2.7.07.   NATIONAL SIGNING DAY SEES CAREY RECRUIT FROM FAR AND WIDE

It’s been a busy winter for William Carey University head soccer coach Nigel Boulton. The team loses six seniors from 2006 and he has been working hard to bring in new players who will help keep the Crusaders amongst the elite of regional and national soccer programs. The team went 10-6-1 last year and has never had a losing season in its 17-year history.  

A look at the geography of the incoming freshmen gives evidence to Boulton’s recruiting drive and reach. He returned from a trip to England in December and has announced the signing of excellent left-sided defender Robert Rogers (right) from the successful Cirencester Academy program. “Current freshman goalkeeper Sean Mapsen was also recruited from the Cirencester program so we know the quality is high” explained Boulton.

Closer to home, Hattiesburg High School stand-out Alex Royals (far left) has committed along with Thomas Lambert (right) of Lafayette H.S. in Oxford (MS). “Both Alex and Thomas were determined to play here at Carey. We’re glad it has worked out for them” said Boulton. Midfielder Scott Wetherington was Boulton's first ‘07 commitment when he agreed to join from the top level Darlington Academy program in Rome, Georgia. Boulton revealed that, “Scott is the type of freshmen who can immediately push for a starting place. We are a young team and it is a good time for him to come into the program”.

Defender Mitchell Barker (left) hails from Louisiana and was a teammate of three current Crusader players, Jerod Wooley, Rick Beebe and Elliott Lewis who all played with him at Vanderbilt H.S. in Houma. Rounding out the eight is Stephen McArthur (right) from Perry Central in New Augusta, Mississippi. Boulton expects to name more signings within the next few months.        

LATE NEWS: Gulf Coast Community College captain, M.V.P., All-State and All-Region team player Ryan Wheelock (below) made a late decision for the Crusaders and was added to the '07 signing class on deadline day. Ryan played his high school soccer at Biloxi H.S. where he was also captain and an All-State standout. "I'm delighted Ryan has chosen to step up to the next level here at Carey", said Boulton.