Air Force men's soccer coach Doug Hill announced today the 15 players that comprise the Falcons' incoming class of freshmen for the 2009 season. The group includes two players that have U.S. National Team experience, 11 that have played in the Olympic Development Program and two from the United States Soccer Development Academy. "This is one of the best recruiting classes I have been associated with at Air Force," said Hill, who will enter his third season at the helm this fall after serving as an assistant for 13 years. "This class should stack up well against the class of 1993 that went to the Elite 8 at the NCAA playoffs. With players coming from 11 different states as well as Germany, our staff really found some great talent this year. We are also excited to have such fine young men join the Air Force soccer family and, in time, become future leaders of our country. Six of them spent last season at the USAFA Prep School and will bring an important level of maturity to the class." The class is highlighted by Kevin Durr (Garmisch, Germany) and Zane Dydasco (Honolulu, HI). Durr spent two seasons with the U.S. Under-15 National Team, while Dydasco, who played for the Region IV team for two seasons, led the Prep School in scoring with 16 goals and four assists last season. In addition, Eric Tise (Cumming, GA), Alek Uransel (Libertyville, IL), Cody Felipe (Pukalani, HI) and goalkeepers Mike Mauro (Bristol, CT) and Matt Underwood (Colleyville, TX) join the program as highly-regarded recruits. Tise and Uransel played for the U.S. Soccer Developmental Academy, while Felipe, who played for the Under-15 National Team in 2004 and the Adidas Elite Soccer Program in '07, and Mauro join the Falcons from the USAFA Prep School. The newcomers will join a team that finished the 2008 season with a 5-13 record and tied for fourth-place in the MPSF. The 2009 regular season kicks off Friday, Sept. 4 on the road against College of Charleston. PLAYER BIOS  Kevin Durr
Height: 6-0
Weight: 160
Position: Midfielder
Hometown: Garmisch, Germany
Club Team: Garmisch--Partenkirchen Club
Before Air Force
National Team: Member of the U.S. Under-15 National Team in 2005-06. Club: Played for the Garmisch--Partenkirchen club team from 2007-09...named team captain despite being the team's youngest player...also played for FC Bayern Munich from 2005-07 and Bayern Leverkusen from 2003-05... played in the youth system of the German Bundesliga Clubs since 1997. ODP: Member of the Olympic Development Program Europe since 1998 and selected to the Region I Pool. High School (Munich International): Three-year letterwinner in soccer...named team MVP as a senior...two-time first-team selection to the All-Europe International School Tournament...played on the U.S. Adidas All-Star Team in 2006...member of the International Baccalaureate program...high school soccer coach was Paul Murphy. Personal
Parents are Peter and Helga Durr...has one sister, Nina (28) and one brother, Stefan (20)...planning to major in foreign area studies... would like to attend pilot training following his time at the Academy...hobbies include skiing and hanging out at the beach...recruited by James Madison, Seton Hall, Princeton and Army...speaks fluent German and intermediate French... favorite food is anything his mom cooks...favorite movie is The Lives of Others ...favorite book is All Quiet on the Western Front...person in history he would most like to meet is Konrad Adenauer, the first chancellor of West Germany... credits his father with the biggest influence on his sports career. Coach Hill's Comments
Kevin's resume speaks for itself. He brings a great deal of international experience and pedigree to the program. He will bring organization, sophistication and vision to the central midfield. He has a tremendous upside and should settle in nicely to our program.  Zane Dydasco
Height: 5-7
Weight: 170
Position: Midfielder
Hometown: Honolulu, HI
Club Team: HSC Honolulu Bulls
Before Air Force
USAFA Prep School: Led the Prep School in scoring with 16 goals and four assists in 17 games during the 2008 season. ODP: Member of the Olympic Development Region IV Team in 2003 and `04. High School (Kamehameha): Four-year letterwinner in soccer... led team to two state championships...first-team all-state selection as a senior...named Gatorade Hawaii Player of the Year...also named Player of the Year by the Honolulu Star-Bulletin...earned the Hawaii Play of the Year during his senior season...two-time all-state honorable mention...... high school soccer coach was Andrew Ah New. Personal
