Calumet College of St. Joseph head men's soccer coach Peter Haze Haring proudly announced six incoming recruits who have signed their national letter of intent for the 2008 season. "I am very excited about the incoming talent that will be coming this upcoming season. The players who have committed will add a tremendous amount of depth to the team which will continue to help in strengthening the team as it heads into its third season of competition," sates Haring.

Zak Ursitti (Boone Grove High School) - Zak is a fast, athletic striker who will add a lot of aggressive, relentless attack to the front line of the Crimson Wave. He led his Boone Grove High School team in goals and assists as a sophomore, junior and senior.

"Ursitti is a player who I have been watching since he was a sophomore at Boone Grove and his development during his high school career has been impressive. I feel his maturity within the game combined with his willingness to be a true goal scorer are characteristics that will benefit the team heading into the 2008 season. I feel Zak can become a solid offensive threat with the CCAC and be an impact player for the Crimson Wave."

Joshio Sandoval (Hammond High School) - Josh is a very technical player who has very good field vision and will look to set up quality goal scoring opportunities for his teammates. He will be a solid player in the midfield for the Crimson Wave during the 2008 campaign.

"Sandoval will become a strong midfielder for our team in 2008 due his versatility within the position. At times he will help as a defensive mid to support of defensive line and there will also be opportunities for him to link up with our strikers to assist in our attack. I love his work ethic on the field and feel that as he adjusts to the college game there will be very few players who will match his constant effort on the field."

Matt Golarz (Portage High School) - Golarz is a goalkeeper from Portage High School whose athleticism and knowledge of the goalkeeping position will be a huge influence for the Crimson Wave. Matt is one of many quality goalkeepers throughout the years who has achieved success while playing for the Indians of Portage High School.

"Golarz has the ability to step in right away and claim the goalkeeping position for the team in 2008. If there is one major weakness in our team the last two seasons it has been in the goalkeeping area. We need to have a player step in a claim the position not just for this season but the future of the program. Matt has displayed an immense amount of athleticism towards the goalkeeping position and with more hard work he can become a solid college player."

Miguel Vega (Chicago Hubbard High School) - Vega is a lean, athletic and technical player who will add immediate depth to the Crimson Wave defense group. He has been a four year varsity starter in high school while representing the captain's arm band as a senior.

"Vega will be another player looking to jump in the competition for quality minutes on the field during his freshman season. He is versatile enough to play as an outside back and, if needed, fill in as a central defender too. Miguel will also bring a strong sense of offensive ability from a defensive position. He will be able to get forward from the back at times and become another option as an offensive threat on the field."

Juan Espinoza (Chicago Hubbard High School) - Espinoza will be another strong, athletic offensive style of player who has the versatility to play in the midfield as well be another striker for the Crimson Wave. He was a Chicago Public All-star during his senior season.

"I feel that Juan can become one of our more versatile players in 2008. He has the ability to create off the dribble and look to take a quick strike on goal. I am hoping to use his versatility throughout the season to add a sense of deception to the other team. In time I believe Espinoza can be a tough player to mark against offensively."

Nick Alderfer (Marian Catholic High School) - Nick is a tall, technical midfielder who will also present the option of playing in different roles during the 2008 season due to his versatility on the field.

"Alderfer will add depth to both the midfield as well as the defensive group of the team. I feel his physical style of play, as well as technical, can compliment our defensive minded organization of play as a team. Nick comes from a quality high school soccer program in Marian Catholic and his experiences will definitely add more depth to the team in 2008."

Haring says in closing, "I am really excited about the incoming freshman class and feel that between the new talent coming in, along with the ability of the returning players, they will make the men's soccer program at Calumet College of St. Joseph even more competitive that last season. If all goes as planned the Crimson Wave men's soccer team will continue to become stronger as a team through the combination of talented players, commitment to excellence and the ability to become united as one solid group of young men who want to achieve every goal that they set as a team." ”

Whiting High School softball player Natalie Mendez has signed a national letter of intent to play softball at Calumet College of St. Joseph under head coach Dale Ray.

Mendez the starting right fielder for Whiting High School played for the 2006 undefeated State Champion Oilers team. Mendez will bring experience to the already veteran Wave squad. A hard worker and smart player Mendez will bring a fresh look and determined attitude.

Coach Dale Ray on Natalie Mendez: 'Natalie's experience with Whiting and in summer ball along with her enthusiasm, make a welcome addition to our team" ”

Barrington High School soccer standout Brian Bernal has signed a National Letter of Intent to play men's soccer for Calumet College of St. Joseph under Head Coach Peter Haze Haring.

