Watch the Signing Day Press Conference ON DEMAND at:
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After several months spent on the road, on the phone and watching film, Marauders football, men's and women's soccer and men's and woman's coaches are finally able to announce their 2014 recruiting class on February 5. This is the first day graduating high school student-athletes can sign a National Letters of Intent with NCAA colleges and universities.

As NLIs and commitment letters are received by the University of Mary compliance office, Marauders Sports Information will update this page throughout the day. Updates will also be posted on twitter at @umarysports.
 
At press conference will be held at 1 PM in Chicks Place on the U-Mary campus as the Marauders football, men's and women's cross country and men's and women's soccer coaches will announce their 2014 signing class. The public is invited to attend.
 
An official press release will be posted for each of the sports at the end of the day.

Also, football will have a public Signing Day Party on Wednesday from 5-8 PM at the Radisson Hotel in the Rembrandt Rooom.


FOOTBALL SIGNINGS (in order received)

Gavin Leach (DE, 6-3, 220, Zebulon, N.C. / East Wake HS)   VIDEO
An all-conference selection as both a junior and a senior, Gavin Leach was a three-year letterwinner at East Wake High School. He was named the team defensive most valuable player as a senior after recording five sacks, 11 tackles for loss and 86 tackles. As a junior Leach posted 13 sacks, 15 tackles for loss, forced a fumble and made 109 tackles. The son of William, who played professionally for the Broncos and the Saints, and Beth Leach, Gavin will major in sports management at U-Mary.

Zach Schell (OL, 6-5, 300, Bismarck, N.D. / Century HS)   VIDEO
A starter on the offensive line as a junior for a Bismarck (N.D.) Century team that advanced to the state championship game in 2012, Zach Schell missed his senior season in 2013 due to injury. Century also advanced to the state championship game his sophomore season in 2011. A four-time state rifle shooting champion, both parents attended the University of Mary and his father, Duane, played for the Marauders. Zach will pursue a degree in criminal justice at U-Mary.  
 
Zach Scalzo (DL, 6-1, 295, Bismarck, N.D. / Bismarck HS)   VIDEO
An all-state offensive lineman as a senior, Zach Scalzo won two state titles (2011-12) and finished second (2013) during his three seasons as a letterwinner at Bismarck High School. A WDA all-region choice his final season, Scalzo was selected to play in the MON/DAK Bowl. A multi-sport athlete, he also earned letters in track, wrestling and baseball. A volunteer with several organizations who enjoys fishing and the outdoors, Zach's parents Val and Jesse Scalzo both graduated from U-Mary. He will pursue a degree in social work or physical education.

Cyrano Rayfield II (LB, 6-2, 220, Ottawa, Ill. / Ottawa Township HS)   VIDEO
Cyrano Rayfield II earned honorable mention all-state honors as a junior in 2012. The all-area and conference most valuable defensive player in 2013, he was a three-time all-conference selection and led his Ottawa Township defensive line with 69 tackles. His junior season the football squad advanced to the quarterfinals. A multi-sport athlete, Rayfield was an AAU wrestling national champion in 2012, a conference champion and all-conference selection at 220 pounds in 2013, and is currently ranked third in the state at 220. The son of Cyrano and Pennie Rayfield, Cyrano intends to major in athletic training at U-Mary.

Austin Schmidt (LB, 6-1, 210, Stanley, N.D. / Stanley HS)   VIDEO
A multi-sport athlete, Austin Schmidt helped lead Stanley (N.D.) High School to a state championship as a sophomore in 2010 and the semi-finals as a junior in 2011. Schmidt was a team captain in football and basketball and ran on the 7^th place 1,600 meter relay team at state in 2011. Active in FBLA, DECA and band, he is the top-ranked student in his graduating class. The son of Pam and Gary Schmidt, Austin will major in business administration at U-Mary.


