July 25, 2012
MADISON, Wis. -- Wisconsin head men’s soccer coach John Trask has announced the addition of two student-athletes to the Badgers’ 2012 roster. Jide Oluyedun (Westfield, Ind.) and Anders Kristensen (Silkeborg, Denmark) will join the Wisconsin squad this, marking a total of 10 newcomers on the Badgers’ fall roster.
“This recruiting class will add depth and quality to a team which is returning the majority of our letter winners from this past fall,” Trask said. “My staff has done an outstanding job identifying recruits from different parts of the country. We are anxious to integrate these new members into the team and look forward to their contributions in the 2012 season and beyond.”
Jide Oluyedun: Sophomore transfer from Syracuse University where he saw action in six matches ... made his collegiate debut as a substitute in the season opener at Colgate ... member of the 2012 Spring Athletic Director's Honor Roll … four-year midfielder/forward for Shattuck-St. Mary's in the U.S. Development Academy League … served as team captain during his sophomore and junior seasons … led the team to the 2009 USYSA Minnesota State Cup title … member of the Indiana ODP 92’s and guided the squad to the 2009 national championship and the 2009 Disney Showcase title.
Trask on Oluyedun: “Jide will provide added strength to the midfield and is a player out of Shattuck-St. Mary’s where he played with Joey Tennyson. The staff is excited about Jide becoming a Badger and we look forward to watching his continued development.”
Anders Kristensen: Member of the Silkeborg IF youth program in Silkeborg, Denmark since he was 4 years old … most recently played with the Silkeborg IF Reserves, where he saw action against professional soccer players from the Danish Superliga … brother, Mads Kristensen, plays golf at Kentucky.
Trask on Kristensen: “Anders is a player who will bring a passion and commitment to the Badgers’ attacking group this fall. His ability on the ball and passing instincts will help our team become more dangerous as a unit. The staff is very excited about Anders’ future with the Badgers and we look forward to blending him in with the returning players and other new recruits.”
Oluyedun and Kristensen join eight others in the incoming class for 2012, Drew Conner, Adam Lauko, Casey Beyers, Joe Naughton, Garrett Powell, Chase Rau, Luke Kasmierczak and Toni Ramadani.
Trask on Drew Conner: “Drew is a player who will have an immediate impact in the midfield, he has the tools to be one of the top midfielders in the country. The Chicago Fire Youth Academy Coaches have done an outstanding job helping Drew develop his game. His technical ability, tactical awareness, and competitive edge will allow Drew to have an outstanding career here at UW.”
Trask on Adam Lauko: “Adam is a top level player from upstate New York where he wore the captains armband for Empire FC under two top coaches, Chris Apple and Paul Valenti. Adam’s ability on the ball and understanding of the game will strengthen the back half of the team. He has the physical stature, awareness and fighting qualities you like to see in young defenders of his age. The coaching staff believes he will compete for major playing time immediately.”
Trask on Casey Beyers: “Casey is a goalkeeper from the Washington DC area and comes highly recommended from Peter Mellor and former UW goalkeeper Alex Howarth. At 6’5” he has a great physical presence in goal and the staff feels that he will compete for playing time sooner rather than later. Casey is a former UW camper who will represent the fine tradition of student-athletes here in Madison and within the men’s soccer program.”
Trask on Joe Naughton: “Joe comes from Marquette High School in Milwaukee and helped the team to back-to-back high school championships during his career. Joe is a player who can play multiple roles and the staff feels that he has many of the qualities needed to play Big Ten soccer. Joe was identified at the summer camp program here in Madison and will be tough to keep off the field. His work ethic, competitiveness and athleticism will allow Joe to follow a long line of great players from Milwaukee who played for the Badgers. ”
Trask on Garrett Powell: “Garrett is an extremely gifted athlete who we identified at our summer camp program. He is a player who we believe has the qualities needed to have a very good career at Wisconsin. Garrett will be looked at to strengthen the defensive unit and with his size, versatility and physical components the coaching staff believes he can fight for playing time this fall.”
Trask on Chase Rau: “Chase is coming to us from an excellent club program, the Grand Rapids Crew where he has helped them achieve some fantastic results. Chase is a complete goalkeeper who has all the tools to fight for the starting position this coming year. His strengths lie in his ability to manage the game, be a vocal leader, excellent distribution skills and great training habits. The staff is very excited to have Chase join the Badgers for his collegiate career. ”
Trask on Luke Kasmierczak: “Luke is a player from Connecticut who came to the staff’s attention at the first ever High School ID Camp held this past January. Luke’s passion and commitment were evident from the moment he stepped on the field. Tireless and tough to play against are two traits which he possesses. Luke will compete for playing time in either a midfield or defensive role for the team. ”
Trask on Tony Ramadani: “Tony is a junior transfer from Bradley University and will provide immediate strength to the attacking part of the team. Tony has the tools to make us a better team; more depth and greater competition is what Tony brings us. He has a great passion for the game and his ability to beat people off the dribble and combine with his teammates are two of his strengths.”
With the 2012 incoming class finalized, the men’s soccer team looks forward to the first day of practice on August 7. The Badgers will open the season on August 17 with an exhibition against Louisville.
2012 Newcomers
| No. |
Name |
Pos. |
Hometown |
| 33 |
Casey Beyers |
GK |
Columbia, Md. |
| 7 |
Drew Conner |
MF |
Carey, Ill. |
| 21 |
Luc Kazmierczak |
MF |
Boston, Mass. |
| 8 |
Anders Kristensen |
MF |
Silkeborg, Denmark |
| 6 |
Adam Lauko |
D |
Baldwinsville, N.Y. |
| 24 |
Joe Naughton |
|
Brookfield, Wis. |
| 14 |
Jide Oluyedun |
MF |
Westfield, Ind. |
| 25 |
Garrett Powell |
D |
Minneapolis, Minn. |
| 17 |
Toni Ramadani |
F |
Washington, Ill. |
| 1 |
Chase Rau |
GK |
Sparta, Mich. |
