Wheeling Jesuit (WV) Signs Six to National Letters of Intent

[Sonny]

Some MI, OH, and PA signees for Wheeling Jesuit.

Wheeling Jesuit Signs Six to National Letters of Intent

Wheeling Jesuit University, an NCAA DII program located in Wheeling, WV, has signed six players to scholarships during the early signing period (November 9-16) this past month. Although the cardinals have a tremendous group of student athletes signed already, head coach Kevin Tyska says he's not finished yet. "I am thrilled with the six young men we have just signed, but I am still looking forward to signing a few more players in April, during the second signing period."

The cards had several needs to address with this recruiting class, and coach Tyska is very pleased with the outcome. "We wanted to get three key players for three specific needs." First, the cards signed Steve Julischenko (East Brunswick HS, NJ) to fill their face-off position. "I saw Steve play at Rutgers University (camp) this summer and he just dominated the entire week. Steve has great stick skills, can carry the ball and can shoot with both hands. We will look for Steve to have an immediate impact on our program."

The next key player the cards were looking for had to be a player who could control the offense, and especially run the X spot. "I am absolutely confident we found the perfect fit for our program with the signing of Jack Malone (Detroit Jesuit, MI). Jack is a natural feeder and a player who will have an immediate impact next year." The cardinals already have several players from University of Detroit Jesuit High School, and coach Tyska expects Jack to mesh perfectly. Jack finished with 70 assists and 37 goals in his junior year of high school, losing 8-7 to Brother Rice in the State Championship game. Jack is expected to be a leading candidate for player of the year in the state of Michigan. "Signing Jack is a huge step in the right direction for our program."

The last position that needed to be filled was a pure leader for the defensive unit. The cardinals found this person in the signing of Chris Polanski (Dublin Jerome, OH). Chris is a 6'1" 190 lb. defensemen/LSM, who was instrumental in leading the Dublin Jerome lacrosse team to the D1B state championship in 2005. While capturing first team All-Ohio honors, Chris had 99 ground balls, 1 goal, 5 assists, and received the coach's award for "emotional leader of the team". Chris can also serve as a face-off midfielder, and will be the captain of his team's man down unit. "We brought in several defensemen to our recruiting class last year, but Chris will have an immediate influence on our program."

Joining Chris Polanski, from Dublin Jerome High School, will be Joe Sims. Joe is a 5'11" 190 lbs. goalie, who started every game for the 2005 D1B Ohio State championship team. Joe is a leader on and off the playing field, and anchored the Dublin defense with a 69.4% save percentage. Joe is ranked as one of the top goalies in the division. "I expect Joe to duplicate his statistics from 2005 and lead his team back to the state title game."

The cardinals have signed defensemen Joshua Ringling (Greensburg Central Catholic, PA) to join the already apprehensive defensive unit taking shape in Wheeling. Josh is 6 ft, 189 lbs. with the ability to read offenses and anticipate where he needs to be to make a play. Josh is captain of his team, which gave up only 65 goals in 19 games for a 3.42 goals against average last season. Josh led his team to a 17-2 record and a WPSLA D3 championship. Josh made the WPSLA All- League and All- Star team.

The last player to sign an NLI with the cardinals was Donald Nowicki (De LaSalle Collegiate, MI). Donald is a tremendous athlete who just led his 2005 soccer team to a Michigan State Championship. "Donald is a very quick midfielder who runs the field well and seems to always make the right decisions." Donald is a 3 year varsity starter who led his team to a 2005 Michigan regional championship. Donald was voted the 2003 and 2004 hardest worker by his coaches and also earned the 2005 "unsung hero award." "Donald is the type of player who will do whatever is asked of him and has the type of character and work ethic we are looking for here at Wheeling Jesuit."

Head coach Kevin Tyska feels all six players will have huge senior years while leading their high school programs in 2006. Coach Tyska couldn't be any happier with the signing of such tremendous student-athletes and is excited for the future of Wheeling Jesuit Lacrosse.