Michigan State University Athletics
Men's Soccer Adds Six For 2003
3/26/2003 12:00:00 AM | Men's Soccer
March 26, 2003
EAST LANSING, Mich.- Michigan State men's soccer coach Joe Baum announced the signing of six recruits for the upcoming 2003 campaign, Wednesday (Mar. 26). This year's recruiting class consists of two goalkeepers, one midfielder, one defender and two which play both defense and midfield. The class of '07 includes: Chris Austin (GK/Livonia), Ryan Dick (D/MF/Rochester), John Folino (D/Okemos), Greg Janicki (D/MF/New Baltimore), Matt Kreikemeier (MF/St. Louis, Mo.) and Jason Tillman (GK/Brighton).
The Spartans went 12-7 in 2002 and lost six players to graduation.
"We are excited about our 2003 recruiting class," said Baum. "We feel we have a fine group of student-athletes who will be able to help us both offensively and defensively in the future. In addition to being fine athletes these recruits are also outstanding academically. We feel this 2003 class will be one of our best in recent years."
Chris Austin - Goalkeeper; Livonia. Austin was a three-year starter for Franklin High School and posted a school-record 15 shutouts and a .08 goals-against average. He was a member of the Michigan Wolves team that won two state and regional championships. Austin also played basketball for Franklin High where he averaged 15 points and 12 rebounds per game.
Coach Baum: "Chris Austin is an outstanding athlete with tremendous size. Chris is very agile and quick for a big man. He is also very poised in pressure situations."
Ryan Dick - Defender/Midfielder; Rochester. Dick garnered First-Team All-State honors his senior year while leading Rochester High to the Michigan High School State Championship. He is a member of the Vardar Club team, which won state championships in both 2000 and 2002. Since 1998, Dick has played for the '85 Michigan ODP team and won a regional championship in 2000.
Coach Baum: "Ryan Dick is a very athletic player who can play many positions effectively. He has a tremendous work rate and drive are real assets which will help Ryan at the college level."
John Folino - Defender; Okemos. Folino captained the 2002 Okemos High School team where he was First-Team All-Capital Circuit. Folino played for the Rochester Knights Soccer Club, which won the State Championships in 2000 and 2002. He is a member of the '84 Michigan ODP State Team and also punted for the Okemos High football team.
Coach Baum: "John Folino is a hard rugged player who can play a number of positions with a high intensity level. He is a very competitive individual who is self-motivated to achieve excellence."
Greg Janicki - Defender/Midfielder; New Baltimore. Last season, Janicki scored 28 goals and had 18 assists en route to being selected to the Michigan Dream Team placing third in the voting for Michigan's Mr. Soccer award. He tallied a school-record 74 career goals and earned letters in basketball and track.
Coach Baum: "Greg Janicki has an outstanding combination of size with fine touch on the ball. He can be effective in either an offensive or defensive role."
Matt Kreikemeier - Midfielder; St. Louis, Mo. As a captain of the St. Louis University High School team, Kreikemeirer received All-State honors while leading his team to high school state semifinals. He won eight State Championships with the Busch Soccer Club as well. Kreikemeier has been a member of the Missouri ODP team for the last four years and is currently a member of the Region II '84 ODP Team.
Coach Baum: "Matt Kreikemeier is a fast and quick forward who is a gifted one-versus-one player. Matt has great vision which allows him to be a clever playmaker."
Jason Tillman - Goalkeeper; Brighton. Tillman earned Dream Team and First-Team All-State honors last season as captain of the Brighton High School soccer team, which reached the state finals. He was also captained the Michigan Wolves club team to State championships in 1999 and 2001. In addition, he has been a member of the '84 Michigan ODP Team.
Coach Baum: "Jason Tillman is an extremely quick and aggressive goalkeeper who plays his angles very well. He is a real leader of the defense."
