Bolton Announces NCU's 2008 Men's Soccer Recruiting Class
EUGENE, Ore. – Northwest Christian University men’s soccer coach Chris Bolton announce this week his completed recruiting class for the 2008 season. Fifteen athletes have signed Cascade Conference letters of intent with the Beacons as they begin a dramatic overhaul of the program, going on its third season of competition.
This new class is represented by a combination of experienced transfers, game-tested freshmen, and by far the most talented recruiting class of Coach Bolton’s brief three-year tenure at Northwest Christian. The class is a mix of local talent and players from out-of-state. Here is a run-down on each of this year’s recruits.
Shane Dasher, Midfielder, Lakeland C.C. (OH), Eugene, OR: Shane is best known as a coach with local ties, formerly at Lane Community College and currently with the Churchill H.S. girls’ program. In a divine twist of fate, Shane found the Beacons soccer program just as the coaches found Shane searching to finish his college degree. At 32 years of age, Shane brings immediate experience and leadership to the program. Since joining the men’s soccer program in January, Shane has already been named a captain and should start at central midfielder.
Alex Crossingham, Defender, Sandpoint H.S., Sandpoint, ID: Alex is one of the most accomplished players in the Beacons’ line-up. A fast, and physical outside back with tremendous attacking ability, Alex is a two-time Idaho state champion, former ODP player, and recently represented the state of Idaho at this year’s USSF Region IV championships in Hawaii with the Coeur d’Alene Sting.
Chris Wilgus, Defender, Churchill H.S., Eugene, OR: It has been several years since Chris played high school soccer for the Lancers, so he is best known as a referee in the Lane County area. Chris is a strong and extremely technical defender who can be a brutal tackler as well as a skilled attacker. Chris joined the Beacons in January and has already had a positive impact on the team’s training as well as in the classroom at Northwest Christian.
David Lee, Midfielder, Bluefield College (VA), Sydney, Australia: David is an experienced college transfer player with sub-eleven-second 100m speed. His fitness, solid work ethic, and outstanding athletic ability will make an immediate impact as a winger for the Beacons.
Jacob Acedo, Forward, Sahuarita H.S., Sahuarita, AZ: Jacob is a quick, left-footed goal-scorer who earned Arizona Prep Honorable Mention honors as a senior this year. Jacob’s speed and technical ability on the ball will be a perfect complement to the Beacon’s all-conference forward, Greg Erickson. Jacob’s ability to score in tight space will be a bonus to the Beacon front line.
Justin Doss, Defender, Rio Rancho H.S., Rio Rancho, NM: Justin will join the Beacons as a steady player in the back. He immediately caught Coach Bolton’s eye as a player who reads the game exceptionally well. He is technically sound, but it will be his mental approach and his experience as a club player for New Mexico Rush and one of the top high school teams in New Mexico that will make the difference for the Beacons. Justin’s dad is a former collegiate player and his brother played at conference foe, Concordia University.
Kenny Sale, Midfielder, Fountain Hills H.S., Fountain Hills, AZ: Kenny brings height and athleticism to the Beacon midfield. Though coming from Arizona, Kenny has local ties playing for Junction City H.S. as a freshman and Churchill H.S. as a sophomore. At 17 years old, Kenny is still growing and will help the team greatly with his versatility.
Carlos Sandoval, Midfielder, Rio Rancho H.S., Rio Rancho, NM: Carlos is a strong, technical midfielder and a member of one of New Mexico’s top high school teams. He is a high school teammate of NCU recruit, Justin Doss. Carlos is a versatile player who can defend as well as score when called upon to do so. His father is a recent veteran of the Iraq war. Carlos will most likely be a starter at outside defender for the Beacons.
Chris Senick, Midfielder, Seaside H.S., Seaside, OR: Chris is an extremely hard-working attacking midfielder with excellent speed and athletic ability who will challenge for a starting spot this year for the Beacons. Chris was an Oregon 4A All-State selection last year.
Aaron Dilla, Midfielder, Hope International University (CA), Hillsboro, OR: Aaron brings NAIA collegiate experience as a transfer. Aaron should provide valuable minutes for the Beacons as an outside midfielder. He is an excellent crosser of the ball and defends well. He played high school soccer for Glencoe H.S., the 2007 5A state champions.
Max Sampson, Midfielder, Junction City H.S., Junction City OR: Max is an intelligent playmaker who will help the Beacons in future years. Like many freshmen, it will take Max some time to adapt to the collegiate speed of play. He was a first-team Sky-Em League selection for Junction City last year. Max played for Coach Bolton for two years for the Tigers before Bolton joined the Beacons.
Brian Maloney, Forward, Scappoose H.S., Scappoose, OR: Brian is a fast and physical forward. He was first-team all-Cowapa League last year. Brian will gain experience this year as he adapts to the speed of play at the collegiate level, however his future looks bright for the Beacons because of his physical tenacity.
Alan Baker, Forward, Lane C.C., Eugene, OR: Alan is a player with strong local ties who has spent much of the last 10 years playing in local city leagues. Alan will bring maturity and leadership to the team, and his size and physical presence will give the Beacons a different wrinkle in its forward corps.
Timothy Anthony, Forward, Willamette H.S., Eugene, OR: Tim is a quick forward with excellent scoring ability. Tim earned all-Midwestern League honors in 2006.
Jeff Lee, Defender, Sheldon H.S., Eugene, OR: Jeff is a hard-working defender with local ties as a former high school player with the Sheldon Irish. His tenacity should earn him playing time in 2008.