Your future, our focus
Members Of Soccer Team Sign With Sour-Year Schools
Five members of the Northwest College men’s soccer program will be taking their talents to the next level, signing letters of intent with four-year schools to continue their careers on the pitch.
Those moving on include 2017 captains Robert George and Ryan Tyrer, who have signed letters of intent with the University of Hawaii-Hilo and Anderson University in South Carolina, respectively. Midfielders Luis Diaz Menendez and Carlos Felgueroso will be suiting up for Northwest Christian University in Eugene, Oregon, while Jun Ukemori will play for SUNY Canton, a Division III program in Canton, New York. Goalkeeper Luke Holt is currently in talks with two schools, and is expected to make a decision later this month.
For the majority of the sophomores who wanted to continue playing soccer, “I think we did pretty well overall” in finding them schools to play for,” said NWC head coach Stan Rodrigues.
“It’s a true testament, not only to the program, because I think this school has had a very healthy success rate of moving a few guys on here and there,” said. “I took kids from this program when I was a coach at a four-year school. All in all, it’s very gratifying, and it’s also gratifying to know that we gave the positive experience enough that the boys want to continue that experience.”
George, a midfielder from Casper, was an All-Region IX selection last year, and Rodrigues said his tenacity and “diehard Wyoming spirit” will serve him well on the Big Island of Hawaii.
“It’s hard to put a one-word definition on him,” Rodrigues said of George. “His spirit and his fight in the game, coupled with the fact that he’s athletic and can play at least three positions is what that team is getting. They needed someone at the defensive mid that could keep their fitness up and run through a wall if necessary, like Robert did for us. ... I think the school will welcome him with open arms.”
George called his latest opportunity “a dream come true,” and he’s excited to continue his collegiate career.
“What sold me on is that they have room to build,” George said of Hawaii-Hilo. “There are 16 returners, so I’m excited to get in there and try to help with our success.”
Tyrer, a captain in both of his seasons at NWC, was named a Junior College Scholar All American following this season and was a member of the All Region IX team. Rodrigues said Anderson University offered Tyrer an amazing financial package to play for the Ravens, and he will make an immediate impact for the defense.
“AU needed a center back that brought not only the ability to lead the team — and they want his leadership — but the ability to keep his grades high as well,” Rodrigues said. “Being a Scholar All American definitely set off some fireworks for many schools, he was very sought-after. In the end, I think this was the best fit.”
Tyrer agreed.
“I’m happy that I’m going to a school that likes to compete within one of the toughest conferences in the NCAA,” he said. “This is another step for me to get to where I want to be, and I think Anderson gives me a great opportunity to do so.”
Diaz Menendez and Felgueroso both completed a year of college in Spain before coming to NWC, so Rodrigues knew he’d likely only have the pair for a year. Both excelled on the field and in the classroom for the Trappers, and Rodrigues expects that to continue as they head to Northwestern Christian.
“They’re both brilliant kids in the sense of their work ethic and balancing soccer and life,” Rodrigues said. “I know the coach at NCU, and I know he’ll take care of my boys. I think it was the best place suited for them academically, financially and soccer-wise. I think they’ll make a big impact because they bring as higher level of technical play.”
Playing for the Trappers and living in Powell was Diaz Menendez’s first experience outside of his home country, an experience he says he’ll never forget. He’s looking forward to moving on to his next adventure.
“It’s a pleasure for me to be able to keep playing soccer here,” he said. “It was my goal when I came here to the United States, so I’m happy for this great opportunity. I can’t wait for the future.”
Though where he lands has yet to be determined, whichever school has Holt on their roster next season will be getting a game-changer in the net, Rodrigues said. Holt, from Kilmarnock, Scotland, was also named to the Region IX All-Conference team and posted an impressive 80.8 save percentage last season.
“To find a goalkeeper that can win you games just by being in the goal is difficult nowadays, because there are so many moving parts,” Rodrigues said. “Luke [Holt] can win close games, just by being Luke in the goal. He’s so smart on the attacking end, helping us create the attack. And he’s so vocal and confident back there, it’s really like having an extra player on the field. He’s the anchor, for sure, of any team, and whichever team gets him I know for a fact will win at least two more games a season because of him.”
As Rodrigues prepares for his second season the helm of NWC, he’s excited about the players returning for their second season, as well as the new recruits he’s signed since the beginning of the year. Still, the group moving on will hold a special place in his heart.
“This group of guys, to get my feet wet here in Wyoming, has been a blessing,” he said. “These guys all came in, all from different areas, and were able to bond and really help me grow as a coach. It’s going to be hard to say goodbye to these guys. ... Every year you get 20 new kids or so, and all you can do is pray that you can do the best you can so that they can go on and remember where they came from; this is where they came from.”