Parents are Jose and Misty Dydasco...has two sisters, Caprice and True...planning to major in business management...would like to attend pilot training and start a flight school in Hawaii following his time at the Academy...hobbies include ceramics and body surfing...recruited by Seattle University...favorite food is Hawaiian food...favorite movie is Forgetting Sarah Marshall...favorite book is Twilight...person in history he would most like to meet is King Kamehameha...greatest moment in sports is scoring a last minute game-winning goal in the Hawaii state semifinals as a senior...credits his father with the biggest influence on his sports career. Coach Hill's Comments
Zane is an explosive attacking minded player who has a real knack for scoring goals. Scoring 16 goals in 17 games at the Prep School has set the tone to make an immediate impact this fall. He brings creativity, passion and personality every time he steps on the field.  Eric Tise
Height: 6-0
Weight: 150
Position: Defender
Hometown: Cumming, GA
Club Team: Atlanta Fire
Before Air Force
Club: Played for Atlanta Fire U.S. Soccer Development Academy club team from 2000-09...led team to titles at the Georgia State Cup, Disney Showcase and Raleigh Classic...member of the Under-17 (2007-08) and Under-18 ('08-09) teams...went to Super National Tournament with Under-13 team. ODP: Member of the Georgia Olympic Development Program since 2001. High School (Forsyth Central): Four-year letterwinner in soccer...also lettered one year in wrestling...three-time member of all-county soccer team...two-time team captain...high school soccer coach was Ross Walker. Personal
Parents are Tim and Martha Tise...has two sisters, Meredith (22) and Jennifer (21), and one brother, David (19)...would like to attend pilot training following his time at the Academy...hobbies include wakeboarding, water skiing and watching movies...recruited by Navy, Wisconsin and Northwestern...has a black belt in taekwondo...favorite food is hash browns ...favorite movie is Miracle...favorite book is It's Not About the Bike... favorite TV show is Man vs. Wild...person in history he would most like to meet is George Washington...credits his parents with the biggest influence on his sports career. Coach Hill's Comments
Eric is a versatile back that can play centrally or on the outside. He has been well-coached, played in high-level games for the Fire, has a tremendous work ethic and his attitude is second to none. He will be a future leader of this program.  Alek Uransel
Height: 5-11
Weight: 150
Position: Midfielder
Hometown: Libertyville, IL
Club Team: FC Milwaukee
Before Air Force
Club: Played for the FC Milwaukee U.S. Soccer Development Academy club team...also played for Sockers FC Chicago...helped team to the 2007 Illinois State Cup championship...team also won the 2006 Disney Showcase. ODP: Played for the Illinois State Olympic Development Program Team and was a member of the ODP Regional Camp. Personal
Parents are William and Jill Uransel...has two brothers, Brett (12) and Luke (11)...planning to major in political science or pre-law... interested in becoming a JAG lawyer following his time at the Academy...hobbies include golfing, basketball and playing the guitar...recruited by Loyola Univ. (Chicago), University of Chicago, Western Michigan and West Virginia...favorite food is king crab...favorite TV show is Flight of the Conchords...favorite movies are Step Brothers and Forgetting Sarah Marshall...favorite book is The Old Man and the Sea...person in history he would most like to meet is Julius Caesar...credits his father with the biggest influence on his sports career. Coach Hill's Comments
Alek is probably the most versatile player of the class. He is good with both feet, can play centrally as well as outside and at times with his back to the goal. His technical speed and quickness allows him to get behind the defense. He is also very good and taking people on and penetrating on the dribble. We expect him to contribute to our attack this fall.  Nico Sullivan
Height: 5-6
Weight: 156
Position: Forward
Hometown: Missouri City, TX
Club Team: Elipse Club
Before Air Force
Club: Played for the Elipse club team for five seasons...led team to a state championship and regional semi-finals...club coach was Steve Webb. High School (Elkins): Four-year letterwinner in soccer... named team offensive MVP as a junior and senior...three-time all-district selection...member of National Honor Society...high school soccer coach was Kurt Lawson. Personal
Parents are John and Rose Sullivan...has two brothers, Vincent (21) and CJ (17)...his uncle, John Sullivan, graduated from Army... planning to major in business or engineering...would like to become a mechanical engineer and open his own business following his time at the Academy ...hobbies include hanging out with his friends and listening to music... recruited by Houston Baptist, Southwestern University and Army...favorite food is pepperoni pizza...favorite movie is Anchorman...favorite book is Jurassic Park...person in history he would most like to meet is Alexander the Great... his greatest moment in sports was scoring five goals to lead his club team to a tournament championship when he was 12...credits his father with the biggest influence on his sports career. Coach Hill's Comments
