Ohio high schools aren't the only schools that have something to offer Bobcats sports teams. Many new recruits for the Ohio soccer and football teams are from out of state this year.
Soccer coach Stacy Strauss announced Tuesday that eight new players will be added to the soccer team. Of the eight, four are from out of state. The states represented are Minnesota, Indiana and Virginia.
We look for players who have good athleticism and good skill with the ball because our team plays with a possessive style
Strauss said.
It was their possessive style and dedication that allowed them to win their third regular season conference title in seven years last season.
The new players must fill in the gaps of the six starters who graduated and do so quickly so that the team doesn't lose its momentum. The recruits are expected to blend in well with the current players.
Part of their positive interaction was that they formed some relationships with the former players and they feel comfortable here Strauss said.
The new players will strengthen the defensive side of the team and enhance the performance of the offense.
They'll allow us to score more goals
Strauss said. They will fill some of those holes right away.
The state boundaries don't seem to be placing any restrictions on the unity of the team.
Our players come from different socio-economic backgrounds
Strauss said. They all have different beliefs and values
but they come together as a team. They are united in their differences.
The new additions include forwards, midfield players, a defender and a goalkeeper.
These positions are going to bring a lot of depth and ... some new sparks to our offense
Strauss said. They play with a lot of pride and believe in the power of dedication.
And on the gridiron...
With a large graduating class, there are also a number of openings on the football team. Fifteen of the 27 players recruited and signed two weeks ago were from out of state. The new recruits represented 11 states.
When you attract kids from outside of Ohio
and they enjoy OU and love the school
the word gets out all over the country
said offensive graduate assistant Jon Clark. It adds more competition
letting us expand our network in recruiting.
At a press conference, coach Frank Solich said that Ohio would be the bloodline for us. However, more than half the new recruits originated from out of state.
Players recruited out of state bring a different style and character of play (to the program)
