TAHLEQUAH, Okla. – Northeastern State men's soccer coach Rob Czlonka announced the signing of five players to national letters of intent. The talented class will be eligible to play for the RiverHawks beginning in the fall.
 
The five student-athletes hail from three different states. Comprising NSU's 2013 signing class is: Midfielder/Defender Austin Dinkel (Rose Hill, Kan.), Midfielder/Forward Jonathan Guzman (Dallas, Texas), Midfielder/Forward Christopher Mendez (Dallas, Texas), Midfielder/Forward Tyler Secrest (Tulsa, Okla.), and Midfielder/Defender Jarrett Whitcomb (Andover, Kan.).
 
"This is very strong class for us," Czlonka said. "It's a group that we really wanted since getting to know most of them as juniors in high school. Three of the five players were guys we had at our summer camp in 2012, which really gave us the opportunity to see how they blended in with our core group of players.
 
“I feel this group covers a lot of the areas of need on our roster. They will help our depth across the board and all have the talent to gain significant playing time as well as break into the starting lineup. More importantly, each young man is a good person. I always say it is best to recruit a quality person and it's a bonus if they are great a soccer player.”
 
Below is a list of the signees:
 
Rose Hill, Kan. / Rose Hill HS – EFC Everton 95
Dinkel is a two-time first-team all-league and all-region performer. He was also a first-team all-state honoree as a junior and an honorable mention all-state honoree as a sophomore. He was named first-team all-state and all-league in football. Dinkel is also a Kansas Honor Scholar.
 
Czlonka on Dinkel: "Austin is a terrific student and a very good athlete. We became aware of Austin through his efforts looking into our program as a junior, however it wasn't really until he attended our Summer ID camp that we were able to get to know him. It was immediately apparent that his skill and athleticism would only enhance his good decision making during a match. He will be a great asset in elevating our program to a higher level.”
 
Dallas, Texas / Moises E. Molina HS – USSF Solar Chelsea U18 Academy
Czlonka on Guzman: “Jonny has a quiet nature about him. He is a tremendous soccer talent and is not afraid to show it on the pitch. He is clever and has good vision going forward connecting passes, as well as finding quality chances to shoot. He solid work habits and his quickness make him an impactful teammate when looking to regain possession. He has been training and playing for USSF Solar Academy providing him with excellent coaching and the highest level of club competition.”
 
Dallas, Texas / James Bowie HS – USSF Solar Chelsea U18 Academy
Mendez is a two-time first-team all-district performer and an all-state honorable mention.
 
Czlonka on Mendez: "Chris is a very respectful and mature young man, and when he's on the pitch he plays with a very tough, high-tempo style. Chris is very versatile and can play in most attacking positions. He has a very high work rate and confident attitude that comes out in a very impactful way when he plays. Chris has been training and playing for USSF Solar Academy providing him with excellent coaching and the highest level of club competition.”
 


Tulsa, Okla. / Jenks HS – Blitz 95
Secrest is a two-time state champion, and he is the captain and assist leader for TSC 95. He carries a 3.3 grade-point average and has been honored on the Principles Honor Roll. He is also a member of Drug Free Youth and Deca.
 
Czlonka on Secrest: "Tyler is a player we discovered at our single day spring ID camp and then again got to work with him at our overnight summer ID camp.  He is a technically gifted player who is very clever when making a decision in a match.  What really caught my eye about Tyler is that when faced with pressure during a match, he will rise to the challenge to push his team forward.”
 
Andover, Kan. / Andover HS – EFC Everton 95
Whitcomb was a two-time first-team all-league performer. He was also named second-team all-region twice and is a two-time Ark Valley Chisholm Trail League division MVP.
 
Czlonka on Whitcomb: "Jarrett is a great guy that we discovered at our Summer ID camp.  He's a very calm and composed player who caught my attention every session that week with how simple he made things look. He has great size and strength with tremendous soccer talent. His ability and composure will make him a great addition to our midfield and defensive core.”
 

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