Bernal a member of the 2007 Barrington High School Class AA state championship team was named team Defensive Player of the Year as well as being named to the All-Conference and All-Area teams. Bernal will bring experience, dedication and hard work to a defensive driven Crimson Wave team. With strong goals to win conference and become a young leader for the Wave next season, Bernal plans to work hard to improve his left footed game and become a smarter player to help Calumet meet the high expectations that have been set. "I'm glad Brian decided on a school and decided to keep playing soccer. He was the anchor to our backline this season. Brian has a big heart and will work hard for his new coach, he is a big loss and will be hard to replace," said Barrington High School Coach Scott Steib on Brian Bernal choosing Calumet College of St. Joseph.

Bernal plans to major in business while attending Calumet College of St. Joseph with the intention of maintaining a 3.0 GPA and graduating in four years. Bernal states, "I chose Calumet College of St. Joseph because I have some friend's already on team and that will help make me feel more comfortable as a freshman. Calumet is a good school where I can get a good education and play soccer at a college level."

Coach Peter Haze Haring explains, "Brian comes from a great soccer background with his high school and club experiences he will bring a winning attitude to the Crimson Wave men's soccer team. Brian is another piece to the foundation of a team looking to become stronger in the CCAC and NAIA. I am hoping that he can step in immediately and become an impact player for the squad." ”

Morton High School soccer players Patricia Alvarez and Brittany Moczynski have signed a national letter of intent to play women's soccer at Calumet College of St. Joseph.

Alvarez and Moczynski will compliment each other at the forward position next season for the Wave. Alvarez a smart player and hard worker will give it her all every time she steps on the field. Moczynski an extremely smart and talented player looks to finish every ball and works hard to become successful.

Coach Emily King on Alvarez: "I'm very excited to have a player like Patty (Alvarez), her knowledge of the game will be greatly anticipated for the upcoming season."

Coach Emily King on Moczynski: "Brittany's energy and talent will greatly impact the Crimson Wave program next fall. I can't wait to have her as a player." ”

Griffith standout volleyball player Katie Kaiser has signed a national letter of intent to play women's volleyball at Calumet College of St. Joseph under Head Coach Andy Marks.

Kaiser a strong hitter and dominate blocker in the middle, will take over where senior Jessica Banke (Griffith '04) left off.. Kaiser's strong presence in the middle will be complimented by her precise and strong serving. An all around defender Kaiser will be bring help to the already strong Crimson Wave back row.

Coach Marks on Katie Kaiser: "I am excited to have Katie. She has a strong work ethic and a solid foundation to build from. I have high expectations for Katie over her four years here Calumet" ”

CJ Montgomery of Calumet High School has signed a national letter of intent to play basketball for Coach Ryan Sexson and Calumet College of Saint Joseph. The 6-4 first team all conference player averaged 16 points and 4 rebounds in his senior season. Montgomery chose to play for the Crimson Wave because of the quality education and winning tradition of the basketball program. "I really like the environment of the school and the people there." "I get a chance to fulfill my dream of playing college basketball and have a chance to win championships."

Coach Sexson on CJ Montgomery: "CJ is a very quality kid both athletically and academically. He is exactly the kind of person we are looking for to join our basketball program. He is extremely long and athletic and shoots the ball well from the perimeter. There is no doubt in my mind that CJ's best basketball is ahead of him." ”

Justin Ortiz of Portage, IN has signed a national letter of intent to play basketball for Coach Ryan Sexson and Calumet College of St. Joseph. The smooth left handed point guard will look to fill the void of losing senior point guard Zeb Hall to graduation. Ortiz said he chose Calumet College because of the quality education and successful basketball program. “Coach Sexson and the staff made me feel very comfortable and I really like the direction the program is headed.” “I look forward to winning a lot of games over the next couple of years.”

Coach Sexson on Justin Ortiz: “Justin has a lot of the qualities we look for in a true point guard. He is very unselfish, creates for others, and can score when needed. Justin enjoys playing on the defensive end and has a tremendous work ethic. He will fit in very well with the way we want to play here at Calumet College. ”

Clark High School golfer Allen DuPey has signed a national letter of intent to play men’s golf at Calumet College of St. Joseph under head coach George Topoll.

DuPey a hard worker and skilled golfer will major in Education while attending Calumet College of St. Joseph. During DuPey’s career at Clark he earned four letters, while becoming a sectional medalist in 2007 and a regional qualifier.

Coach George Topoll on Allen DuPey: “The 2008 high school season will begin when Clark visits Wheeler at River Pointe CC. I expect Allen to have an excellent senior year for Clark. I am glad that beginning fall 2008 that Allen will be playing for my team instead of being an opponent. Allen is a fine individual. I expect him to be an effective golfer at the collegiate level. I welcome Allen aboard the Crimson Wave golf team.” ”

Eisenhower High School standout Ashley Philips has signed a national letter of intent to play women’s basketball at Calumet College of St. Joseph under Head Coach Cristina Schmidt.

Ashley will take on and fill a void in the Crimson Wave backcourt. A hard worker and strong player Ashley will look to take control of the floor and set a tone for the Wave this coming season. A strong shooter the Wave will look for Philips outside shooting to give them a boost. Philips strong work ethics are not only on the court, but in the class room as well. Maintaining a strong GPA and pursing a degree is Philips’s biggest goals.

