FORT WAYNE, Ind. – IPFW men's soccer head coach Mike Harper has announced the addition of five student-athletes for the 2015 season in Keelan Barker, Nick Cozad, Drake DeWitt, Zach Tom, and Darren Doyle.
"We look forward to this class adding some much needed athleticism to our team and to help us improve overall," said Harper. Keelan BarkerBarker, a 6-2 midfielder/center back from Nottingham, England, joins the Mastodons after captaining Coffeyville Community College in the national tournament. Additionally, was named to the Second Team All-Conference as a defender and played with Pelican Football Club.
"Keelan is a very gifted, intelligent player who will look to solidify our back line and midfield," said Harper. "His tactics and understanding of the game are tremendous."
Cozad, a 6-2 center back from Chillicothe, Ohio, joins the Blue and White after being a multi-sport athlete at Unioto High. The four year varsity starterNick Cozadearned Second Team All-Ohio honors in 2014, First Team All-District from 2012-14, was named the team MVP in both 2013 and 2014 after being the captain each of those years, and helped the Shermans reach the District Finals in 2014. Cozad was also a standout kicker for the football team, earning Kicker of the Year, Second Team All-Ohio, First Team All-District, and Special Teams MVP in 2014. In addition to soccer and football, Cozad also played basketball, while running with cross country and track and field.
"Nick is big, athletic, and intelligent," Harper continued. "As a center back, he should add some much needed size and strength in the air to the back line."Drake DeWittDeWitt, a 6-1 midfielder from Columbia City, Indiana, joins IPFW after being named ISCA Top Team Player, and being honored with Second Team All-Conference. DeWitt scored 20 goals as a senior at Columbia City High, adding six assists, and finishing with four multi-goal matches. The two-year captain with the Eagles earned at least one point in 11-of-17 matches played his senior year. Additionally, DeWitt received the ISL Premier Golden Boot Award and was named to the All-Division Team, while leading the team to a first-place finish.
"Drake is very athletic and a strong player," said Harper. "He is strong defensively and also very dynamic going forward."
Tom, a 5-7 midfielder and younger brother of Corey Tom, joins IPFW after being a First Team All-Conference honoree in bothZach Tom2012 and 2013, playing at Carroll High. Tom was named to the All-Area Team in 2013 and captained the Fort Wayne Fever. Tom helped his team win the Indiana State Championship in 2013, while his club team finished as the Midwest Regional runner-up the same year.
"Zach is creative," said Harper. "He has the mindset to attack and will look to join his brother in our starting lineup. He adds a lot of attacking skills to our team."
Doyle, a 5-11 midfielder from Henderson, N.C., becomes a Mastodon after playing two years a Louisburg College. While at Louisburg, Doyle scored a total of 12 goals,Darren Doyleincluding five during the 2014 season. While attending high school, Doyle was a First Team All-State member, while earning District Player of the Year award in 2013. Additionally, Doyle earned All-Conference in 2012 and honorable mention in 2011. When he was younger, Doyle played in Ireland for 15 years.
"Darren will add quickness and the ability to get behind the defense, especially on the flanks," Harper continued. "He is a solid two-way midfielder who will fit nicely into our team's schemes."
The Mastodons finished the 2014 year after falling in the Summit League semifinals, making their third appearance in the Summit League Tournament. The Blue and White also made the league tournament as the No. 4 seed in 2012 and No. 2 seed in 2011.
