Given the remote location, not just as an island university, but as a member of the Pacific West Conference, it has always been the hope of the University of Hawaii at Hilo athletics department that a groundswell of talent would emerge here on the Big Island, giving local players a chance to develop at the NCAA level while not breaking the school’s finances for those costly scouting trips to California.
Something like that has a chance to develop for the Vulcans in men’s soccer, where the 2016-17 recruiting class of 13 players — 7 college freshmen and 6 community college transfers — includes two players from Hilo High School, coached by former Vulcan George Ichimaru.
“It’s an honor for me to have coached these kids and got them interested in the next level,” Ichimaru said Tuesday of center midfielder Nick Carter and versatile midfielder Aris Aynessazian. “My whole philosophy here has been to coach them not just to play well in high school, but more to be pushing them to refining the skills they will need at the next level.
“I hope this can be the start of a regular procession of local players to UH-Hilo,” he said. “Once word gets out, this could be something that can excite the whole community and develop interest not just in UHH but also in the level of high school soccer here.”
That sounds like a dream come true for Vulcans soccer director Lance Thompson. He isn’t counting the proverbial chickens before they hatch, though he is clearly pleased with the incoming group.
“This is our best group (of recruits, in his three years at the school), without any question,” Thompson said. “From a physical standpoint, this group will make us bigger overall and it will improve our pace as a team, probably in a fairly dramatic way.”
Carter was a first team all-BIIF player two years running. Thompson likes that Carter is “very confident on the ball, he has good vision and he really knows how to attack,” though Carter is just 5-foot-6 and 140. Ichimaru pointed out that Argentina’s Lionel Messi, leader of club team Barcelona, is about the same height and is considered to be unparalleled globally. No comparison, but the point is that a smaller player with vision and ball placement skills, can help win games.
Aynessazian “plays at a very high level mentally,” said Ichimaru. “He’s 3.8 student, and he anticipates the flow of the game very, very well, and it doesn’t matter if the pace is slow or fast, he adjusts and can play on top of it.”
The other five incoming freshmen:
Andrew Tamburo, goalkeeper, Richmond Hill, Ontario, Canada — A 6-4 goalie with a lot of club team experience. “We were very fortunate that he wanted a smaller school with smaller classroom sizes, because he is very talented and will become an immediate challenge for starting at his position” Thompson said.
Jonathan Garcia, striker, East Valley HS, Redlands, Calif. — From the same high school as Vulcans Omar Machado and Trenton Hooper, Thompson says, “He’s a dynamic playmaker, always looking to go forward, great vision. Sometimes your best recruiters are players on your own team.”
Jesus Ortega, striker, San Gorgino HS, San Bernardino, Calif. — Played on the same club team as Machado, Hooper and Garcia. “He’s a goal scorer,” said Thompson, “very composed on the ball.”
Daniel Baumgartner Serrano HS, Phelan, Calif. — “Real high work rate,” Thompson said, “he is what we call a ‘box-to-box’ midfielder, he will be everywhere between the two 18s.”
The college transfers:
Conner Ebright, Whittier College (Foothills HS, Santa Ana, Calif.) — “I saw him in high school and was excited about him then,” Thompson said. “It was good fortune that he reached out to us with interest. He will play on the outside flank and be very involved.” Bright is transferring after his freshman season for the Poets, all the others will be juniors in the fall.
Curtis Walker, Carson-Newman, Mount Vernon, N.Y. — “He has the pace, the speed we’re looking for and he’s a guy who has played at high levels of soccer,” Thompson said. Walker played for the U.S. Virgin Island national team earlier this year. He comes from a successful program that played for but lost the DII national championship three years ago (2-1 to Southern New Hampshire). The Eagles were 15-3-2 last season.
Kyran Johal, Santa Barbara CC, via England — “Energy, lots of it,” Thompson said. “He has a real high work rate, the engine just doesn’t stop.”
Connor Francis, Western Nebraska CC, from Denver — Thompson was contacted by Francis’ coach and learned he plays multiple positions, “has a lot of experience,” and will probably play in the back line.
Rodrigo Castellanos, Long Beach CC, Millikan HS — He ran track and cross country in high school as well as playing soccer, was first team all-conference at Long Beach. Hilo is is third school after starting at San Francisco State. “Dynamic is the word that comes to mind,” Thompson said. “The guy is a playmaker, he’s going to be a big help.” Castellanos was captain of the league champion Vikings last year.
Rafael Arroyo, Long Beach CC, Long Beach Poly — Anchored the team’s back line and was voted the club’s most improved player last season. “He brings leadership and he has a very talented left foot, which is important for where he will play for us.”
After a 4-12 season, 3-8-2 in the Pacific West Conference, Thompson is looking for a more competitive, faster paced team in the upcoming season. When asked if this team will show improvement, Thompson smiled and gave a one-word answer.
“Yes,” he said.
