May 11, 2010

Rio soccer signs pair from Alexander

Rio Grande --- The University of Rio Grande RedStorm men's soccer team has added two more to the fold with the signings of Caleb Wilson and Jake Pyle, of Alexander High School, to national letters of intent.

Wilson, a forward, served as the team captain as a senior. He earned 2^nd team all-league honors and was also tabbed honorable mention All-Ohio. Pyle, a midfielder/defender, was all-district honorable mention this past fall. 

Both players were very happy to have found a place to continue their soccer careers. "I'm really excited to be a part of the Rio program," Wilson said. "Also, the fact that I get to continue my soccer career and I get the opportunity to continue my education as well."

"I've always wanted to play soccer at the next level and now I get the opportunity," Pyle said. "I can't wait for the season to start." 

Rio Grande head coach Scott Morrissey is pleased to have both young men in the program. "We're very pleased to sign both of these young men," he said. "We're familiar with them from our camps. They come from a very solid high school program and are very well-coached."

"They will be a part of a very deep and very good recruiting class for Rio Grande," Morrissey added. 

Both players stated their reasons for signing with Rio Grande. "The soccer signing was a big factor, but also I heard that Rio's teaching program for early childhood education is a well-run program," Wilson said. "I really like the campus and the environment surrounding Rio."

"It's a small, community college that is close to home," said Pyle. "Rio has a great soccer team as well as excellent educational programs."

Pyle is majoring in education while Wilson will pursue a degree in early childhood education.

Both players gave an assessment of their strong points and areas they need to work on to have success at the college level. "Seeing the field and passing the ball are my strengths, I feel as though I can see the plays before they happen," said Pyle. "I need to work on speed and shot accuracy."

"I'm really fast and I pass the ball well," Wilson said. "I need to work on my strength and power on my shot."

Wilson knew of Rio Grande because of the summer soccer camps held there while Pyle was aware of the great tradition of the soccer program. "I went to soccer camp the summer before my senior year and really liked how things were run there," Wilson said.

"I knew that Rio had a great soccer program and that they had been to the NAIA National Championships in the past," Pyle said. 

Both players aim to work hard, improve and help continue the winning tradition of the Rio soccer program. "My ultimate goal is to work hard and do my best to contribute to the soccer team," Pyle said. "And, to hopefully help the team get back to another national championship."

"My goal is to improve my soccer skills and hopefully make varsity within the four years," Wilson said. "Also, to become a part of the Rio team and make friends while working hard and improving myself." 

Caleb is the son of Bryan & Janie Wilson of Albany, Ohio. Jake is the son of Tom & Kristie Pyle also of Albany. 

Pyle and Wilson join Daniel Scott of Warren High School, Tyler Kuhner, Jordan Jenkins and Paul Wyatt Smith of Zane Trace High School as the current members of the 2010 Rio Grande men's soccer recruiting class.

Rio Grande finished the 2009 season with an 18-3-3 record and advanced to the NAIA semifinals for the fourth time in school history.