Jared Smith (LB, 6-1, 195 Glasgow, Mont. / Glasgow Senior HS)   VIDEO
A team captain, Jared Smith led Glasgow Senior High School to a 2-B conference championship and the state semifinals. A multisport athlete who also competes in wrestling, basketball and golf, Smith posted 60 tackles (27 solo), forced 15 fumbles and recovered two fumbles. An academic all-state player, Jared is the son of Walter and Nanette Smith and looks to pursue a physician's assistant degree.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        
Tucker Wojahn (DE/TE, 6-3, 210, Velva, N.D. / Velva Public HS)   VIDEO
A first team all-state defender as a senior, Tucker Wojahn helped Velva High School to a state championship as a freshman and the state quarterfinals his sophomore and senior seasons. A team captain in both football and basketball, Wojahn earned all-region and all-conference honors as a junior and senior. In his final season in 2013, he had 14 sacks among his 75 tackles, intercepted a pass and scored a touchdown. A member of the boy scouts and FBLA, Tucker is the son of Darlene Rau and Rodney Wojahn and will enter the pre-chiropractic program at U-Mary.

Austin Kendall (RB, 5-10, 195, Sidney, Mont. / Sidney HS)   VIDEO
A first team all-state and a two-time all-conference selection at running back, Austin Kendall ran for 1,286 yards and 10 touchdowns on 205 carries (6.2 yards/carry) as a senior at Sidney High School. Kendall's position coach, Chad Quilling, attended U-Mary. The son of Angie and Jess, Austin intends to pursue a degree in law.

Jacob Barth (LB, 5-10, 220, Bismarck, N.D. / Century HS)   VIDEO
An all-state second team selection as a senior in 2013, Jacob Barth was a two-year starter at middle linebacker for the Bismarck Century Patriots. In leading his team to the state semifinals in 2013 as a team captain, Barth was named the team and defensive most valuable player, was the tackle points leader and earned all-west region first team honors. He posted five sacks, 53 unassisted and 32 assisted tackles as a senior after recording two sacks, 45 unassisted and 38 assisted tackles his junior season in 2012. Century was the state runner-up both his sophomore and junior seasons. The son of Jeremy and Kristin Barth, Jacob plans to pursue a secondary education degree at U-Mary.

Tanner Oblender (WR, 6-1, 183, Worden, Mont. / Huntley Project High School)   VIDEO
An all-state selection who has received recognition for his efforts on offense, defense and special teams,. Tanner Oblender helped Huntley Project High School to a 7-3 record as a senior in 2013. As a senior he earned first team all-conference honors at safety and punter and claimed second team recognition at quarterback. Oblender ran 109 times for 577 yards, caught 20 passes for 248 yards, completed 57-of-114 pass attempts for 771 yards with 12 touchdowns and nine interceptions. Defensively he posted 50 tackles, including a sack and two tackles for loss, forced a fumble, made an interception and broke up three passes. As a junior in 2012 on a 3-5 team, he was named first team all-conference at defensive back. He carried the ball 61 times for 247 yards and completed 68-of-123 pass attempts for 708 yards, seven scores and nine interceptions. Defensively he posted 22 tackles, forced a fumble and intercepted two passes. Oblender led his squad to a 5-3 record and a 4B conference championship as a sophomore in 2012, earning 1^st team all-conference honors at defensive back and second team recognition at quarterback. A multi-sport athlete, he also competes in basketball and track. He his a four-time academic all-state selection in football, three times in basketball and twice in track. A member of the National Honor society, Oblender is also involved in the Spanish Club, Pep Club, Community Clean-Up Crew and student council. The son of Kent and Tracy Oblender, Tanner plans to major in business administration at U-Mary.

