Blue Devils announce 2009 recruiting class
Sports Information Department – 112 Dods Hall
Phone (716) 673-3100 / Fax (716) 673-3136
CONTACT: Jerry Reilly,
Sports Information Director
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Men's soccer
FREDONIA, N.Y. -- Midfield and defense have been addressed in head coach P.J. Gondek's 2009 recruiting class of high school seniors.
Gondek lists Fairport's Ryan Smith, Fabius-Pompey's Gabe Esposito, and Clarence's Matt Schroen as potential midfielder or defenders. In addition, the Blue Devils are expected to add midfielder Brian Courtney of Kenmore West and defender Michael McGinnis of Elmira Free Academy to the mix when the team reports for pre-season drills Aug. 17.
Here's is look at each of the five recruits:
Brian Courtney, Kenmore West High School --- Courtney made Second Team All-Western New York before he was chosen Second Team All State by the National Soccer Coaches Association of America. The speedy central midfielder is currently competing for Buffalo area soccer club Riverside. "Brian is a tireless worker and attacker," Gondek said. "I think he will help us to get the ball to specific players and positions to help us to score goals."
Gabe Esposito, Fabius-Pompey High School --- Esposito was a large part in Fabius-Pompey's march to the state Final Four last fall in Oneonta, which resulted in him garnering Third Team All Central New York recognition. In addition to soccer, Esposito excels in basketball and baseball and it's his athleticism -- among other things -- that has caught Gondek's attention. "Gabe comes highly recommended from his high school coach not only as a player but as person," Gondek said. "His size, athleticism and intelligence will be what gets him on the field immediately."
Michael McGinnis, Elmira Free Academy --- A 6'6" defender, McGinnis made First Team All-Southern Tier Athletic Conference and Third Team All-State. In addition, his club team is appropriately named for him -- the Soaring Capital Soccer Club. "Michael's size and aggressiveness further addresses our needs for 2009," Gondek said. "We should not be as easy to beat in the air with him in the line-up." He will be following his goalkeeper brother, Bobby, to Fredonia State. The latter returns for his sophomore season.
Matt Schroen, Clarence High School --- Schroen and his Clarence teammates were Section VI champs and advanced to the Class A Final Four last fall. He was named FirstTeam All-WNY and is currently playing club soccer for Black Watch Buffalo. "Schroen," Gondek said, "was one of our top recruits right from the get-go. We put in a lot of time on him seeing him play seven times, including one basketball game, so we know what we are getting -- a smart, technical player who knows what it takes to win."
Ryan Smith, Fairport High School --- Smith led his team to the Monroe County Division 1 Championship while being named league MVP, All Greater Rochester First Team, and Fifth Team All-State. "Ryan's gritty, aggressive nature," Gondek said, "will make him a perfect SUNYAC player." Also a high school hockey player, Smith is the latest player from Fairport to choose Fredonia State. There has been at least one Fairport grad on each of the last eight teams, not counting 2009.