-08 season. He was also voted Most Valuable Player for his Northshore Club U-18 select team in 2007-08. An outstanding student, James graduates from Cedar Park Christian with a 3.45 grade point average.

"James will be a good addition to the NU soccer program. He can play both the forward and midfield position and will add some scoring punch for us up top," commented Coach McIntosh. "This is a guy who loves to play the game of soccer and will add some depth to our team.

Forward Luke Fischer of Flathead, Montana has also signed to play for NU and was named Flathead High School Male Athlete of the Year for 2007-08. Fischer was a member of two state championship teams while playing for FHS in 2005 and 2006 and was named to the All-State team in 2006 and 2007. Fischer was a multi-sport athlete at Flathead High as he threw the javelin for a school record of 199'8" this year and was a Montana state champion in wrestling winning the 171 pound class in 2008 with a record of 42-2.

"Northwest University soccer is pleased to have signed Luke Fischer to play soccer here in the fall," stated Coach McIntosh. "Luke brings a competitive attitude towards the game and is a forward known for scoring goals and lots of them," he continued. "In high school he always scored the goals when the team needed them. Luke is a solid athlete with tremendous soccer skill and knowledge and he a perfect fit for the University. We are very excited to have Luke join the men's soccer program."

Wilbur Velasco (Center midfielder) comes to NU from Wenatchee CC and was named team Most Valuable Player in his freshman and sophomore years and was named to the NWAACC All-Star team in both seasons. At Kamiakin High School in Kennewick, Velasco was a three-year team MVP and first team All-Big 9 League in his junior and senior year while named to the All-Big 9 second team in his sophomore season. As a freshman at Kennewick High School, Wilbur was a second team All-Big 9 selection.

Coach McIntosh had this to say about Velasco: "Wilbur is a proven winner and competitor and this is a good find for the men's soccer program. Wilbur is a solid player in the middle with great skill. He is creative and will be the set up guy for many of the goals scored. He has an incredible soccer mind and plays with a great deal of passion. He will definitely make us better in the midfield and going forward on the attack."