Published: April 16, 2007 11:55 pm         

Birkelbach recruits three for Cougars soccer

From Wheeling to New Zealand, soccer players are jumping at the chance to play for Mountain State University.

Coach John Birkelbach has announced the signing of three recruits, and is expecting to name at least five more over the next two weeks.

Wheeling Park High School goalkeeper Andrew Hatcher, who played solidly in the Patriots’ 1-0 loss to Woodrow Wilson in the state tournament semifinals in October, will join the Cougars this fall along with St. Albans forward Troy Bills and defender Joel Hicks from Auckland, New Zealand.

Hatcher gives MSU a second top-notch goalkeeper along with returning sophomore Adam Thompson.

“We’ve got a very good keeper now, but every good team needs a couple of good keepers,” Birkelbach said. “We were lucky last season Adam didn’t get injured and have to be replaced.”

The 5-foot-10 Hatcher recorded 11 shutouts for Park (16-6-1), including an eight-save performance a 2-1 overtime win over Fairmont Senior in the regional final.

An honorable mention all-stater, Hatcher was playing in goal for the first time. He was previously a forward and midfielder for the Patriots.

“Andrew’s a great kid and the type of player I want in this program,” Birkelbach said. “He can play out on the field, but I plan on using him in goal.

“Adam didn’t have anybody pushing him last year, and bringing in Andrew will bring out the best in both of them.”

Bills, who has played travel soccer for 10 years, earned second-team all-state honors at St. Albans and was on the Charleston Daily Mail all-area team.

“Troy has a great work ethic,” Birkelbach said. “He’s been playing soccer all his life and he wants to become better.”

The MSU coach has known Bills for years.

“I’ve watching him play many games,” Birkelbach said. “I played soccer with his brother in adult leagues in Charleston for many years and I watched Troy grow up.”

Hicks was voted the best junior player at his club in New Zealand and was the MVP and captain his senior year.

The central defender sent MSU a highlights DVD last summer and Birkelbach was impressed.

“I recruited him our first year, but he had a few things to work out,” Birkelbach said. “He’s the kind of player you expect a lot from.

“He wins the ball every time it’s near him. He’s not afraid to tackle and win head balls.”

Hicks made it to the final 50 in the trials for his country’s national team.

“He feels it’s his proudest achievement,” Birkelbach said.

“He also plays rugby. I expect him to be very strong for us on the defensive end.”

Mountain State was 5-11 in its inaugural season, including a stunning 2-1 victory over Berea (Ky.) in the NAIA playoffs.

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