ARKADELPHIA- Coming off of their best season in school history, the Ouachita Baptist Men’s Soccer program announced the signing of three student-athletes to national letters of intent on Wednesday.
Joining the team will be Nathan Gay (Little Rock Christian HS), Philippe Ichter (Newman Smith HS, TX) and Taylor Heinsohn (Hallsville HS, TX).
The Tigers reached the Gulf South Conference Tournament for the first time in school history last season, and with a strong core of returners for the upcoming 2010 season, Denning would like for this to become a program norm for years to come.
“These three guys each bring something a little different to the game and will be very beneficial to the team in the back as well as the attack,” Denning said. “We are gaining a lot of size and speed which is very much needed in the college game.
The Tigers will bring back a squad full of experience, after playing with 15 freshman in 2009. Among the returners are sophomore forward Rizvan Ceka who received GSC First Team honors after ranking second in the GSC in goals with nine. Ceka became is the first player to receive First Team honors for Ouachita since 2004. Also returning is a GSC All-Tournament team member in freshman Payam Pourjavad. Pourjavad started 13 matches and scored three goals with two assists in his collegiate debut season.
“The addition of Nathan, Philippe, and Taylor is a great way for us to start out the signing season, all of these guys have great experience with their club teams and will be ready to play as soon as they get here. We have a few more guys we are really hoping to bring in for next season, and when it is all said and done and we report in August we should be set up to battle for the GSC Tournament and hopefully the GSC Tournament Title throughout the next few years with a very solid young team”.
Nathan Gay is a 6’ mid and forward from Little Rock, AR. Gay competes for Little Rock Christian HS and his club team Westside Alliance.
“Nathan is a very strong athlete, he will be able to adapt to the quickness and pace of the college game quickly and will probably end up playing defense, mid and forward through out the year. He is excellent in the air and has a very strong left foot.”
Philippe Ichter is a 6’ forward from Dallas, TX. Ichter competes for Solar Soccer Club and his high school team at Newman Smith HS..
“Philippe has the ability to play a target forward with good size and touch. He has played on some of the best club teams in the Dallas area which has prepared him to jump into a collegiate game right away.”
Taylor Heinsohn is a 5’10 defender from Hallsville, TX. Heinsohn competes for Hallsville HS and his club team Select Force FC.
“Taylor is a strong defender with a lot of speed. He is sure of himself and has confidence in his play, which is much needed in the back. With his quickness we definitely will be stronger defensively.”
