Feb. 12, 2008

HUNTINGTON, W.Va. - The Marshall Thundering Herd soccer team signed three student-athletes, Kyle Sniatecki, Devin Perkins and Aaron Dini to National Letters of Intent, head coach Bob Gray announced Monday.

"Losing only a couple of players to graduation, we were quite selective in our recruiting class," Gray said. "We found what we were looking for: this small group of signees has the ability to make an impact on the program and the community as each of them has had academic success and are proven to be well-rounded young men."

Sniatecki played at Depew High School where he was a two-year captain and was a three-time first team all-star. Sniatecki played club soccer for Buffalo United and was a captain when he led his team to the State Cup championship. While playing for Rochester FC, the team captured the Western Appalachian League title. He was an Adidas ESP participant and was a participant for the New York West team for the all-star game.

"Kyle brings a lot of high level soccer to us; his participation at ESP and on the Region I ODP will really help him fit in and make an impact," Gray continued. "While he has the athleticism and skill to succeed at this level, I think he is a step above with his knowledge of the game we fully expect him to contribute immediately at center back in the fall."

A Winchester, Ky., native, Dini attends high school at George Rogers Clark where he completed a successful career for the Cardinals. During his senior year he totaled 14 goals with nine assists and was award first team all-state for his efforts in addition to his state tournament team selection. While playing at George Rogers Clark, Dini was named the district MVP three times and was also the team MVP in 2005 and 2007.

"Aaron brings a great deal of size and athleticism to our squad," Gray added about his new signee. "While he has played at the center midfield position, he has the versatility to play multiple positions and we think he can become a contributor for us on the left side."

Perkins attends high school at Pinellas Park High School and is a member of the Florida Olympic Development Program. He was named Rookie of the Year for his high school team and was also the Defensive MVP in 2007. For his club team, Perkins was the team captain and guided the team to the state semifinal. A member of the Strictly Soccer Futbol Club, Perkins and his club team were a three-time Atlanta Cup champion and a two-time Plantation Cup champion.

"A crafty, yet very simple player, Devin brings a lot of energy to the game," Gray said. "He is comfortable playing anywhere on the field and he has a great knack of finding open players quickly."

The 2008 recruiting class will be eligible for competition in the fall.