Men’s Soccer

Tosaya adds pair of junior transfers to 2013 roster

Jeremy Tosoya

MITCHELL, S.D. – Dakota Wesleyan University men’s soccer coach Jeremy Tosaya added a pair of junior transfers to the Tiger men’s 2013 roster, he announced this week. Ryan West and Jon Wieger both plan to join the program in August, and both come to Dakota Wesleyan with junior eligibility.

West, a Sioux Falls, S.D., native, spent two seasons at the University of Sioux Falls before transferring to Dakota Wesleyan. The 5-foot-7 center back was a two-year starter for the Cougars and was the only freshman starter to play in every game at USF.

West was a two-year starter at Sioux Falls Lincoln High School, and helped the Patriots to three state championships. He earned All-State First Team honors as a senior, and was a team captain as a junior and senior. West also played club soccer for the Quest Club team.

“I think the Tiger soccer program and Ryan will both benefit a lot with his transfer from the University of Sioux Falls,” Tosaya said. “He is an intelligent and athletic back, and I believe he can help us cover some holes that might arise during the season. He has experience at a high college level and is hungry to help us be successful in the GPAC these next two years. I think this is a positive move for everyone involved.”

Wieger joins the Tigers after two seasons at Jamestown College. The 6-foot-1 midfielder is a Waubay, S.D., native, and spent his last two prep seasons at Watertown High School. He also competed in track and qualified for the state meet twice in the 100-meter dash. Wieger played club soccer for the South Dakota State Victors, and helped his team to two first-place finishes.

“I first met Jon through the South Dakota Olympic Development Program, and he is the type of player that works hard to be his best on and off the field,” Tosaya said. “He has valuable experience and can help fill a gap we have in the junior class. He has a lot of versatility as a player coming from high school as a forward and spending the last two years in college as a center-mid and center-back.”

Wieger and West are Tosaya’s 12^th and 13^th recruits for 2013. They are the only two juniors in the recruiting class, but join sophomore Derek Granum, who also transferred from the University of Sioux Falls.