Nico brings a different dimension to our attack. He is very quick and has great field vision. He has a great habit of finding himself in good spots, especially in the final third, and is able to set teammates up with great passes.  Cody Felipe
Height: 5-4
Weight: 147
Position: Midfielder
Hometown: Pukalani, HI
Club Team: Maui United Hurricanes
Before Air Force
USAFA Prep School: Scored six goals and added eight assists in 19 games during the 2008 season. US National Team: Member of the U.S. Under-15 National Team Pool in 2004. Club: Member of the Maui United Hurricanes from 2001-08... led team to three state championships (2002, '04 and '05)...team also won a regional title in 2006. ODP: Member of the Adidas Elite Soccer Program in 2007. High School (Kamehameha Schools Maui): Four-year letterwinner in soccer...two-time all-state selection...three-time first-team all-league pick...three-time scholar-athlete...member of National Honor Society ...high school soccer coach was Jayson Nakasone. Personal
Parents are Michael and Evangeline Felipe ... has two sisters, Keola (16) and Emily (11)...hobbies include body boarding and hanging out with friends...favorite food is pizza...favorite movie is Forgetting Sarah Marshall...greatest moment in sports was making the under-15 National Team... credits his family and friends with the biggest influence on his sports career. Coach Hill's Comments
Cody brings a very comprehensive package to the class. He is very crafty and skillful in the center of the field. He should be able to unlock things for us and make it easier for our forwards to score goals.  Mike Mauro
Height: 6-3
Weight: 180
Position: Goalkeeper
Hometown: Bristol, CT
Club Team: Connecticut Revolution Club
Before Air Force
USAFA Prep School: Team captain for the 2008 season...played in 19 games (10 on the field and nine in goal)...scored four goals and produced two shutouts. Club: Played for the Connecticut Revolution (U-19) and FSA SoccerPlus (U-18) club teams...led the Revolution to the state cup championship ...also helped FSA SoccerPlus to state cup championship and bronze medal at region tournament. High School (Bristol Central): Three-year letterwinner in soccer...led team to conference championship as a senior...two-time first-team all-conference selection...second-team all-state as a senior...earned MVP honors at the Connecticut All-Star Game his senior season...... high school soccer coach was Nick Rubbo. Personal
Parents are Michael Mauro Sr., and Melinda DeGraff...has one sister, Brianna (23) and one brother, Nicolas (16)...planning to major in management...hobbies include golf and poker...recruited by Harvard, Hartford and Nova Southeastern...favorite food is Italian food...favorite movie is The Fast and Furious...favorite book is The Kite Runner...greatest moment in sports was saving two penalty kicks at the Oakwood Premier Invitational Final with his club team...credits Mick McDermott with the biggest influence on his sports career. Coach Hill's Comments
Mike is an outstanding leader and has all the makings of a great keeper. He has very good size, great athleticism, covers a lot of the goal and is an excellent shot stopper. He is primed to put his mark on this program.  Matt Underwood
Height: 6-0
Weight: 180
Position: Goalkeeper
Hometown: Colleyville, TX
Club Team:'90 Solar Club
Before Air Force
USAFA Prep School: Played in 19 games (10 in goal and nine on the field) in 2008...scored four goals and had three shutouts. Club: Played for the '90 Dallas Solar club team...three-time Stonewall winner of the Division I Boys Classic League in Dallas, TX...state cup finalist in 2009...two-time Region 3 West Division finalist...led team to Score the Shore championship in 2008. ODP: Member of the North Texas State Olympic Development Pool in 2005-06. High School (Grapevine): Three-year letterwinner in soccer... all-region first-team selection as a senior...all-district first-team and second-team all-area pick as well...named district and team newcomer of the year as a sophomore...led team to two Bi-District championships...won the Mustang Award for AP History...high school soccer coach was Heath Bullard. Personal