Jared Taylor (OL, 6-4, 280, Murphys, Calif. / Bret Harte HS)   VIDEO
An all-conference offensive lineman and team captain as a senior and a sophomore, Jared Taylor also earned second team conference honors as a defensive lineman his junior season at Bret Harte High School. In 2013 he made 41 tackles, had three pancake blocks, posted a sack and returned a kickoff 18 yards and was the team's senior offensive player of the year. Over his high school career Taylor recorded 132 tackles and three sacks. As a sophomore his head coach was current Marauders offensive coordinator Scott Edwards. He also competes in basketball and track. The son of Richard and Theresa Taylor, Jared will major in business administration at U-Mary.

Brody Peterson (LB/DL, 6-1, 245, Lemmon, S.D. / Lemmon HS)   VIDEO
An all-state honorable mention selection at fullback his senior season, Brody Peterson led Lemmon High School to a conference championship in 2013. He ran for 1,154 yards on 140 carries. The team captain also posted 66.5 tackles (43 solo), seven tackles for loss, forced three fumbles and recovered three. The leading tackler on the team his freshman through senior seasons, Peterson finished his career with 242 tackles and 2,239 yards rushing. The team MVP his last three seasons, he also was a four-time all-conference choice (freshman through senior). Other honors include SD Sports Buzz Player of the Week, the Aberdeen American News Player of the Week, and the Aberdeen American News All-Classes Elite 45 football team. He also competed in track and wrestling, where he placed at state as an eight grader in the heavyweight division. A member of the National Honor Society and president of the student council, Brody is the son of Scott and Teresa Peterson and will pursue the pre-dental curriculum at U-Mary.


Salah Boyce (RB/DB, 5-9, 170, Las Vegas, Nev. / Arbor View HS)   VIDEO
An all-conference performer on both offense and defense as a senior, Salah Boyce also earned all-conference honors as a kick returner his junior season (2012) at Arbor View High School in Las Vegas, Nev. Boyce ran for 442 yards his junior season to lead his team to a division title. As a senior he ran for 255 yards and three touchdowns on just 30 carries, caught five passes for 107 yards and three touchdowns and returned two fumbles for scores. Named a Las Vegas All-Star, Boyce tied the school record for most defensive touchdowns in a single season. The son of Neil and Christina Boyce, Salah will major in nursing at U-Mary.


Ryan Naki-Poomaihealani (DB, 5-11, 170, Las Vegas, Nev. / Desert Pines HS)   VIDEO
An all-state and all-conference linebacker, Ryan Naki-Poomaihealani helped guide Desert Pines High School to a 9-2 record and the second round of the playoffs. A team captain and the squad's defensive most valuable player, he recorded 117 tackles, 11 tackles for loss, six sacks, recovered four fumbles and forced three fumbles. A native of Hawaii, Ryan will pursue a physical therapy degree at U-Mary.


Demarrius Oliver (LB, 6-2, 225, Las Vegas, Nev. / Valley HS)   VIDEO
A second-team all-league selection at tight end for Valley High School, Demarrius Oliver also competes in track and basketball. The son of Lisa Woods and Andre Woods Oliver, Demarrius will pursue a degree in education and psychology at U-Mary.


Devon Turner (S, 5-9, 185, Las Vegas, Nev. / Arbor View HS)   VIDEO
An all-state selection at safety in Nevada, Devon Turner also was a first team all-conference safety and second team all-conference running back at Arbor View High School in Las Vegas, Nev. He plans to major in sports medicine at U-Mary.





WOMEN'S CROSS COUNTRY SIGNINGS

Lexi Zeis (Distance, 5-5, Bismarck, ND / Bismarck HS)
A two-time member of the North Dakota state champion cross country team as a junior and senior, Lexi Zeis was the individual state runner-up her junior year (2012). A four-time all-state and all-region cross country selection, Zeis also ran on the state runners-up team as a freshman and sophomore. She also ran on the 2010 Bismarck High state track and field championship team and on the second place squads in 2011-12-13. Fourth in the state as a senior, Zeis placed 10th at the Roy Griak Invitational and 18th at the Nike regional. She also is a member of the three-time synchronized skating national team. The daughter of Shari and Greg Zeis, Lexi plans to pursue a degree in athletic training at U-Mary.


