Feb. 13, 2001
MILWAUKEE--UWM Men's Soccer Coach Louis Bennett announced the signing of four National Letters of Intent today: Trent Furtsch, Demetrius Banks, Chris Brisson, and Antou Jallow. High school senior Ian Hoelker also announced his intentions to enroll at UWM and play soccer.
Trent Furtsch (Shorewood, Wis./Shorewood) brings a wealth of youth soccer experience to UWM after representing the Region II ODP team in Austria and playing against Manchester United, Stuttgart F.C., and the U-17 Norway National team. The 5-10 defender/midfielder is one of only two players in the US National team pool that attended training camp in Bradenton, Fla. in 2000. In high school, Furtsch was named....
"Trent is one of the most recognized Wisconsin players graduating this year. He's been coached and developed by two well-respected coaches in high school (Bohdan Nedilsky) and in club (Michael Konovolenko at Mequon United F.C.)," said Bennett. "Trent is the kind of player you love to have because he is both skillfull and rugged. Also, being naturally left-footed will add balance to that side of the field."
UWM Demetrius Banks (Milwaukee, Wis./Riverside), a 5-9 midfielder, is the son of UWM Hall of Famer Jimmy Banks. Banks, who was named amongst "The Best of the Rest" by the Wisconsin Soccer Coaches' Association, plays club soccer for the Simba Lions.
"Obviously the Banks name carries a legacy, with his father (Jimmy) being the first Wisconsin player to play in the World Cup," said Bennett. "Demetrius is clearly one of the top players in the state and is just scratching the surface of what he is capable of doing. He reminds me of past players like Jon Coleman, Erik White, and David Marshall, who have all made real names for themselves in the college game. He is technically sound with a good touch, can use both feet, and he has a real feel and flare for the game."
A 5-9 midfielder, Chris Brisson (Hugo, Minn./White Bear Lake) has been selected to the all-state and all-conference teams for three consecutive years, and also was a strong candidate for the High School Player of the Year in Minnesota. Playing club soccer for Tsunami Gold, Brisson also competes with the ODP state team and has been in the ODP Regional pool.
"Chris is industrious, quick, and mobile. He reminds me a lot of former UWM player and current professional player Don Gramenz," said Bennett. "He is a player suited to the college game because of his pace with his past pedigree, Dan Storlien's Tsunami Gold team."
Ian Hoelker (Middleton, Wis./Middleton) helped his Middleton High School team to the Division One state championship game this fall. He compiled 42 goals and 18 assists as a defensive midfielder at Middleton High School, and holds the school record in number of games played (103). In club soccer, Hoelker has won two state championships with the Madison 56ers. The 6-2 defender has also played six years on the ODP state team.
"Ian brings added size and ability to play out of the back. He has good distributing skills and is a good athlete and a smart player. Ian was a great find -- I am happy they turned down other universitys to come to UWM."
Antou Jallow (Uppsala, Sweden) will come to UWM from overseas after playing club soccer for Sirius. A 6-1 forward and attacking midfielder, Jallow played in the school's World Cup in Italy against other international teams.
"We are very fortunate to land a player of Antou's skill level and experience, having played in the Division II league in Sweden. He is a very effective player and a great addition to our program."
Added Bennett, "I'm excited about the top players from Wisconsin, Minnesota, and overseas deciding to make UWM their first choice. Whether their hometown is four blocks away or 4,000 miles away, quality young people and players are recognizing what Milwaukee men's soccer has to offer. The credit has to be given to the existing players showing a pursuit and committment to the highest of standards. These are exciting times at UWM."
2001 Men's Soccer Recruiting Class
Name Pos. Hometown-High School
Trent Furtsch MF Shorewood, Wis./Shorewood
Demetrius Banks MF Milwaukee, Wis./Riverside
Chris Brisson MF Hugo, Minn./White Bear Lake
Ian Hoelker D Middleton, Wis./Middleton
Antou Jallow F/MF Uppsala, Sweden
