After falling one game short of the national tournament for the first time since 2004, the Graceland University Yellowjackets will return to action this fall more determined than ever to prove that they are among the best not only in the HAAC but in the NAIA. A solid core of returners and the most exciting recruiting class in years will be suiting up to carry on the Graceland tradition of excellence.
Coach Monroy's staff includes newly promoted associate head coach Guillermo Sanchez and assistant coaches Brett Porter, Bryan Courtney, and Matt Iverson.
The Breakdown
The Jackets impressive defensive line will once again be anchored by All American goalkeeper Carlos Ortiz. The 2007 regional and 2008 conference defensive player of the year will return for his senior season after training with his native Colombian national team and being scouted to play in both the Japanese and Turkish first divisions.
Junior goalkeeper Gage Tubbs continues to impress the coaching staff with his hard work and loyalty to the program. Coach Monroy added, "Gage has the talent to start at nearly any other school, but he has chosen to stay with us and work to make both himself and Carlos better. We know that if called upon he will be ready to step up and continue the high level of goalkeeping that we have come to expect." Hong Kong international rugby player Matthew Nuttal will be returning for his senior season to round out the returning goalkeepers. "Nuttal is an outstanding athlete, a great keeper and the kind of guy that a coach is lucky to have in their team."
Sophomores Grant Webster and Michael Triano and senior Greg Skoczylas will also be challenging for minutes on a very solid back line.
Midfield
After graduating seniors Filip Prostran and Matt Klaus, many would think that the Yellowjacket midfield would look a little depleted in 2009. A solid group of returners who shared minutes last year will be the new core of the Graceland middle. Sophomore Aaron Cairns, a native of Glasgow, Scotland is fit and healthy for the first time in nearly two years and the coaching staff is looking forward to a solid season from him. "When Aaron came to Graceland we saw a great deal of talent, a wonderful work ethic and leadership qualities that we know can lead to a great career here. We look forward to seeing him at his best this year," Coach Monro
y stated. Joining Cairns in the midfield will be All Conference and Academic All-American senior Brian Loving. Loving can help the Jackets in several different positions but is at his best as a defensive center midfielder. The coaching staff looks forward to another steady year from Brian.
After a promising freshman year, Brady Blankenship, a native of Glenwood, Iowa, returns for his sophomore year. Assistant coach Brett Porter said of Blankenship, "Brady has the qualities that we look for in our players. He is hardworking, selfless and willing to do what the coaching staff asks for the best of the program. We look for him to be an important part of our program this year and for years to come."
As one of the most technically gifted players on the team, senior Zoran Kukic will be given a look at several different positions. Sophomore Austin Re and junior Ian Christensen will be battling for starting roles on the outside midfield, and will be counted on to contribute this fall.
Forwards
Senior Diego Gonzales will be returning to the Jackets with high hopes from the coaching staff. Diego was a member of the 2006 National Championship team. "Diego is one of those players that can change a game with one touch. He is technically gifted and has an excellent work rate. He can score anytime he touches the ball" Sanchez added.
After impressing the coaching staff with his hard work and dedication during his freshman year, sophomore Nikola Unkovic will be looking to earn minutes up front for the Jackets.
Newcomers
The largest recruiting class in years will leave the coaching staff with many tough decisions to make. "I love it when the guys make it tough on us. Every player should be competing for their spot in the starting lineup. They will only make each other better," Coach Monroy added.
Key recruits
Roger Thompson joins the Jackets as one of the top recruits from Ontario, Canada. He is an explosive player that can make an immediate impact on a team. He is well liked by his new Yellowjacket teammates and the coaching staff has very high hopes for him.
Carlos Camacho (Caracas, Venezuela) comes to Lamoni this fall as a junior transfer. He is a savy central midfielder with great vision and creativity. He is very coachable and willing to do what the staff asks of him. We are sure that Carlos will be a valuable addition to the Yellowjackets.
Kasy Kiarash is another Ontario native that will be joining a solid Graceland midfield. Kasy is a Junior transfer from York University where he helped his team to a National Championsip in 2007. He is extremely gifted technically and will be a great asset to the team. Kasy is a mature and outgoing young man that has lots of leadership potential.
Michael Schmidt, an Iowa native decided to stay in his home state after many offers in the hopes of one day standing in goal as the starting goalkeeper for Graceland. Michael has an outstanding resume including captain experience and 1st team All-State Honors.
The Graceland coaching staff has brought a large in-coming class to the program with aspirations to maintain the high level attained through the years. Red-shirt freshmen, and other new comers will be working closely with current players to learn as much as possible about the Graceland tradition on and off the field and waiting for their time to step-up.
Coach Monroy summed it up, "With great talent from our new comers and outstanding returners I expect this season to be a very memorable one."
