Corban is poised to make a run at its second Cascade Collegiate Conference tournament in three seasons, as head coach Aaron Lewis announced Thursday that he has signed his first wave of recruits for the 2013 season.
Lewis Announces Corban's First Wave of Recruits for 2013 Season
SALEM, Ore. – Corban University head men's soccer coach
Aaron Lewis announced Thursday that he has signed the first wave of recruits for the 2013 season to Cascade Collegiate Conference Letters of Intent, including a NCAA Division I transfer and four incoming freshman.
The first five recruits that have signed to play for the Warriors next season are
Tim Kagey (West Linn, Ore.),
Jordan Farr (Turner, Ore.),
Jacob Fuqua (Portland, Ore.),
Ross Mader (Spokane, Wash.), and
Ray Rodriguez (La Grande, Ore.).
"These five players were among the first to commit under my leadership and I appreciate that they have embraced the vision and momentum we have for the program," said Lewis.
Kagey, a 6-foot-2 midfielder/defender, comes to Corban after spending two seasons at NCAA Division I member Oregon State. Following four seasons at Westside Christian High School, Kagey red-shirted in 2008 for the Beavers before making the team as a walk-on in 2009. At Westside Christian, Kagey was a four-time all-league honoree and was a three-time all-state team member that included after the conclusion of his senior season where he scored 20 goals that year for the Eagles.
Along with his collegiate soccer experience, Kagey also won three straight state titles with the Westside Metros, another state title with Lake Oswego's club team, and captured back-to-back regional titles with Region IV.
"Tim has been involved in Division I soccer and played for an extremely talented club team under coach Monty Hawkins, throughout his high school years," said Lewis. "Tim understands the professionalism and commitment it takes to be a successful player and team. He is tall and can win balls in the air, but also has the skill to settle and help us build from the back."
Farr, a 6-foot-1 goalkeeper, will arrive at Corban in the fall after graduating from nearby Cascade High School. A three-time team captain for the Cougars, Farr left Cascade as the school's all-time leading goal scorer with 40 career goals, including a program-record 18 as a sophomore. Farr was named 1st team all-league three times, while also being voted as the team's Most Valuable Player as a sophomore, junior, and senior. Following the conclusion of his senior season, Farr was named 4A goalkeeper of the year as well as earning 1st team all-league honors both as a goalkeeper after registering 83 saves and a field player thanks to nine goals and eight assists.
Along with his high school accolades, Farr also played at the club level for the CFC Capitals helping lead the team to six state championships.
"Jordan had a great deal of success as a goalkeeper for Cascade Futbol Club and Cascade High School," commented Lewis. "He is a talented player both as a goal keeper, and on the field. I believe Jordan has the ability become one of the best goalkeepers in the conference during his tenure at Corban."
Fuqua, a 5-foot-9 midfielder/forward, comes to the Capital City after playing four seasons at De La Salle North Catholic High School. A two-time captain for the Knights, Fuqua was named 1st team all-league following the conclusion of his junior and senior seasons as well as earning second team all-league as a sophomore.
Besides his time at De La Salle North Catholic, Fuqua also played at the club level for Portland City United where he helped lead the team to the state quarterfinals and a semifinal appearance at the Nomads Tournament.
"Jacob is a quick, hardworking player that can help us in several areas throughout our program," said Lewis. "I look for Jacob to add depth to our attack, and challenge guys currently in the program for minutes on the field."
Mader, a 5-foot-9 defender, comes to Corban from Mt. Spokane High School in Washington. With the Wildcats, Mader was an All-Greater Spokane League Honorable Mention recipient and also earned the team's Defensive MVP award en route to helping Mt. Spokane advance to the 3A state tournament quarterfinals.
Along with his high school experience, Mader also played at the club level for the Washington East Soccer Club. Mader was the team captain while helping lead his team to the Washington Premier League title.
"Ross is a hardworking, physical defender that has played for quality high school and club teams in Eastern Washington," commented Lewis. "I look forward to seeing his blend of toughness and technical ability help our team for years to come."
Rodriguez, a 5-foot-8 defender/midfielder, will arrive at Corban next fall after playing four season at La Grande High School. As a Tiger, Rodriguez was named team captain and earned all-league recognition. After his freshman season, Rodriguez was named the team's Rookie of the Year and helped lead La Grande to the state tournament quarterfinals.
"Ray is a player that consistently grew throughout his high school career at La Grande," said Lewis. "His eagerness to learn, coupled by his athletic ability, make him a player we are excited to see here at Corban in the fall."
Corban is coming off its second straight winning season and will kick off the 2013 season against California Pacific Conference member Simpson on Saturday, August 17th, at 12:00 p.m. in Redding, California.