Parents are David and Lynne Underwood...has one sister, Christy (21), and one brother, Nate (13)...planning to major in political science...would like to attend pilot training following his time at the Academy ...hobbies include playing the guitar and piano and skiing...recruited by UC Riverside, Marshall and UNC-Charlotte...favorite food is steak...favorite movie is Up...favorite book is Once an Eagle...people in history he would most like to meet are John Wayne and Ronald Reagan...credits his parents, his trainer and his club coaches with the biggest influence on his sports career. Coach Hill's Comments
Matt brings an incredible amount of athleticism to the goalmouth. His distribution of and confidence with the ball at his feet is great. He is a great shot stopper, very strong tactically and stays connected with his defense. He will battle for the starting job in the years to come.  Nic Watson
Height: 6-0
Weight: 175
Position: Defender
Hometown: Portland, OR
Club Team: Westside Metro Gunners Club
Before Air Force
USAFA Prep School: Played in 18 games during the 2008 season ...produced four assists. Club: Played for the Westside Metro Gunners club team from 2004-09...ranked in the top 10 in the country all five years and as high as No. 3...team captain...led team to region semifinals four consecutive years... four-time state cup champions...led team to finals of the Adidas Showcase... played for the Eastside United FC Eagles and coach Gavin Wilkinson from 2000-04. ODP: Member of the Oregon 89's Olympic Development Program... also member of regional camp. High School (Westview): Four-year letterwinner in soccer... named all-state as a senior...two-time first-team all-conference selection... two-time team captain...led team to school's first-ever conference championship as a senior...semi-finals of the Oregon State Championships his freshman and senior seasons...second-team all-conference as a sophomore...high school soccer coach was Jim Lekas. Personal
Parents are James and Marsha Watson...has three brothers, Joe (27), Alex (17) and Jake (11), and two sisters, Megan (21) and Jessica (14) ...his brother, Joe, played baseball at the University of Portland...his sister, Megan, played soccer and now coaches at the University of Oregon...planning to major in management...hobbies include skiing and spending time with his family ...recruited by Cal Poly, Gonzaga, Seattle Pacific and Vermont...favorite food is honey baked ham...favorite movie is Gladiator...favorite book is Clear and Present Danger...person in history he would most like to meet is Leonidas of Sparta...greatest moment in sports was winning the state championship with his club team against his former team and coach...credits his father with the biggest influence on his sports career. Coach Hill's Comments
Every team needs a hard-nosed, competitive defender and Nic certainly brings that to the table. With a year under his belt at the Prep School, he is going to compete for a spot in the back line this fall.  John Della Pia
Height: 6-5
Weight: 200
Position: Defender
Hometown: Burnt City, NY
Club Team: Albany Alleycats
Before Air Force
USAFA Prep School: Recorded one assist in 18 games during the 2008 season ... also played basketball at the Prep School. Club: Played for the Albany Alleycats Club team...helped team to state cup semifinals in 2005...also made semis at the Schwan's USA Cup International Tournament as a guest player with the Yonkers Tornado Premier team...played in the state cup five different seasons. ODP: Member of the '89 New York State Olympic Development Program Team. High School (Burnt Hills-Ballston Lake): Four-year letterwinner in soccer...also lettered four years in basketball...three-year starter in soccer...all-conference and all-section pick as a senior...led team to three sectional championships and an appearance in the state finals...high school soccer coach was George Dudas. Personal
Son of Max and Nancy Della-Pia...has two brothers, Max (23) and Alex (15)...his father is a graduate of the Air Force Academy...would like to attend pilot training following his time at the Academy...interested in becoming a C-130 pilot then opening his own physical therapy practice... recruited by North Carolina State and Army...favorite food is pizza...favorite movie is We Were Soldiers...favorite book is One Bullet Away...person in history he would most like to meet is Ghandi...credits his father and his club coach, Roy Pfiel, with the biggest influence on his sports career. Coach Hill's Comments
John adds very good size to our back line. With a year of experience under his belt, he will be pushing our starters in the future.  Chris Nelson
Height: 6-1
Weight: 165
Position: Defender
Hometown: Colorado Springs, CO
Club Team: Pride Crush Club
Before Air Force
Club: Played for his father, George, on the Pride Crush team ...two-year team captain...also led the Corinthians Gold team to a #5 ranking in Colorado. ODP: Nominated for the Olympic Development Program in 2007. High School (Pine Creek): Two-year letterwinner in soccer... team captain and defensive MVP as a senior...two-time first-team academic all-state selection...Colorado Springs Rotary Champion nominee...student body president...president of National Honor Society ... high school soccer coach was Ben Corley. Personal