Brittany Brownotter (Distance, 5-2, Bismarck, N.D. / Bismarck HS)
The 2012 North Dakota girls individual champion and the 2013 Senior Athlete of the Year, Brittany Brownotter led Bismarck High School to three state team championships in four years (2010, 2012-13). Four times she earned all-state and all region honors (2010-13) and placed 8th at the 2013 Nike Heartland Regional. Brownotter is also a two-time state track champion in the 3,200 meter run, captured a 1,600 meter run title and ran on the 3,200 meter relay championship team. The daughter of Sonia and Brady Brownotter, Brittany will major in elementary education at U-Mary.

Savannah Childers (Distance, 5-8, Spearfish S.D. / Spearfish HS)
An all-state cross country performer, Savannah Childers helped lead Spearfish (S.D.) High School to state cross country championships in 2011 and 2012, earning team most valuable players both seasons. She was the state runner-up in 2011 and placed third in 2010. In track & field Childers placed second in both the mile and two-mile run in 2012 and was the team most valuable player in 2013. An honor roll student involved in Fellowship of Christian Athletes, Key Club and other groups, Savannah is the daughter of Gary and Christi Childers and intends to major in photojournalism.
 
Kaycie Stewart (Distance, 5-6, Corvallis, Mont. / Corvallis HS)
A four-time all-state cross country performer, Kaycie Stewart has paced Corvallis High School to three straight team championships after the squad finished third her freshman season. The team captain as a senior, she placed third individually at the state cross country championships both her junior and senior seasons after finishing fourth as a sophomore and eighth as a freshman. Stewart was awarded her team's  Blue Devil award in cross country her last two years for exhibiting and exemplifying leadership, sportsmanship, hard work, and being a role model. In track & field Stewart placed third in the 1,600 and 3,200 meter runs as a junior and fifth in both events as a freshman. She is already a three-year first team all-conference performer in track and earned all-state honors as a freshman and junior. Corvallis High School has won three straight state track championships. A member of the National Honor Society, the honor roll and has earned academic all-state honors, Kaycie is ranked first in her graduating class of 103 students. The daughter of Kacy and Jennifer Stewart, Kaycie plans to major in nursing at U-Mary.




MEN'S CROSS COUNTRY SIGNINGS
Derek Myers (Distance, 5-10, 145, Gillette, Wyo. / Campbell County HS)
Team captain for cross country as a senior, Derek Myers is a two-time all-conference selection who earned all-state honors as a sophomore. A Golden West Invitational Qualifier as a freshman in the mile, Myers was named his team's most valuable runner as a sophomore and senior and both most inspirational and most improved as a junior. Also a member of the track and field and basketball teams, Myers best finish at the state cross country meet was fifth. Active in DARE, Fellowship of Christian Athletes, a Salvation Army Bell Ringer and the Interact Club, Myers ranks second academically in his graduating class of 415 students. The son of Cindy and Dewain Myers, Derek will pursue a degree in secondary math education.

Kevin Carpenter (Distance, 6-2, 155, Colville, Wash. / Colville Senior HS)
A three-time all-state performer in cross country and twice in track and field, Kevin Carpenter helped Colville Senior HS to a second place finish at the state cross country championships as a freshman and sophomore (2010-11). A first team all-conference cross country performer all four years of high school, he finished 8^th as a sophomore at the 1A state meet as a sophomore, 14^th at the 2A state meet his junior season and 11^th at the 2A state meet as a senior. Carpenter also placed fourth in the 3,200 meter run as a sophomore at the 1A state track meet. Team captain as a senior, he was the team most valuable player as a junior and senior, most dedicated as a sophomore and rookie of the year as a freshman. A member of the National Honor Society, an alter server and a percussionist, Kevin is the son of Bill and Jody Carpenter and will pursue a degree in exercise science at U-Mary.



