Eight More Added by Lewis to Corban's 2013 Recruiting Class
SALEM, Ore. – Corban University's head men's soccer coach Aaron Lewis announced that eight student-athletes have signed Cascade Collegiate Conference Letters of Intent Thursday, as the Warriors' recruiting class expands with the addition of a pair of transfers from North Idaho College and six high school seniors.
The additional eight players are junior college transfers
Kyle Hammond (Missoula, Mt.) and
Eliseo Santana (Idaho Falls, Idaho), as well as high school seniors
Casey Bromat (Bellingham, Wash.),
Mykenze Caswell (Eugene, Ore.),
Nathaniel Cheney (Clarkston, Wash.),
Westley Coleman (Clackamas, Ore.),
Derrus Guerra (Happy Valley, Ore.), and
Robert Hutchin (Vancouver, Wash.).
"I am extremely pleased that these athletes have decided to attend Corban University this fall," said Lewis. "I believe this class has the potential to make a huge impression on the men's soccer program and Corban University. I look forward to getting them to Salem in August to begin our season."
Hammond, a 5-foot-10 midfielder, comes to Corban after playing two seasons at North Idaho College in Coeur d'Alene. In two seasons, Hammond helped lead the Cardinals to a combined 12 victories that included NIC advancing to the West District Tournament as a freshman. Before North Idaho, Hammond played four years at Hellgate High School in Montana where he was an all-state selection as a senior for the Knights.
"Kyle is a solid, well rounded player that will add experience and strength to our midfielding core," commented Lewis. "Kyle comes to us as a leader from the North Idaho College team he played with this past fall. I expect him to a consistent performer in our program."
Santana, a 6-foot midfielder/forward, was a teammate of Hammond at North Idaho College over the past two seasons where he was nominated as Athlete of the Year following his second season with the Cardinals. Prior to NIC, Santana played four seasons at Rigby High School in Idaho.
"Eliseo is a strong player that can help control the middle of the field," said Lewis. "He has the ability to win balls in the air, hold opponents off once the ball is settled, and then find teammates in the attack. Eliseo also has the ability to be dangerous on set pieces both on and off the ball."
Bromet, a 5-foot-10 defender/forward, arrives at Corban after playing four seasons at Meridian High School in Washington. Along with his time with the Trojans, Bromet also played with the Whatcom County Rangers club team that he helped lead to tournament titles at The Mt. Baker Blast and Snohomish Bigfoot.
"Casey is a smart, versatile player that will be able to find ways to contribute," commented Lewis. "We believe that his time playing for the Whatcom County Rangers has prepared him to transition well into the Warrior program."
Caswell, a 5-foot-10 midfielder, will arrive in the Capital City following four years playing at Willamette High School in Eugene. A graduate of Harris Private School in Harrisburg, Caswell helped lead Willamette to back-to-back Midwestern League titles as a junior and senior. A team captain for the Wolverines, Caswell earned first team all-league honors at the conclusion of his senior season.
"Mykenze is going to add quickness and skillfulness to our attacking core," said Lewis. "We feel that his athleticism and technical play will allow him to compete for a role this fall."
Cheney, a 5-foot-9 midfielder, comes to Corban after playing four seasons at Union High School in Washington. With the Titans, Cheney helped lead Union to back-to-back Greater St. Helens League championships as a sophomore and junior. Cheney earned all-league honors as a sophomore, while being named all-state following the conclusion of his junior season.
"Nathaniel is going to add a lot to the technical ability of our team," stated Lewis. "He has a very soft touch and his vision will help set up teammates with opportunities to attack. Nathaniel is also a quick mover off the ball and knows how to make dangerous runs in the final third."
Coleman, a 5-foot-9 midfielder/forward, will join the Warriors this fall after playing four seasons at Clackamas High School. As a senior, Coleman helped lead the Cavaliers to the Three Rivers League title and a third place finish in the 6A state tournament. Coleman also earned 1st team all-league honors as a senior after being named 2nd team all-league after the completion of his junior season.
"Westley is an athletic player with very good feet," said Lewis. "I believe he can apply pressure to opponents both with his ability to get at defenders with pace, as well as his defensive intensity. He has played for solid programs throughout his high school and club career, and I expect Westley to contribute early on during his time at Corban."
Guerra, a 5-foot-8 midfielder/defender, was a teammate of Coleman at Clackamas High School for the past four seasons. Guerra helped lead the Cavaliers to their first Three Rivers League title since 1992, as Clackamas compiled an overall win-loss record of 16-2-1 that included falling in the 6A tournament semifinals on penalty kicks to eventual runner-up Lincoln.
"Derrus, also known as Chico, is a skillful left-footed player that will give us options on our left side this fall," commented Lewis. "He has played both in the back and in the midfield during his time with Clackamas High School and The Eastside Timbers."
Hutchin, a 5-foot-9 forward/midfielder, comes to Corban after playing four seasons at Skyview High School in Washington. As a junior, Hutchin helped lead the Storm to the 4A state title with a victory over then-undefeated Central Kitsap. A three-year starter and team captain as a senior for Skyview, Hutchin was an all-league scholar athlete after the conclusion of his junior season.
"Bobby has played in big games and is a proven winner at both the high school and club levels," said Lewis. "He is strong enough to hold the ball up front, yet quick enough to turn and get behind defenses. I expect Bobby to be a contributor in the Warrior attack from day one."
The aforementioned eight student-athletes join Tim Kagey, Jordan Farr, Jacob Fuqua, Ross Mader, and Ray Rodriguez to make up the 2013 recruiting class for the Warriors.
Corban is scheduled to kick off the 2013 season on Saturday, August 17th, in a preseason scrimmage against crosstown Chemeketa Community College beginning at 2:00 p.m. on Warrior Field in Salem. After an exhibition game against NCAA Division II member Cal State Stanislaus, the Warriors officially open their regular season against Simpson University on Saturday, August 24th, at 12:00 p.m. in Redding, California.