Coach Micah Howser and William Jessup University announce the signing of five new players to the men's soccer team for the 2009 season. Mark Creamer, of Grass Valley, California, most recently played for Yuba College and will transfer in as a junior. He is joined by freshmen Mitchell Chilcott of Beaverton, Oregon, Alex Dong of Kaila-Luna, Hawaii, Jay Weislogel of Hamilton, Ohio, and Jeff Dunn of Orangevale, California

Creamer, a 6-0 defender, made his mark at Nevada Union High School as a part of the 2007 squad that started their season 8-0-1 and went on to finish 14-5-3, one of the best records in the history of the boy's soccer program there. He was also a first team academic all conference selection for the Bay Valley Conference in 2008. Mark felt Jessup was the right fit for him on a recruiting visit, where he said the campus and the coaches just "felt right" for him as the place to continue his career. Coach Howser is also excited to bring the experience veteran to his Warrior squad. "Mark plays hard-nosed defense from the kick off. He is strong and fast when defending and can distribute the ball well when he has possession. His junior college experience will allow him to make an impact from the start for us."

Chilcott, a 6'3" defender/attacking mid-fielder out of Sunset High School, was a three year letterman and captain for the Apollos. Chilcott was a part of the Apollos squad that upset the number one seed in the 2006 playoffs as the youngest team in the tournament. He also has had great success at the club level in Oregon. "Mitch is a big guy with lots of height. He has the ability to play several positions on the field, and I am excited to see where he fits best. With his size and skill, he will be a great four year addition to our team," coach Howser said. Mitch is also excited to be a part of a growing program and University. "I chose William Jessup because it is a place where I will be able to grow in Christ while getting a good education and playing soccer at the collegiate level. I also appreciate the fact that William Jessup is rapidly growing and becoming a better university every year."

Dong attended Makua Lani Christian School on the Big Island, where he helped lead the school of only 90 students to the State Tournament as a senior. The 5-7 defender was a BIIF honorable mention his junior and senior years and won the state tournament on his all-star team five times. He was also a part of the AYSO National Tournament winning team from the summer of 2008. "As a true freshman, Alex will compete right away for playing time of the back line. He is strong and fast and will get great game time experience playing alongside a seasoned defensive line," Coach Howser said. Alex, for his part, is excited to be a part of WJU, and not just for his chance to play the sport he loves. "I feel like WJU is the best place for me to continue to develop my passion for helping the helpless and the unloved. I hope to go into ministry with orphans worldwide after my soccer career is over."

Weislogel, a central attacking mid-fielder, led his high school team in points as a senior, and the multi-faceted athlete was also a first team all-conference selection on the baseball diamond. "Jay is a quick-footed and quick-minded forward. He has the ability to find the back of the net and can provide great distribution to his attacking support. He will be a nice compliment to our front line as part of a fierce attack," Coach Howser said.

Dunn, who had a 1.5 goals against average his senior year, will be a defensive stalwart in the net for the young Warriors. He had well over 100 saves on the season, recorded seven shut outs, and helped lead the Casa Roble High School Rams to a third place finish in the Capital Athletic League and a berth in the CIF Division III Section Playoffs. Dunn had a successful senior campaign, highlighted by a game winning save against rival Bella Vista High School in October. Dunn allowed only 19 goals in over 1,000 minutes played. "Jeff is a tall, quick keeper, who had success both at Casa and anchoring the net for the California Rush Soccer Club locally. He has the ability to make a difference for our back line immediately as a freshman," Coach Howser said.