ELON, N.C. – Elon head coach Darren Powell announced the addition of four more newcomers to the class of 2010, bringing the total to eight new faces on the roster for the upcoming season. Freshmen Christopher Heyn (Southport, Conn.), JD Thomson (Weston, Conn.), Jason Webster (Reston, Va.) and Wake Forest University transfer Nick Millington (Raleigh, N.C.) will join Eliot Browarsky (Toledo, Ohio), Daniel Lovitz (Wyndmoor, Pa.), Glenn Scott (Raleigh, N.C.) and Matt Wescoe (Willow Springs, N.C.) in the maroon and gold in 2010.
Elon is coming off a strong season in 2009 when the Phoenix played in the Southern Conference Tournament championship game for the first time in school history. The squad boasted six all-conference honorees as well as the league’s freshman of the year. The Phoenix looks forward to its season opener when it travels to local rival High Point on Wednesday, September 1 at 7 p.m.
2010 Newcomers:
Christopher Heyn, 6-2, Midfielder/Forward, Fairfield Ludlowe HS, Beachside Soccer Club
Heyn was a four-year starter for state playoff contender Fairfield Ludlowe High School, captaining the team in his final season. He scored the most goals on the squad in 2008 and followed that performance as the team’s assist leader in 2009. Heyn earned All-Fairfield County Interscholastic Athletic Conference honors as a senior. Competing for the Beachside Soccer Club under Mickey Kydes and Owen Finburg, Heyn was the leading goal scorer in 2007 and 2008. The team also won the 2010 U-18 state championship.
Why Elon: “From the moment I stepped on campus, I knew that Elon was the perfect university for me. Everyone was so friendly and helpful and the campus is beautiful. Elon has a excellent academic reputation and an outstanding soccer program that I knew I wanted to be a part of.”
“I am really looking forward to being a part of such a great group of Division I soccer players. I look forward to improving as a player and a student while getting closer to my team. I also look forward to another Southern Conference championship with a chance to compete in the NCAA Tournament.”
According to Powell: “Chris is a strong player who impressed our staff at camp last summer. He can play multiple positions and we look forward to having him train with our team to identify where he will best fit for our program.”
Chris is the son of Kim and Chris Heyn.
JD Thomson, 6-4, Goalkeeper, Weston HS, Beachside Soccer Club
Thompson comes to Elon after playing in goal at Weston High School. The team’s most improved player in 2007 was named All-South-West Conference second team as a junior. Thomson was recognized on the all-area team and earned an NSCAA Senior Bowl Invite this past year. The keeper helped Beachside to the Connecticut State Cup Championship in 2009 as well as a regional semifinals appearance. The squad was also the U-17 and U-18 Connecticut Junior Soccer Association (CJSA) league winner.
Why Elon: “I chose Elon because of its growing recognition and reputation for excellence in both academics and athletics. After watching the team practice and play and meeting the team and coaches, I knew I had found the place I could excel and grow both on and off the field.”
“I am looking forward to becoming an integral part of one of the best soccer programs in the South and becoming the best keeper I can be. During my Elon career, I want to be part of the first team to win the SoCon Tournament and make the NCAA Tournament, all while getting a great education.”
According to Powell: “JD is joining our goalkeeping staff. He is a big keeper who has the potential to develop and help our program. As he matures he will refine his techniques that will make him a better all-around player.”
JD is the son of Karin and Robb Thomson.
Jason Webster, 6-1, Defender/Midfielder, Herndon HS, Great Falls ‘92 Blue
A two-sport athlete, Webster played soccer and ran indoor track at Herndon High School. He also competed for Mark Ryan for the Great Falls ’92 Blue club team. During his year, the squad won the National Capital Soccer (NCSL) Division I championship, the Olney Boys & Girls Community Sports Association (OBGC) Capital Cup title, the Bethesda Showcase crown and the CASL Showcase championship.
Why Elon: “I chose Elon for its prestigious education, top-class soccer and people that I can relate to. Going to Elon is a dream come true and I wouldn’t change it any other way.”
“I am looking forward to playing games under the lights at Rudd Field with hundreds of Phoenix fans screaming at the top of their lungs in support of the team.”
According to Powell: “Jason is a fast, strong left-sided player. We feel Jason has a bright future and will continue to improve his game in college.”
Nick Millington, 5-8, Defender/Midfielder, Wake Forest University
Millington comes to Elon after playing his first two years of collegiate soccer at Wake Forest. The defender saw action in 14 games in 2009, making four starts during the Demon Deacons’ run to the College Cup. Millington saw extensive time competing for the United States U-18 Men’s Soccer National Team last summer and has played for national teams for over four years. In 2008, Millington earned playing time in 13 games as a true freshman for Wake Forest, finishing the season with a goal and an assist. He scored his lone goal in Wake’s 3-0 win over UCLA and recorded the assist against Virginia Tech. During his prep years, Millington was named a Parade Magazine All-American in 2008 and was a member of the U-17 US Men’s National Team that was the CONCACAF qualifying champions. He attended Middle Creek High School before spending two years at Edison Academy in Bradenton, Fla.
Why Elon: “The reason I chose Elon is because it is a professional environment where the players are held to a high standard. I also believe this is an environment where I can learn a lot about the game and continue to develop as a soccer player. On the academic side of things, students at Elon are challenged in the classroom on a daily basis. Elon is a great school with a great soccer program and that is why I am looking forward to beginning my Elon experience this summer.”
