SPARTANBURG, SC – Wofford College men’s soccer coach Ralph Polson has announced nine student-athletes have signed National Letters of Intent to join the Terriers in the fall of 2010. They are Matt Frongello, Alan Gore, Ryan Hurst, Benjamin Limbaugh, Dennis Moore, Will O’Brien, Nick Orton, Billy Padula, and Benny Puetter.
“We lost an outstanding group with last year’s seniors,” said Polson. “But we are excited about this group of young men. I feel that they bring a wealth of talent and experience to our program. They possess skill, athleticism, and a competitive attitude that will help us continue our success in the Southern Conference in 2010.”
The 2009 Wofford men’s soccer team won the Southern Conference regular season championship and the Southern Conference Tournament championship, advancing to the NCAA Division I Tournament, losing to UC-Santa Barbara in the first round. They finished the year with a record of 12-3-3.
Matt Frongello is a forward from Raleigh, NC. Matt has been a four year starter for Middle Creek High School where he holds the school record for goals in a season (17), points in a season (42), as well as career goals (41) and career points (99). In 2009, Matt was selected as his team’s MVP. He garnered
both All-Region and All-Conference honors in 2008 and 2009. Matt currently plays club soccer for CASL Chelsea FC Development Academy. From 2002 to 2007, Matt played with CASL Elite winning four state championships and playing in two USYSA Southern Regional Finals. Outside of soccer, Matt kicked and punted for his high school football team. Matt was selected as the Greater Raleigh Sports Council/CARQUEST Scholar Athlete of the Year and won the Wendy’s Heisman award. Matt has been the class president for four years, worked on the school newspaper, been a member of National Honor Society, National Society of High School Scholars, and has been awarded the Hugh O’Brien Youth Leadership Award. Matt also received the President’s Volunteer Award which honors Americans for significant community service hours. Matt has enjoyed volunteering as a teacher’s aide at Oak Grove Elementary and at Angel Food Ministries. Matt plans on studying biology at Wofford.
Polson on Frongello – “Matt is a very good athlete. He not only has a knack for scoring goals, but he also creates chances for those around him. I feel that he will bring a lot to this team, challenging our current forwards for playing time.”
Alan Gore is a forward from Little River, SC. He has been a member of the North Myrtle Beach High School team since his freshman year, scoring 45 goals and 35 assists in the three previous seasons.
This year, he will serve as captain. He was an All-Region selection in 2007 and 2008. He has played for the Daniel Island Soccer Association U-18 team, leading them to a berth in the SCYSA State Finals, before losing to eventual state champion CESA Premier. He amassed 35 goals and 21 assists in two seasons with DISA. He was a member of the SCYSA ’92 Olympic Development team from 2006 to 2009. Alan is a member of the National Honor Society, National Society of High School Scholars, and Fellowship of Christian Athletes. He is also a percussionist for the high school marching band, and the jazz, symphonic, and concert bands. He plans to major in humanities or education at Wofford.
Polson on Gore – “Alan is a proven goal scorer. He is one of the most dedicated individuals and will bring a great deal of energy and enthusiasm to our program.”
Ryan Hurst is a defender from Simpsonville, SC. Ryan spent his first two years at Mauldin High School. After his sophomore year Ryan transferred to J.L. Mann Academy. Ryan plays club soccer for CESA Premier U-18’s. At CESA, Ryan has helped the team win four state championships and to participate in the Region III premier league for 4 years. Ryan has also guest played with the Darlington Soccer
Academy, winning the U-18 championship at the Atlanta Cup. Ryan has been invited to play with U-19 CESA team who will be competing in Regionals this summer. Outside of soccer, Ryan also earned letters in baseball and wrestling at Mauldin High School. Ryan has been a Congressional Student Leadership Conference invitee, Lead America Conference and National Honors Convocations invitee, and a People to People Sports Ambassador Invitee. Ryan has volunteered with the Shriners Children’s Hospital and the Miracle League. Ryan plans on studying biology and being a pre-med major at Wofford.
Polson on Hurst – “Ryan is an extremely hard working defender that possesses tremendous speed and quickness. He is very determined and committed to being successful. I look forward to Ryan being in our program.”
Benjamin Limbaugh has been a goalkeeper for Spring Valley High School for four years. In 2007 they won the state championship and in 2008 they were state finalists. Benjamin has played for Columbia United ‘91 and currently plays for South Carolina United as part of the US Soccer Development Academy program. His Columbia United teams were state finalists in 2008 and state champions in 2009, and
Region III Premier League East Champions in both 2008 and 2009. In 2009, Benjamin played with the Region III ODP team at the Walt Disney World Interregional tournament and in an International tournament in Argentina. Benjamin was a member of the SCYSA ODP program for 5 years. He is currently the Captain of both his high school team and of his U-18 South Carolina United team. Outside of soccer, Benjamin has received the South Carolina Junior Academy of Sciences Oral Presentation award as well as being a member of the National Science Honor Society. Benjamin plans on studying business at Wofford.