WOMEN'S SOCCER SIGNINGS

Elizabeth "Libby" Patterson (Midfielder, 5-5, Chanhassen, Minn. / Minnetonka HS)
An All-Lake Conference selection as a junior, Libby Peterson led Minnetonka High School to the 2013 Class AA State Championship. The squad finished its championship season 17-2-2. The daughter of Robert and Mary Patterson, Libby will major in elementary education at U-Mary.


Kendra Cook (Defender, 5-6, Colorado Springs, Colo. / Palmer HS)
Kendra Cook earned first team all-conference honors her junior season after claiming honorable mention recognition as a freshman and sophomore. The team captain at Palmer High School, she has earned team most valuable player honors. An academic all-state first team selection who has lettered in academics, Kendra is the daughter of Linda Cook and Herman Cook and will major in exercise science at U-Mary.


Alyssa "Aly" Dollinger (Midfielder/Forward, 5-7, Bismarck, N.D. / Century HS)
Already a two-time North Dakota high school state champion with one season left, Aly Dollinger is also a two-time all-state performer. As a junior in 2013, Dollinger earned all-state and all-region honors while leading Century High School to a state title. She scored five goals and two assists after moving to central midfield and claimed a spot on the all-state tournament team. Century won the west region title and claimed third in state in 2012 as Dollinger was named to the all-state and all-region team as a striker. She posted 11 goals, 10 assists and 32 points to lead the region in all three categories and won the CHS Golden Boot award. She had seven goals and five assists as a freshman in 2011, playing on the state championship team for current Marauders head coach Sarah McNulty. Dollinger also plays for current CHS and U-Mary assistant coach Nate Ulness. A member of the National Honor Society, Spanish club and student council, the honor roll and a Presidential Academic Award winner, Aly is the daughter of Lisa and Jay Dollinger, who is a U-Mary alumnus. She will major in nursing at U-Mary.

Tara Welch (Midfielder, 5-6, Bismarck, N.D. / Century HS)
An all-conference player as a sophomore in 2012, Tara Welch helped Century High School to North Dakota state high school championships in 2011 and 2013, her freshman and junior seasons. Welch will be reunited with Marauders head coach Sarah McNulty in the fall, who coached Century to the 2011 title. Welch is currently playing for U-Mary women's assistant coach Nate Ulness. A member of the student council and the National Honor Society, Tara is the daughter of Holly Dietrich and Jason Welch and will major in exercise science at U-Mary.

Katie Berg (Central Defender, 5-8, Pierre, S.D. / T.F. Riggs HS)
An all-state selection as a junior and a senior, Katie Berg was named to the SD Elite 11 her junior season from Soccer605.com and also earned conference most valuable player and defensive player honors. Team captain her junior and senior season and the most valuable player as a sophomore, T.F. Riggs placed second at state Berg's freshman year, sixth in her sophomore season, third her junior year and fifth as a senior. Berg also competes in track and basketball. Active in her community through her church youth group, mentoring elementary students and as a volunteer coach for YMCA programs, Katie is the daughter of Cory and Nancy Berg and intends to major in special and elementary education at U-Mary.

Alyssa Stiles (Defender, 5-6, Mililani, Hawaii / Mililani HS)
The team captain, Alyssa Stiles has directed Mililani High School to the 2014 state tournament. Stiles also played for the Abunai 97 club team that captured the Hawaii state cup and advanced to the 2013 regional tournament. In cross country, she led her school to an OIA championship and was named the most valuable performer. The daughter of Matt and Christina Stiles, Alyssa will major in nursing at U-Mary.