“I am looking forward to playing soccer at Elon because I like their style of play and they are a team that works collectively both on and off the field. The team at Elon is very close and it is a family environment. I am also looking forward to playing at Elon because I believe I will be challenged both academically and athletically. Most importantly, I think Elon will be a place where I can grow as both a person and a soccer player. I think that Elon has a great soccer environment that will push me to make myself become a better player as well as the other guys around me.”
According to Powell: “Nick is a great addition to our program. He is a mature individual who has had some very positive soccer experiences with both Wake Forest and the U.S. junior national teams. He will compete to play in the midfield and is a player that looks to link a team together.”
Nick is the son of Andrea and Stephen Millington.
Eliot Browarsky, 6-1, Midfielder, Pacesetter Soccer Club
Browarsky had a stellar prep career as a two-sport athlete at Ottawa Hills High School. The midfielder was a three-time Toledo Area Athletic Conference Player of the Year, earning District Player of the Year accolades in 2009. A back-to-back first-team All-Ohio honoree, Browarsky was named the Division III Ohio Boys High School Player of the Year in his final season. The NSCAA High School All-American scored 82 career goals and led his team to four consecutive conference titles. Browarsky played club soccer under Jimmy Walker for the Pacesetter Soccer Club, guiding the team to the 2009 Ohio North State Cup championship.
Also a star on the basketball court, the four-year starter eclipsed the 1,000-point barrier as the starting point guard. He is Ottawa Hills’ career leader in assists and his squad has won three straight league crowns and been ranked in the top 10 in the state all season. Browarsky is currently averaging 19 points, eight assists and six rebounds a game.
Why Elon: “I chose Elon because of the excellent academics and the quality of soccer they play. Also, I immediately fell in love with the campus and got along very well with the team.
“I am looking forward to becoming a better soccer player, getting a great education and becoming closer with the team.”
According to Powell: “Eliot is a hard-working midfielder that is improving all the time. He impressed the coaching staff during our Elite Camp last summer where he showed that he could also score goals from range. We are looking forward to him joining us this fall.”
Eliot is the son of Phillip Browarsky and Linda Jones.
Daniel Lovitz, 5-10, Midfielder/Forward, Lower Merion Velez
Lovitz hails from Wyndmoor, Pa., where he led Germantown Academy to two Inter-Academic League championships in 2006 and 2009. An all-conference selection as a senior, Lovitz was named the school’s George C. Nahill award winner in 2009 for the second time in his prep career. Lovitz competed for Miguel Nvila on the Lower Merion Velez club team. His club squad earned the state cup title in 2004 and 2008 and was the Region I and Region I Premier League champs in 2008. Lower Merion Velez took home a third place showing at the 2009 National Championships.
Why Elon: “I chose Elon University because I wanted to become part of something great. Academically, Elon struck me as being a school on a determined path towards prestigious national recognition. The soccer team appealed to me with their extremely strong record in the Southern Conference. When I watched them play, I knew that it would be a great fit for me as a player. From what I saw, the style of play and attitude of the team reflected a group striving for success.
“I’m most looking forward to becoming an active member in a stimulating academic environment and contributing to a great team and group of guys. I’m excited to make a run at an NCAA Tournament berth and another Southern Conference championship.”
According to Powell: “Daniel is an exciting outside midfielder who has the ability to take players on and serve good passes and crosses. He is a talented left footer who likes to score goals. All of this has given him a good foundation at the youth level to be successful when he arrives in August.”
Daniel is the son of David and Virginia Lovitz.
Glenn Scott, 5-11, Defender, CASL Chelsea FC Academy
This four-year varsity starter for Sanderson High School netted 32 goals during his senior season. Scott earned all-conference, all-region and all-state honors during his prep career. He also played for CASL Chelsea FC Academy under Rusty Scarborough, competing with current Elon freshman defender Nick Butterly to help the squad to four state cup championships. Scott scored the game-winner against Chelsea in the Disney championship game, leading the team to two titles at the Disney Showcase event.
Why Elon: “I chose Elon because the second I walked on campus, I felt at home. I love the guys on the team — they gave off a very friendly and family-like vibe when I first met them. It is an incredible school from an academic standpoint. Basically, it was hard for me to find anything I didn’t like about Elon, which made my decision very easy.
“In my time at Elon I am most looking forward to gaining a more profound education and bettering myself on the soccer field. I would also like to take advantage of the many opportunities provided by Elon to help out in the surrounding community.”
According to Powell: “Glenn is a solid defender from North Carolina. He will grow in the college environment and that will take his game to new levels. He can play as an attacking right back or as a center back. In high school, he also played forward and scored a few goals. All this experience should allow him to develop well in the college game.”
Glenn is the son of Kevin and Valerie Scott.
Matthew Wescoe, 5-10, Midfield, CASL Chelsea FC Academy
Wescoe was a three-time All-Greater Neuse River 4A Conference, all-region and academic all-conference selection at Garner Magnet High School. Wescoe owns the school record for points in a game, tallying 11 with four goals and three assists. For his career, he racked up 58 markers and 36 assists. The midfielder teamed with fellow incoming freshman Glenn Scott on the CASL Chelsea FC Academy club team. Under Rusty Scarborough, the team won the 2008 U16 USSDA Regional championship. Wescoe was also the leading scorer on his USSF Academy team in 2007-08 and 2008-09.
Why Elon: “I chose Elon University because it was the best fit for me and I knew it from the first time I visited. The education I will receive here is one of the best and I really like the campus.
“I am most looking forward to the great education I will receive that will better my future along with playing with a great soccer team for four years.”
According to Powell: “Matt is a tenacious player who can play in the midfield or up front. He has a good understanding of the game and is able to appear in the right position at the right moments. If he can continue to work on his game, he will become a good college player.”
Matt is the son of Kyle and Kelley Wescoe.
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