Polson on Limbaugh – “Ben is an outstanding goalkeeper that can make the crucial save and win games. He should come in and battle for playing time as a freshman. We are excited with his commitment to Wofford.”
Dennis Moore is a forward from Rock Hill, SC. Dennis plays soccer at Northwestern High School. Dennis captained the team in 2009 that went 24-0 and finished the season ranked as the no. 1 high
school team in the country. Dennis also played for Discoveries Soccer Club in 2009 along with current Wofford freshman Taylor Grim. The 2009 U-18 Discoveries club team won the SCYSA Championship, the USYSA Southern Regional Championship, and then went unbeaten at nationals to win the USYSA National Championship. Dennis also played on the Region III ODP team along with current Wofford freshmen Alex Hutchins and Blair Gaines. Dennis was named the MVP for the International Championship Tournament while representing the Region III ODP team in Costa Rica. He currently plays for the South Carolina United Development. Dennis has received the Academic Excellence Award in 2007 and in 2008, the Academic Achievement Award in Biology I, and was recognized as the Dual Credit Medical Terminology Star Student. Dennis is also a member of the National Honor Society and the Beta Club. Dennis has volunteered his time working with local soccer players from his community. He plans on studying biology.
Polson on Moore – “Dennis epitomizes hard work. He is one of the most talented student-athletes to sign with Wofford. His love and passion for the game and his desire to be successful are second to none. He could have an immediate impact on our program.”
Will O’Brien is a defender from Charlotte, NC. Will plays high school soccer at Charlotte Latin. He captained the team to the state finals in 2009 and was a key part of their success in 2008 when they won the state championship. Will had eleven goals and ten assists in the 2009 season. His team also made
it to the state semifinals in 2007. Since 2008 Will has played for South Charlotte, now Charlotte Soccer Academy, in the US Soccer Development Academy. In 2008 South Charlotte finished ranked #12 in the country. Will was also listed as a 2010 “Top 100 Player To Watch” as ranked by Top Drawer Soccer. He is a member of the Captain’s Council Club. Will is active in his local soccer community by volunteering his time at the Monteynard Soccer Camp, as well as working with the Charlotte homeless soccer team. Will plans on studying business.
Polson on O’Brien – “Will has developed into a solid player displaying the potential to make a solid contribution at the next level. We are pleased to have him sign with Wofford College.”
Nick Orton is an offensive midfielder from Peterborough, Ontario. Nick attends Norwood District High School. He has played in the Ontario Youth Soccer League since 2003. Last season, his team finished fourth in the province. Nick was recognized as the province’s leading goal scorer in 2009, netting eleven
goals and seven assists in nine games. In addition to being an outstanding soccer player, Nick is an avid hockey player. He has volunteered as a youth hockey coach and league administrator at the local rink for the last four years. His father, Rick, is a former teammate of Wofford head coach, Ralph Polson, while they were at Erskine College. Nick plans on studying biology.
Polson on Orton – “Nick is a creative player that can make things happen and open up the game. He is a very technical player and creates space well. His ability to get forward, connect passes and also score goals will make him a solid asset to Wofford soccer.”
Billy Padula is a defender from Irmo, SC. Billy plays for Irmo High School under the state’s winningest active high school coach, Phil Savitz. In 2008 Irmo advanced to the Lower State championship. In 2009, Billy led his team to a Lower State championship and a number two ranking in the country before losing
to eventual National Champion Northwestern High School in the SCHSL AAAA State Championship. Billy was honored as an All-Region team member in 2009. He played club soccer for Columbia United ‘91 and currently captains the new South Carolina United Development Academy. Columbia United was a state finalist in 2008 and state champions in 2009 and Region III Premier League East Champions in both 2008 and 2009. Billy is an International Baccalaureate Diploma Candidate and a James Otis Scholar. He is also a member of the Interact Club. Billy is currently undecided on a course of study.
Polson on Padula – “Billy is a very analytical player. He constantly studies the game, looking for ways to make himself a better player. While an outstanding defender, he is also an offensive threat with his long and penetrating throw-ins into the box, creating scoring chances for his teammates.”
Benny Puetter is a forward from Greenville, SC. Benny plays high school soccer for J.L. Mann High School under legendary Coach William Hosea. Benny has tallied 58 goals and 34 assists over the past
three seasons. He was named All-Region in 2008. Benny is a six time club state champion. He currently plays for CESA ’91 Premier where he has been voted the Player of the Year for his club twice and has contributed to their acceptance and play in the USYSA Region III Premier League for the last four years. Benny has been named to the Dean’s List in his sophomore and junior years. He volunteers his time with Top-Soccer and is a counselor for Vacation Bible School. Benny plans on studying biology.
Polson on Puetter – “Benny is a strong physical presence up front that competes and always seems to find a way to score. Benny not only scores goals, but also creates opportunities for his teammates to score. He could have an immediate impact on the success of our team.”
The eligibility of all student-athletes is contingent upon admission to Wofford College and compliance with all NCAA rules, including registration with the NCAA Clearinghouse.
