MARION, Ind. -- Indiana Wesleyan University head men's soccer coach Mark Castro has completed his 2009 top flight recruiting class with the addition of four tremendous student-athletes to national letters of intent, who complement an already impressive group of previous signees.
"Our seven seniors helped build this program into national prominence and the inclusion of our 2009 recruitment class will ensure that our success will continue. We are not rebuilding next year…we are reloading," stated Castro.
Chase Miller S 5'9" Goshen, Indiana Elkhart Christian Academy/F.C. Indiana
Geoff Bowman M 5'9" Schererville, Indiana Lake Central H.S./Chicago Magic Academy
Lucas Carpenter M 6'0" Goshen, Indiana Northridge H.S./Indiana Invaders
Dale Calvert D 6'0" Indianapolis, Indiana Perry Meridian H.S./University of Memphis
Chase Miller
Coach Castro says…
Chase has a great attitude to get forward to create goal scoring opportunities. He is a tireless worker who has a solid technical ability. The greatest quality I see in Chase is his commitment to excellence. He is very goal oriented and once he sets those goals, he will do whatever it takes to accomplish the task set before him. He is the type of player I want at IWU.
Prep/Personal
Captained his Elkhart Christian Academy team to a fourth consecutive conference championship '08, '07, '06, '05…earned All-Conference First Team accolades '08, '07…two time Offensive Player of the Year for his team '08, '07…led the team in goals and assists with 11 and 9 respectively…ranked 11th in scoring for Elkhart and Goshen County '08…born November 26, 1990…son of Tim and Janet Miller…plans to study Business Management.
Geoff Bowman
Coach Castro says…
Geoff brings a keen spatial awareness, vision, technical ability needed to orchestrate a college midfield. His ability to find the seams between opponents back four and play elegant passes forward to release strikers is tremendous. He is versatile in that we can give him the green light to get forward or keep him home in front of our back four to plug up holes making it difficult for opponents to attack. His high level of training will help him adapt to our speed of play immediately. Since he has experienced the stress of many championship games, he knows what it takes to win the big game.
Prep/Personal
Played four years for Lake Central High School, one of the top programs in the state…earned Indiana All-State First Team honors '08…Academic All State '08…All-District First Team '08…Lake Central Most Valuable Player '08…Duneland Athletic Conference Most Valuable Player '08…Times and Post Tribune All-Area First Team '08, ‘07…Top goal scorer '08…captained Lake Central H.S. '08…Rookie of the Year '05…four time Sectional Champions '08, '07, '06, '05…plays club soccer for Chicago Magic Academy where his team won the Illinois State Cup three times '07, '06, '05…Region II championship '07, '05…United States Youth Soccer club national finalist '05…Super Y League national champions '06…Super Y League national finalist '05…quarter finalist at Dallas Cup '07…semi finalist at Dallas Cup '05…Academic Letter Winner '08, '07…Indiana Academic Honors Diploma '09…born October 7, 1990…son of James and Karen Bowman…plans to study Nursing and/or Business.
Lucas Carpenter
CLICK HERE for a video of Lucas Carpenter's signing
Coach Castro says…
Lucas brings size and height to our midfield. He tenaciously goes after 50/50 balls whether in the air or on the ground. He has excellent technical ability with both feet. He can destroy defenses with his passing or finishing ability. He has a quick trigger with either foot which catches keepers off balance with his shot. He is an unselfish player who involves the players around him and makes them better. Lucas is a gifted athlete who excels at every sport he participates. Currently, he is an integral player on his Northridge H.S. basketball team which is one of the best in the state.
Prep/Personal
Starting central midfielder for four years at Northridge High School…earned All-District honors '08…two time All-Conference First Team accolade for the Northern Lakes Conference '08, '07…led Northridge H.S. to the Indiana Semi State '06…played club soccer for NIFA '08…led the NIFA club team to runner-up in the Indiana State Cup '08…awarded the prestigious Outstanding Player Award given by the Michiana Soccer Referees Association '08…Academic All-State Honors recipient '08, '07, '06...born March 29, 1991…son of Andrew and Cindy Carpenter…plans to study Business, Engineering or Sports Management.
Dale Calvert
Coach Castro says…
Dale is an excellent defender who not only slows down attackers but dispossesses them the majority of the time. He organizes defenses extremely well and has the ability to control our tempo from an offensive point of view. He brings a defensive awareness and athletic ability that will complement our team. Dale is a mature young man who plays with integrity and is an excellent fit for our program. He will have sophomore status as he is a transfer from the University of Memphis. His high level of training will allow him to quickly challenge for playing time and a possible starting position.
Prep/Personal
Played two years at Perry Meridian High School and two years at Southport High School where he captained the team '07, '06, '05…earned Indiana All-District honors ‘04…was awarded All-Conference selection '04…member of the Olympic Development Program State Team '04, ‘03…played club soccer with Westside United…Indiana State Cup runner-up '05…born April 12, 1989…son of Devin and Marla Calvert…plans to study Exercise Science.