Coach Schmidt on Ashley Philips: “Ashley can play on both ends of the court. She sees the floor well and knows the game!” ”

The Crimson Wave women’s basketball program has signed Rich East Senior Forward Brittany Luckett to a national letter of intent to play under Head Coach Cristina Schmidt.

Luckett a 5’7 forward will bring hard work and strong post play to the Wave next season. Luckett will compliment Senior Katrina Pradziad in the paint with strong a strong presence in rebounding and scoring. The Rich East senior averaged 5.3 ppg and 94 rpg this past season. Focusing on academics next season Luckett hopes to maintain a high grade point average and put herself on track to graduate in four years.

Coach Schmidt on Brittany Luckett: “I am excited about having Brittany coming to my program. She will be an exciting player to watch, and a hard worker.” ”

Whiting High School standout Ashley Kieltyka has signed a national letter of intent to play Women’s Basketball at Calumet College of St. Joseph under Head Coach Cristina Schmidt. Kieltyka will bring a strong presence on the floor in leadership and hard work. Setting high standards on floor and in the classroom, Kieltyka plans to maintain a 3.0 GPA while attending Calumet. Majoring in Elementary Education Ashley will use the lessons she learns through college athletics to help her teach in the classroom.

Coach Cristina Schmidt on Ashley Kieltyka: “Ashley is a sound player that will bring a lot to the program on and off the court. I am excited to have Ashley for the next four years!” ”

The Crimson Wave women’s soccer program has signed South Suburban College transfer Jacqueline Escalante to a national letter of intent to play for Head Coach Emily King. Escalante plans to major in English and Education while attending Calumet. A student of the game Escalante comes to the Wave with raw talent and a good work ethic. Getting and education degree, Escalante hopes to use the team skills she learns on the field, to help her in the class room.

Coach Emily King on Jacqueline Escalante: “I am really excited to have Jackie’s enthusiasm and commitment in my program for the upcoming years.” ”

Merrillville High School soccer player Amanda Churilla has signed a national letter of intent to play with Calumet College of St. Joseph under Head Coach Emily King. Receiving the 2006 Team Leadership Award at Merrillville High School Amanda will be great addition to a young upcoming team.

Churilla a defender will come to the Wave bringing intensity and hard work to the defensive end of the field along with a competitive attitude. A confident and knowledgeable defender Churilla will look to be a leader on and off the field. Amanda will study psychology and paralegal while attending Calumet College of St. Joseph. Wanting a small campus life and place to get a great education, playing for the Crimson Wave gave her just that.

“When I first saw Amanda play I was very excited about her joining my squad. I am confident in the player she is and what she can bring to the team” says Coach King on Amanda Churilla ”

Head Coach Emily King has signed Hammond High School graduate Iris Villasenor to a national letter or intent to play women’s soccer at Calumet College of St. Joseph. A four year letter winner at Hammond High School, Villasenor will bring a tough competitive attitude and work ethic to the Wave. A strong offensive minded player Iris has a never give attitude on the field and off. Majoring in business management, Villasenor wanted to stay close to home and play college soccer. With a lifetime goal of owning her own business, Villasenor will use soccer as a means to develop leadership skills.

Coach Emily King on Villasenor: “I am very glad to have a play that will work as hard as Iris will. I hope I get as many players as I can that have Iris’s attitude and effort.” ”

The Crimson Wave women’s basketball program has signed two recruits for the upcoming 2008-2009 season. Niyoka Robinson of Rich South High School and Moneva Fields from Thornton High School have signed national letter of intents to play for Head Coach Cristina Schmidt.

Niyoka Robinson 6’0 forward will look to dominate the offensive game and help the Wave in rebounding. Niyoka plans to major in Criminal Justice and maintain at least a 3.5 GPA while at Calumet College of St. Joseph. Robinson will look to join the Wave and work hard for the respect of the returning crew. Setting high standards for her, Robinson’s goal is to average double figures while playing for the Wave.

Moneva Fields a quick guard has come to the Wave to improve the back court and set a standard in defense. A hard worker on and off the floor, Moneva will study business management. Hoping to develop better life skills and get a degree that will last her a lifetime, Fields’s work effort will help her become a solid college basketball player.

Coach Cristina Schmidt on Robinson and Fields: “These two young ladies will be a great help to the future success of the women’s basketball program. Hardworking and willing to listen Robinson and Fields will help the core of the team grow” ”

Lake Central High School golfer T.J. Komvalinka has signed a national letter of intent to play men’s golf for Head Coach George Topoll. Komvalinka will study Criminal Justice while at Calumet College of St. Joseph. T.J. hopes to play at a high college level and develop his game to be able to compete at the next level.

Komvalinka: “Earning a degree is what is most important. ”