ROCKLIN, Calif – Matthew Lantz of Lincoln has signed a letter of intent to play soccer next season for William Jessup University.
Lantz is a standout goal keeper and left striker with 15 years of soccer experience, who put in equal time in the gym training for his other passion; wrestling.
He was a wrestling high school Section Champion at Del Oro High School, earning Sac Bee All Area, as well as a two time Junior College Regional Champ during his time wrestling for Sierra College. With his 6’2” hieght and 180 lbs frame, he protects the goal as if he is ten foot tall and bullet proof. He will have the opportunity to contribute as a field player but he will likely find him self at home in front of the net.
"As a coach I see all of this wrestling back ground and think to myself this recruit should be a waste of time. But after only minutes of watching him at our training session it was apparent that whatever skills, strength, and agility he gained from wrestling only make Matthew a more dangerous net minder, by no means does his wrestling background take away from his ability to play soccer” Coach Howser had to say about Lantz, “With some technical training and a couple more solid defensive signings in the off season Matthew could easily contend to be the top keeper in the conference. That’s not to say that we couldn’t use another good keeper. To stay on top of our conference we need two solid keepers pushing each other to perform at their highest level. That’s just the nature of the game.
The Warriors look to improve on a breakthrough season where they finished with their highest placing in Cal Pac Conference play (3rd behind HNU and Menlo) and finished with one of their best season records despite their toughest non conference schedule of the programs’ young history.
"Matthew is just one stepping stone in a path to success for the program” Howser continued “Our whole team is ecstatic about the signing of this new guy! Matthew is the kind of man you want watching your back. At 25 years of age he brings composure and wisdom to the field that will elevate the play of those around him."
Matthew transfers in to WJU with three years of eligibility to play soccer remaining and he intends to major in youth ministry. His passion for the Lord will only further increase his success at WJU and will quickly gain the respect of his peers.
