SPARTANBURG, SC – Wofford College men’s soccer coach Ralph Polson has announced five student-athletes whom have signed to join the Terriers. This class is made up of five high schools seniors – Matthew Aurednik, Garrett Closs, Will Norris, Ralph Polson III, and Josh Schooler. “While we lost an outstanding group with this year’s seniors, 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 experience, skill, athleticism, and a competitive attitude that will help us to again be successful at the highest level in the Southern Conference in 2013”, commented Polson.
Matthew Aurdenik is a forward from Columbia, SC. He has been home-schooled throughout his high school career. Matthew has been a member of the South Carolina United FC ’94 premier team for three years. He served as team captain, leading them to back-to-back SCYSA State Championships in 2011 and 2012. He currently plays for the SCUFC Battery USSF Development team. Matthew has been a member of the SCYSA ’95 ODP team. He was selected to the 2011 USYSA Region III ODP team. He represented USYSA Region III in an international tournament in Mexico. He plans to major in Biology at Wofford. In the summer of 2012, he played PDL for the Palmetto Bantams.
Polson on Aurednik – “Matthew is a proven goal scorer. He has a knack for being in the right place at the right time. He is one of the most dedicated individuals and will bring a great deal of energy and enthusiasm to our program. He will battle for playing time as a freshman. ”
Garrett Closs is a
goalkeeper from Frisco, TX. The 6’2” Closs has been the starting goalkeeper for the Andromeda FC USSF Development Academy team for the past four years. He was selected to the 2011 Disney Soccer Showcase All-Star Team. He has traveled to England and trained with the Chelsea FC Academy. Garrett attends Frisco Centennial High School. He earned a varsity letter in soccer and football as a freshman in high school and was selected All-District in soccer, before turning his attention to the USSF Development Academy program full time. Garrett is a member of the National Honor Society. He is undecided on a major at Wofford.
Polson on Closs – “Garrett possesses a great deal of experience, having played in the USSF Development Academy system for four years. He brings a presence to the position with his size, shot-stopping ability, and command of his box. I feel that he will compete early on for the starting goalkeeper position left by graduating senior Andrew Drennan.”
Will Norris is a
defender from Chapin, SC. Will, a 6’3” outside back, played high school soccer at Chapin High School. Since his sophomore year he has served as team captain. As a junior, he was selected to the SCHSL 3-A All-Region and All-State teams, and to the NSCAA All-Region III team. He has been a member of the Carolina Elite Soccer Academy ’94 Premier team for three years. They have advanced to the USYSA National Championships in 2011. Will is a member of the National Honor Society, the Spanish Honor Society, a South Carolina Junior Scholar, and an AP Scholar. He is ranked in the top 10% of his senior class.
Polson on Norris – “Will has developed into an outstanding outside back and we fully expect him to make a solid contribution early on. We are pleased to have him sign with Wofford College.”
Ralph Polson III is a
midfielder from Spartanburg, SC. He is the son of Wofford head coach Ralph Polson. He has played at Spartanburg High School for four years. Ralph played his club soccer for Carolina Elite Soccer Academy, Discoveries Soccer Club, and most recently for South Carolina United FC. His CESA ’95 Premier team was the SCYSA State Champion in 2009 and 2010. In 2012, he joined the SCUFC ‘94 Premier team, helping lead them to a 2nd consecutive SCYSA U-18 State Championship and a berth in the 2013 USYSA Region III Championships. Ralph was a three year member of the SCYSA ’95 ODP team. Ralph has been a member of the National Science Honor Society. He is undecided on a major.
Polson on Polson III – “Ralph has grown up in the game. He has a tremendous understanding of how the game should be played and a strong work ethic. His ability to support his teammates and connect passes will make him a solid asset. He should come in and compete for playing time as a freshman. We are excited with his commitment to Wofford.”
Josh Schooler is a
defender from James Island, SC. Josh attends James Island Charter High School in Charleston, SC. He was 3 year varsity starter. He was twice selected All-Region & All-Lowcountry, as he led his James Island HS team to the SCHSL 4-A playoffs. He committed to play full time for the SCUFC Battery USSF Development Academy team, foregoing his senior year in high school competition. He has been an active member of the Battery Academy program for three years. Josh is a member of the National Honor Society. He plans to major in Business-Economics at Wofford College.
Polson on Schooler – “Josh is a versatile athlete which can play several positions along the back line. He is a very technical player and reads the game well, which will make him a solid asset to Wofford soccer 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.
