2006 Another Banner Recruiting Year for the Lions
The 2006 recruiting efforts appear to be paying off. Currently, 19 new players have committed to come to Bryan and enter training camp this coming August. Student-athletes from across the United States and abroad will be putting on the Red and Gold this Fall.
New players from Texas, North Carolina, Tennessee, Maryland, Georgia, and New York will join those from Bolivia, Spain, Brazil, Canada, and elsewhere. Head Coach and Athletics Director Dr. Sandy Zensen said, “This is going to be an exciting year. We’ve got some quality new players joining us that will make the Lions a serious contender for another AAC title. Coupled with returning student-athletes, we should make a run for the championship.”
Heading the list of recruits is Curt Hays, a forward/mid-fielder. Curt is a true competitor with excellent technical ability and tactical awareness. He is a product of Brazoswood High School (TX) and comes to Bryan by means of former Lion standout Henry Barrios (’04 graduate). Curt is expected to have an immediate and positive impact on the team and make his presence known throughout the conference. Joining Hays is Drew Goodman, an MK from Spain. Drew’s dad played for the NCCAA Division I National Champion Lions some years back. Drew is a quality player with great skills, good speed, and a high work rate. Any time he has the ball he is going to create problems for opponents.
Also, a strong defender from North Carolina, Chris Kloc, will be suiting up for the Lions. Chris was this year’s first recruit. He is expected to come in and help anchor a traditionally stingy defense. Zensen said, “He is a great kid, a tough defender, and one I expect to see a great deal of action.” In addition, sophomore transfer Mark Baker, an all-state goal keeper from Tennessee, will be joining the Lions. Mark has size, experience, and a great work ethic. No doubt, he will compete for that starting GK position
There is also a Canadian connection. Two players from Canada have committed to Bryan: Nico Fernandez and Kevin Brodie. Both are very capable players and will bring their considerable talents to the field to strengthen the Lions. Brodie is a hard-nosed player, and Fernandez is a highly technical player who can find the open man and create scoring opportunities for the Lions.
Two additional international players have also committed to play for Bryan. One hails from Bolivia, Mauricio Pena, a talented central defender, and one from Brazil, Carlos Jota Silva, an attacking-mid with great vision and technical skills. Carlos was recommended by former Lion and now head coach at Texas A&M International University Claudio Arias. Both of these student-athletes have played at high levels in their respective countries, and are expected to make a significant contribution to the success of Bryan’s ’06 men’s soccer team.
Rounding out this years recruiting class are a host of quality student-athletes, all of whom will deepen next year’s team and help the Lions in their march to the play-offs. Andrew Davis, Michael Schroeder, Luke Schaeffer, Josh Maubach, Kevin Bradley, and Stephen Russell will all be joining the team. Dr. Zensen said, “All these kids can play, and all of them are first-class young men. I have high expectations for each of them, and I believe that they will make their presence felt on the practice field and in the course of a game.”
Also expected to join the team are freshman standouts Bryan Alfano, Caleb Beasley, and local Rhea County High School player Kyle Kuffrey.
Hold on! There is still more to come. Coach Zensen is closing in on several additional quality players. Announcements will be forthcoming! Stay tuned for more!