May 13, 2008
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Steve Rucki – Forward/Midfielder Steve Rucki has committed to play soccer for Bluffton University for the fall of 2008. Steve, the son of Rob and Bunny Rucki, is from Killbuck, Ohio, and will be graduating from West Holmes High School. While at West Holmes, Steve earned second team All-Ohio Cardinal Conference honors his junior and senior years. He also earned second team Northeast District his senior year. Steve was the leading goal scorer for the team both his junior (10 goals and 6 assists) and senior seasons (12 goals and 6 assists). During his high school career, Steve lettered in soccer three years, tennis four years, and basketball two years. As a basketball player Steve earned honorable mention All-OCC. Coach Smucker states, “Steve brings quickness and a great work ethic along with the skills that will make him a great asset to the soccer program at Bluffton. We are excited to have him as a part of our program.” |
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Justin has committed to play soccer for Bluffton University in the fall of 2008. Justin, the son of Mark and Lori Ryerson, was a standout player for Perrysburg High School, earning several honors. As a junior, Justin started in the midfield and was named second team Northern Lakes League and NOW All-District honorable mention. During his junior year the team won the OHSAA Division I district tournament championship. As a senior, Justin started in the midfield but moved to sweeper because that’s where the team needed him. He earned first team NLL and was named Perrysburg High School Defensive Player of the Year. He was also a captain his senior year. In addition to his high school experience, Justin played two years of club soccer for the Toledo Celtics and one year for the Pacesetters. In 2006 the Celtics were the Ft. Wayne Invitational Champs. Justin is a tremendously skilled player with a very nice touch. His speed, quickness, and strength make him a complete player. But what really makes Justin a special player is his poise with the ball and his vision of the field. He can play fast without looking panicked or rushed which always brings a calming effect to a team. He has demonstrated that he is a team player and a leader by moving away from his natural position (center mid) to play sweeper for the sake of the team. Justin will do very well at the college level. We look for him to step in and contribute right away. |
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Ryan has committed to play soccer for Bluffton University in the fall of 2008. Ryan, the son of Robert and Tammy Nollen, is a four-time scholar athlete who earned academic and athletic honors at Lebanon High School in Lebanon, Ohio. Academic honors included Superintendent’s Success Award, while his athletic achievements include second team All-Conference his junior year, first team All-Conference and third team All-Miami Valley his senior year. Ryan, a four-year letterman, was selected Mr. Utility his junior year and Mr. Defense his senior year. His senior year he scored three goals and had 11 assists while serving as team captain. Ryan played club soccer for Adidas Thunder United Premier and Thunder United Metro Premier which both competed in the Buckeye Premier League and the Ohio State Cup. Ryan is a tough, unselfish, versatile player that brings a great work ethic to the field. Ryan can play multiple positions which is something coaches are always looking for in a player. He also has the attitude that we are looking for. As an athlete and a student in general, he will be a great asset to the team and the campus. Ryan will also play baseball for the Beavers. |
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Kelly has committed to play soccer for the men’s soccer team at Bluffton University. Kelly, the son of Julie and Carl Barnes, is graduating from Toledo Christian High School. Kelly has been an important part of the varsity team at Toledo Christian since his sophomore year when he earned honorable mention All-Toledo Area Athletic Conference. He earned first team NWOHSSL his junior and senior years and first team All-TAAC his senior year. Kelly played sweeper for his high school team and did a great job of controlling the back line. His speed and strength made him a tough defender to beat. Physically, Kelly is the type of defender that every college coach wants. He will have no problem adjusting to the speed and the physical nature of the college game. Kelly played in back throughout his high school career and yet still managed to get 11 assists over two years which shows that he is capable of contributing to the attack as well. We think Kelly is capable of contributing right away his first year and maybe even earning a starting spot. |
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Jacob has committed to play soccer for Bluffton University for the fall of 2008. Jacob, the son of Terry and Susie Alexander from Hillboro, Ohio, was a standout player for Fairfield High School. During his high school career, Jacob amassed 44 goals and 33 assists. He is a four-year letterman. His junior year, Jacob earned All-Southern Hills League honors as well as second team All-District. Following his senior campaign, Jacob earned All-SHL, first team All-District and second team All-Ohio Division 3. Jacob also excels in the classroom. His academic honors include National Honor Society (two years), Academy of Scholars (four years), Honor Roll (four years), and the Senior Academic Award from OSSCA for the Fall of 2007. Jacob is also involved with High School Music, Drama, Student Council, and he is the President of his 4-H club. Jacob brings many positive things to the team on and off the field. He has shown that he has a penchant for scoring goals and finding open teammates, but he’s more than just a soccer player. He’s a student-athlete in every sense of the term. The team will enjoy having him on the field and the professors will be impressed with him in the classroom. We look forward to everything Jacob can contribute to the program and Bluffton University. |
Recruit bio's are supplied by the student athlete, their family, and coaches. Any inaccuracies will be corrected if brought to our attention.
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