CANADA WEST CHAMPS SIGN THREE MORE

Garrett Traversy at TWU's Spartan Field

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

CANADA WEST CHAMPS SIGN THREE MORE

LANGLEY, British Columbia - The Trinity Western University men's soccer program and head coach Al Alderson are pleased to announce the commitment of three more outstanding recruits for the 2008 fall season. Expected to suit-up this fall for the three time Canada West champion Spartans are forward Garrett Traversy (White Rock, B.C.), midfielder Cardin Davis (Salt Spring Island, B.C.) and defender Branden McLean (Delta, B.C.).

"We are absolutely ecstatic to announce the addition of Branden McLean, Cardin Davis and Garrett Traversy to an outstanding 2008 recruiting class. The three true freshmen join transfers Israel Jones and Liam McAllister to bolster an impressive returning roster rich in depth, ability and experience as we look forward to and anticipate another strong CIS campaign in pursuit of a National Championship," commented Alderson.

Branden McLean is a 5'11" defender who comes from the Surrey United Supra U18 Selects and South Delta Secondary. His South Delta team finished second at the Fraser Valley Championships in 2007. He has been a leader on the majority of the teams that he as participated with. He was captain of the U15 Whalley Selects, the U16 Richmond Selects, the U16 Total Soccer System performance team - that toured Europe, and assistant captain with the U18 Whitecaps/Provincial Team. McLean plans to study Kinesiology this fall in TWU's School of Human Kinetics.

"Branden is a defender with exceptional leadership qualities and resounding character who possesses a strong understanding of the game, advanced technical skills and an incredible passion for the game," commented Alderson. "We anticipate that Branden will make a significant and immediate impact to our squad as he joins an already stellar group of defenders who share his passion and commitment to excellence."

Cardin Davis is a 5' 11" midfielder who comes to TWU after stints with the Canadian U15 National team and the BC U16 Provincial team. The soon to be graduate of Gulf Islands Secondary has a number of soccer accolades behind his name. This past December he was the youngest player selected to play in the men's div. I VISL All-Star game. He was a first team All-Star at the AA Provincial High School Championships and was team captain and leading goal scorer for the Vancouver Island champions. He is a member of the U17 Canadian National team player pool and the U17/18 Whitecaps/BCSA team. He has represented Canada internationally at the U15 CONCACAF Tournament - Canada won the gold medal (beating Trinidad & Tobago, Costa Rica, Mexico and the USA), and in two friendly's against New Zealand. Davis will be enrolled in TWU's School of Business this fall to work towards a BBA.

"Cardin is a versatile player who is comfortable wide in midfield or wide in the back and will bring to our program a wealth of elite experience as a player who has been a consistent fixture in the NTC program and has represented Canada in international competition as a member of the U15 National Team," said Alderson. "We anticipate Cardin's strong character and exceptional qualities as a player to both immediately contribute to our squad and impact the CIS as he looks to continue what is an already impressive career."

Garrett Traversy is in his final year at Sands Secondary in Delta, B.C. The 6'1" forward is currently a member of the Delta Metro United FC and playing in the Vancouver Metro Premier Division after playing for the Vancouver Whitecaps FC U18 Prospects the previous summer. He was a member of Canada's U17 team in the fall of 2006 where he played two friendly's against the United States National U-17 Team. Traversy, who looks to study HKIN or Computer Science this fall at TWU, has represented British Columbia on numerous occasions, suiting up for B.C. as a member of the U13, U14, U15 and U16 squads.

"Garrett is also a versatile player whom is most comfortable as a striker who brings us tremendous athletic ability and exceptional technical skills. Garrett possesses a wealth of experience as he has been a permanent fixture in the BCSA provincial program and a member of the National Training Centre (NTC) since 2005," said Alderson. "We will look to have Garrett bolster what was at times a potent Spartan attack and look forward to having him run rampant at opposing defenders and make an immediate contribution to our squad."

TWU has won three straight Canada West championships while earning CIS bronze in 2005, silver in 2006 and a fifth place finish this past season. In the 2007-08 season TWU earned their third Canada West league championship, having previously earned titles in 2004 and 2003. The Spartans entered Canada West in 2001.

TWU is the proud hosts of the 2008 CIS women's soccer championship and the 2009 CIS men's soccer championship.

Trinity Western University, in Langley, B.C. is an independent Christian liberal arts and sciences university enrolling approximately 4000 students. TWU offers undergraduate degrees in 40 major areas of study ranging from biotechnology, education, nursing, theatre and music, to psychology, communications and biblical studies. TWU's 16 graduate degree programs include counseling psychology, business, theology and leadership, and offers interdisciplinary studies in English, philosophy and history. TWU holds Canada Research Chairs in Biblical Studies, Biotechnology and Interpretation, Religion & Culture.

-TW-

Last Updated: 2008-05-10
Author: Scott Stewart
Email: ssstew@twu.ca