WEST CHESTER, Pa. – Head coach Kendall Walkes beams with excitement whenever somebody engages him in conversation about this year’s recruiting class. The 20-year mentor of West Chester University’s booters claims this group could be among the best he has brought into the Golden Rams’ fold in quite some time.
“This year's class is probably the deepest talent we have recruited in 10 years,” Walkes boasted. “Most of them are expected to be immediate contributors on the field.
West Chester University finished the 2008 campaign at 10-7-3 overall and missed the PSAC postseason tournament for the first time in seven years. Walkes feels this class will put the Golden Rams back into the mix in the Eastern Division.
“We also have a nucleus of six players coming from the same club team. They have already played together for the past four or five years,” Walkes explained. “The last time we recruited multiple players from the same club, our all-time leading scorer (Ryan Sekkes) emerged from amongst them. I'm very excited about this upcoming season.”
Among the 13 recruits, there are two goalkeepers, one forward, seven midfielders and three backs. This year’s class possesses a lot of speed as well as good size to help in the midfield and up front.
Taylor Eisenhower, Tyler Fetrrow, Neil Gallagher, Drew Innerst, Dan Roberts and Brett Snyder all come to West Chester from the Redlands Soccer Club that earned the reputation as one of the premier teams in the U-17 age group of Southeastern Pennsylvania. Innerst, Fetrrow and Eisenhower all played on Redland High School’s squad that reached the state semifinals last fall.
Jake Maxwell, Stephen Rizzo, and Andrew Solimeo are all local products from Chester County, who chose to stay close to home to continue their soccer careers. Kevin Marron and Garrett Bleiler are the two goalkeepers in the mix. They will join returning keeper Peter Weiss in a battle for playing time between the posts in the fall.
The 2009 recruiting class is rounded out by Peter Mais and Josh Labik, who will fight for playing time in the midfield for the Golden Rams.
West Chester University opens its 2009 slate at home hosting the WCU Tournament on Aug. 29-30 inside Farrell Stadium. The Golden Rams take on Columbia Union on the 29th at 7 p.m. after Shepherd and Goldey-Beacom play at 4 p.m.
2009 Men’s Soccer Recruiting Class
Name Pos. Ht. Wt. Hometown/High School
Drew Innerst M 6-0 155 Etters, Pa./Redland
Stephen Rizzo M/D 5-10 165 West Chester, Pa./Rustin
Brett Snyder M 5-11 160 Mechanicsburg, Pa./Cedar Cliff
Tyler Fetrrow F 6-4 175 Lewisberry, Pa./Redland
Taylor Eisenhower D 6-1 160 Mechanicsburg, Pa./Redland
Peter Mais M 6-2 170 Fenwick Island, Del./Indian River
Josh Labik M 6-3 185 Elverson, Pa./Twin Valley
Neil Gallagher M 5-10 145 Camp Hill, Pa./Camp Hill
Dan Roberts M 5-9 160 Landisburg, Pa./West Perry
Garrett Bleiler GK 6-1 170 Allentown, Pa./Parkland
Kevin Marron GK 6-5 215 Tinton Falls, N.J./Monmouth
Jake Maxwell M 5-6 145 Downingtown, Pa./Downingtown East
Andrew Solimeo D 5-11 170 Downingtown, Pa./Downingtown West