Team announces '07 recruits

May 26, 2007

OLYMPIA, Wash. - Eight men's soccer team additions have been announced for the 2007 season. Head Coach John Purtteman has brought in several Community College transfers and High School seniors to the team who bring strong playing experience with them.

Two local high school players will be on the squad. Stevie Sharp and Tony Bohmer-Tapia, both from Capital High School in Olympia. Sharp is a player who will dominate his side of the field. Bohmer-Tapia, a defender, will use his size and speed to shut down attacking opponents.

From Lakes High School the team gains Stevie Laughlin. Laughlin is described as a very technical offensive player with strong passing ability. Kyle Schoales from South Kitsap HS is a striker with a powerful shot and a great work rate. "Kyle will provide a target option going forward and also has the pace to get in behind the opposing defense" notes Purtteman. Eamon Buell, Shorewood HS, will be another strong defender for the Geoducks in the centerback position.

The remainder of the additions come from Community College teams.

Russell Hippensteal (Bethel High School), the younger brother of last season's Defensive MVP Rob Hippensteal, is a fast, tenacious defensive player who will shut down opponents attack. Hippensteal is a great communicator and leader; he recently captained his Washington Premier U-19 team to the State Championship.

Jesse Wheelock comes to Evergreen as a transfer from Highline Community College. Wheelock played with the premier Men's Club team in the region, Hibernian Saints, and has much top level soccer experience.

From Wenatchee Community College, Matt Stalnick was selected for the Northwest Athletic Association of Community Colleges' All Star team as a Goalkeeper. Say's Purtteman, "Matt has fantastic positional sense and tremendous leaping ability".

Obed Kouassi (Whatcom CC), Shea Harwell (Peninsula CC) and Matt Andrews (South Puget Sound CC) round out the the most recent additions.