Index of Sports Press Releases

June 9, 2009

Three more join Tosaya’s first recruiting class

Jeremy Tosaya

MITCHELL, S.D. – First-year Dakota Wesleyan University men’s soccer coach Jeremy Tosaya brought his impressive initial recruiting class up to 12 recruits Tuesday with the announcement that two more incoming freshmen and a transfer have committed to continue their soccer careers at DWU.

Incoming freshmen Jesse Monfore (Hot Springs, S.D.) and Dillon Haase (Maypearl, Texas) and Western Wyoming Community College transfer Patrick Ritter have all signed Letters of Intent to join the Tiger soccer program in 2009. This trio joins an already-strong crop of signees that now features 11 incoming freshmen and one JUCO transfer.

Monfore is Tosaya’s latest in-state signing. He became the ninth incoming freshman from South Dakota to commit to DWU. Monfore had a successful three-year career at Hot Springs High School, where he earned All-State honors all three seasons. He was named the Bison’s Rookie-of-the-Year in 2006 and the team’s MVP in 2007 and 2008. He also served as a co-captain in 2008. Monfore, who will play defense at DWU, plans to pursue a multimedia major. He is the son of Jay and Charlene Monfore.

“We need Jesse to learn the college game quickly this next year,” Tosaya said. “His physical presence is going to be a great addition to the defensive lineup. He’ll need some time to adapt to the speed of the college game compared to high school soccer, but once he does I think he will play a very important role in our back line here at Wesleyan.”

Haase heads north to Dakota Wesleyan following an impressive prep career in Texas, both at Maypearl High School and at the club level. Tosaya said that Haase, a 5-11 midfielder, will bring great athleticism and plenty of high-level soccer experience to the Tigers. An undecided major, Haase is the son of Mark Haase and Michelle Presswood.

“Dillon is going to be a great addition to our depth at midfield,” Tosaya said. “He comes from the Dallas, Texas, area where he’s played against great competition in club and high school. His experience and athleticism will be a great addition to our incoming class. I expect good things from Dillon as a Tiger in the next four years.”

Ritter, who will have junior eligibility, brings talent and collegiate experience to the Tiger recruiting class. A 5-9 defender, Ritter enjoyed a solid two-year career at WWCC where he earned Academic All-Conference honors, and was voted the Mustangs’ Most Improve Player following both seasons. During his high school career at Rock Springs (Wyo.) High School, Ritter was an All-Region Second Team selection, as well as the recipient of his team’s Hardest Worker and Most Inspirational awards. Ritter plans to major in mathematics at Dakota Wesleyan, and he is the son of Jack and Betty Ritter of Rock Springs.

“Patrick will bring some much-needed college playing experience to the team,” Tosaya said. “With two years of collegiate playing experience against some very good junior colleges in the region, he’s had to raise his game to another level. Patrick will add a lot to our depth in the defensive line, and he’s used to playing against athletic forwards. For a team with so many freshmen and only ten returners, we’re going to need Patrick to step up in a defense that lacks playing time at the college level.”

With the incoming recruiting class up to 12 players, Tosaya said most of his roster is set for the 2009 season, but he’s still looking to possibly add a few more players before the start of his first season at the helm. Dakota Wesleyan will unofficially open its men’s soccer season in late August with three exhibitions, and the Tigers officially open play on Sept. 4 when they host Friends University at 8 p.m.