Freitag announces recruiting class for 2008 season

While the football staff spent a day surrounded by fanfare as it announced next season’s recruits, another coach awaited the arrival of his recruits’ letters of intent comfortably in his office. \nAlthough the men’s soccer recruiting class did not receive the media hype associated with college football’s National Signing Day, IU coach Mike Freitag assembled a top recruiting class under the radar.\nWhile an official ranking of the class won’t come for a few months, IU soccer fans should anticipate seeing this group among the nation’s top five classes. Three of the seven recruits are considered to be in the top 25, including two of the top four overall. The 2007 recruiting class was ranked No. 2 in the nation, and it appears Freitag has continued his tradition of recruiting excellence.\n“We were looking for players who can immediately help the program and players to help in the near future,” Freitag said. “This class meets our needs. They have the character I’m looking for in student athletes.”\nSeveral members of the class hail from St. Louis, Freitag’s hometown. Included in this group is standout Will Bruin. At the 2007 Adidas Elite Soccer Program Camp, Bruin received the Golden Boot, which is given to the camp’s top player. Though Bruin is looking forward to making new friends at IU, he said he is also excited to be playing with two current teammates, Tommy Meyer and Louis Soffner.\n“I’ve played with these guys before,” Bruin said. “It’s a big plus to be able to keep playing with them.”\nBruin said several factors drew him to IU, including the number of majors he can explore before declaring one. But Bruin was not only attracted to the University. Freitag’s recruiting style and track record helped solidify his decision.\n“I liked (Freitag) a lot,” Bruin said. “He pretty much let his resume speak for itself.” \nMeyer, Bruin’s current teammate, has more of a connection with the University than just his letter of intent. His father, Keith Meyer, was a key player in IU’s 1982 National Championship team. \n“Keith was so smooth,” Freitag said. “Tommy has the same qualities, but takes it to the backline.” \nThe Hoosiers will be losing seniors Charley Traylor, Chris Munroe and Greg Stevning to graduation in May, but Freitag said he is confident that his players – both new and old – will pick up where the seniors left off.\n“This team has tremendous potential,” Freitag said.