Yeagley brings star-studded recruits to IU

IU soccer has a new coach and a new class but the same game plan: Win championships.

Joining the ranks of over 400 members of the IU men’s soccer family is the 2010 class: Kerel Bradford, Ryan Bristol, Jacob Bushue, Nikita Kotlov, Dylan Lax, Matt McKain, Harrison Petts, Taylor Reeves and Blake Wise.

“This is a very talented group that I feel can make a positive impact in the program,” IU coach Todd Yeagley said. “The 2010 class will certainly give us a big boost moving forward.”

IU senior Lee Hagedorn graduated from Columbus North four years ago. Two North players, Lax and McKain, are following in Hagedorn’s footsteps. The midfielder said he was able to talk with Lax about becoming a Hoosier.

“I told him that I knew with his dedication and the way he plays that this would be a good fit for him,” Hagedorn said.

But Hagedorn’s advice for the incoming class was more about knowing their place on the team.

“They were the top players on their team and now ... there’s people that are All-Americans that have been here for three or four years that they’re going to have to compete against,” Hagedorn said. “You have to realize you have to come to play every day and the coaches will notice it. It will take a little time to earn your spot, but if you give dedication and hard work, you’ll get your chance to play.”

Four members of the class are from the Hoosier state.

“Indiana has always been able to produce some top players,” Yeagley said. “Each year we’re seeing more and more top prospects developing in our own state, which is a great sign. We’re proud to have our own come in and play large roles.”

Bushue said he grew up around the hype of the cream and crimson seeing his brother’s passion for the Hoosiers.

“When I was about eight or nine, Indiana soccer was always the thing that he was always talking about, how they were so good,” Bushue said. “That was back when they were winning national championships all the time.”

But his choice to come to IU was mainly based on his new coach.
“I almost went to Wisconsin where he was the head coach before, because he was recruiting me there pretty hard,” Bushue said. “When he came here I was so excited. I can already tell right now that great things are going to happen with him.”

Like those who have worn the seven-star logo before him, Bushue understands his responsibility as an IU soccer player.

“Sometime in these four years I came here to win a national championship,” Bushue said. “So one or two would be fantastic.”