Feb. 12, 2003
Bowling Green, Ky. - Western Kentucky University men's soccer coach David Holmes received national letters of intent from two prospects on signing day. Beginning next fall, Holmes will have the services of a junior-college transfer and a local standout as the Hilltoppers look to improve on last year's 8-10-1 record.
Western loses only two starters off this year's squad to graduation, with one of those players being team captain and second-team all-conference selection Ben Buerger. In 2002, Buerger led the Hilltoppers in points with 12, while tying with freshman Jason Dugas, who earned all-conference honorable mention honors, for the team lead with five goals. Transfer Justin Pasternak and Glasgow, Ky. native Ryan Simpson should help ease the burden.
Pasternak, a defender, comes to the Hill from St. Louis Community College at Meramec, where he anchored the defensive unit of one of the NJCAA's top-ranked teams. The native of St. Louis, Mo. started every game during his two-year career at Meramec and helped the Magic get off to a 13-0 start in 2002, as the defense recorded a shutout in the first seven games. "Justin will bring a lot to the table," said Meramec head coach Marty Pike. "He's a class kid, who is very quick and agile, and plays big."
In 2001, Pasternak earned all-conference honors and a Scholar/Athlete award from Meramec. He also played for the Busch Soccer Club for two seasons. As a prep at Oakville High, Pasternak helped the Tigers win a Missouri 4A state championship, while earning all-state, all-metro, all-district and all-conference honors.
"I am very pleased that a player of Justin's pedigree has decided to join us at Western Kentucky. He comes to the Hill with valuable experience as a team leader from one of the top junior college programs in the country," said Holmes. "Justin is a proven winner who led his Oakville High School team to a 2000 Missouri state championship and Meramec College to the pinnacle of the junior college soccer ranks in 2002. His athletic and aggressive style is well-suited for the competitive rigors of Missouri Valley Conference soccer. I am counting on Justin to play an important role on the Hilltopper team next year."
Simpson, a goalkeeper, will look to find time in the rotation with starter Daryl Sattler and Brandon Moore. Simpson lettered four years at Glasgow High School and concluded his prep career with 611 saves, 67 career starts and an 81 percent save percentage. As a senior, Simpson posted a 1.6 goals against average, while leading the Scotties to the 2002 Class A state championship, which they won by beating Bardstown Bethlehem in a penalty kick shootout. While Simpson earned all-district, all-region and two all-state tournament selections in soccer, he also earned three letters, an all-district selection and served as team captain for the football team.
"I am pleased that Ryan has decided to stay close to home and play his collegiate soccer at Western. As a goalkeeper, he is an eager learner with a strong upside," said Holmes. "Watching Ryan play in a local high school game, I was impressed with his command of the box, his shot stopping ability and his competitive spirit. He is a top student and a talented athlete. I am extremely pleased that he will share his talents with us at Western. I expect that he will battle for the No. 2-goalkeeping position behind all-conference performer, Daryl Sattler."
- WKU -