 



MEN'S SOCCER SIGNINGS

Joseph Turrisi (F, 5-7, 145, Liverpool, NSW, AU / Bossley Park HS)
A 2012 graduate of Bossley Park High School, Joseph Turrisi hails from Liverpool, New South Wales. Turrisi's team highlights include winning the Premiers and Grand Finale in 2013. A prolific goal scorer, the 5-7 forward posted 40 goals in a single season. The son of Rosina and Ross Turrisi, Joseph intends to study physiotherapy.


Mitchell Taveira (GK, 6-0, 160, Perth, WA, AU/ Corpus Christi College / Curtin University)
Residing in Perth, Western Australia, Mitchell Taveira graduated from Corpus Christi College in 2012. For the past two seasons he has been playing as a member of the Canning City Soccer Club and was named 2013 Canning City Soccer Club Mitchell Allomes Memorial Trophy award winner. The 6-0 goalkeeper was twice named Canning City Division One Under-18 Player of the Year.
 
Taveira currently attends Curtin University. The son of Paul and Leesa, Taviera will be pursuing a degree in business management at U-Mary.

Nathan Vetter (D, 5-11, 160, Bismarck, St. Mary's Central HS)
A product of Bismarck, N.D., Nathan Vetter will graduate from St. Mary's Central High School in the Spring. A 5-11 defender, Vetter was named all-region as a senior. A three-sport athlete for the Saints, Vetter not only excelled on the pitch, but also helped lead St. Mary's to the 2013 football state championship.
 
Aside from athletics, Vetter is involved in the Knights of Virtue and assistant chaplains. The son of Mike and Sheila, Vetter plans to major in athletic training at U-Mary

Brad Kelly (M, 5-9, 140, Bismarck, N.D. / Century HS)
A three-sport athlete and product of Century High School, Brad Kelly played his high school soccer under the direction of former U-Mary player Nate Ulness. A proven winner, Kelly led the Patriots to three consecutive North Dakota state championships and earned a spot on the all-tournament team. Individually, the 5-9 midfielder was named all-state, and all-region for his performance. The Bismarck native was a team captain and led CHS with 14 points.
 
Accomplished off of playing field as well, Kelly was first in his class of over 500 students with a 4.135 gpa. The son of Gwen and Dennis, Kelly volunteers his time to help with youth hockey and soccer in the Bismarck community. A member of the National Honor Society, Kelly plans to major in Engineering at U-Mary.

Matthew MacArthur (D, 5-11, 155, Bismarck, N.D. / Century HS)
A four-time all-state performer, including three times named to the first team, Matthew MacArthur led Century High School to four straight state tournament championship games and three consecutive titles (2011-12-13). A team captain, he is a nominee for Gatorade Player of the Year. An outstanding defender, he helped make Century's back line one of the best in North Dakota. The son of Jim and Mary MacArthur, Matthew will pursue a degree in history education and a music minor at U-Mary. 


Lucas Felice (M, 5-7, 145, Thunder Bay, Ontario, CA / St. Ignatius HS)
A native of Thunder Bay, Ontario, Lucas Felice will graduate from St. Ignatius High School in the Spring of 2014. A 5-7 midfielder, Felice is a key member of the Thunder Bay Chill Under-18 Reserves. Felice cites his greatest athletic achievement as winning the Under-17 Outdoor Ontario Cup in 2011.
 
The son of Dino and Mary, Felice plans to major in engineering while at U-Mary.

Cole Olson (M, 5-6, 145, Bismarck, N.D. / Bismarck HS)
Local product Cole Olson was named North Dakota Senior Athlete of the Year in 2013. A three-year team captain, Olson was twice named all-state while with the Demons. Leading BHS to a 12-2-4 mark this past season, the 5-6 midfielder helped propel the Demons to their second consecutive state runner-up finish. He is a nominee for Gatorade Player of the Year.
 
A member of National Honor Society, Olson is on track to graduate with a gpa greater than 3.5. Olson is involved within his church and volunteers to help out with the Special Olympics. The son of Kirk and Cyndi, the Bismarck native plans to major in business at U-Mary.

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