Parents are George and Sherri Nelson...has three sisters, Laura (20), Sarah (13) and Mary Kate (13)...would like to attend pilot training following his time at the Academy...his father and five uncles graduated from the Air Force Academy...his grandfather graduated from Army in 1946...his father was the team captain of the USAFA swim team in 1982...hobbies include collecting antiques and shoe shopping...recruited by Army, Navy, Villanova, Xavier and DePaul...favorite food is buffalo wings...favorite movie is any Jason Bourne movie...favorite TV show is The Office...favorite book is Dracula ...person in history he would most like to meet is his grandfather...credits his parents with the biggest influence on his sports career. Coach Hill's Comments
We are very pleased to have another player from Colorado Springs join our program. Chris has very strong Air Force toes and a good feel for what the Academy represents. He will bring a workmanlike, blue collar approach to training and games. He will mature and develop as a player and person in this environment and contribute in the years to come.  Andrew Love
Height: 5-11
Weight: 168
Position: Forward
Hometown: Parker, CO
Club Team: Colorado Storm Club
Before Air Force
Club: Played for the Colorado Storm club team for eight seasons...named team captain...led team to two state cup championships...named MVP at state cup...represented Colorado three times at the Far West Regionals... won one regional tournament. High School (Ponderosa): Four-year letterwinner in soccer... team captain...two-time team MVP...two-time first-team all-league selection... two-time second-team all-league selection...led team in scoring all four years ...member of National Honor Society...high school soccer coach was Jim Engels. Personal
Parents are Stephen and Tracy Love...has two sisters, Sarah (24) and Rachel (23)...planning to major in engineering...hobbies include snowboarding and hacky-sack...recruited by Notre Dame and Brown...favorite food is lobster...favorite movie is Blade...favorite book is Jurassic Park...person in history he would most like to meet is Albert Einstein...greatest moment in sports was winning the regional tournament in Hawaii with his club team... credits Coach Brent Zico with the biggest influence on his sports career. Coach Hill's Comments
We are happy to keep some local talent close to home. We think Andrew's best soccer in ahead of him and we look forward to watching him develop.  Patrick Compton
Height: 5-9
Weight: 155
Position: Defender
Hometown: Murfreesboro, TN
Club Team: Knoxville Futbol Club
Before Air Force
Club: Played for the Knoxville Futbol Club team...led team to Premier League championship in 2009...also won Division I state championship ...also played for the Tennessee Futbol Club and the Murfreesboro Strikers. ODP: Member of the Tennessee State Olympic Development Program Team from 2004-08. High School (Riverdale): Four-year letterwinner in soccer... named district and team MVP after scoring 22 goals as a senior...two-time first-team all-state pick...three-time first-team all-district selection... notched 21 goals as a junior...two-time team captain...valedictorian of his high school class...member of National Honor Society...high school soccer coach was Ali Arman. Personal
Parents are Brad and Lorrie Compton...has two brothers, Chris Brent (30) and Keegan (21)...planning to major in engineering...would like to attend pilot training following his time at the Academy...hobbies include hiking, kayaking and rock climbing...favorite food is chicken parmesan ...favorite movie is The Boondock Saints...favorite book is The Hobbit...person in history he would most like to meet is Jesus...credits his father with the biggest influence on his sports career. Coach Hill's Comments
Patrick is a very athletic and hard-nosed defender. He loves to compete and does well in certain marking situations. He will certainly raise the level of intensity at training.  Kevin Rossillon
Height: 5-10
Weight: 155
Position: Defender
Hometown: Albuquerque, NM
Club Team: Rio Vista Club
Before Air Force
Club: Played for the Rio Vista team the last two seasons... helped team to state title in 2009 and a semifinal appearance in `08. High School (Eldorado): Two-year letterwinner in soccer... lettered three years in tennis...named district co-player of the year and second-team all-state in soccer as a senior...helped team to the state finals as a junior...district singles champion as a junior and senior in tennis... helped team to semifinal appearance at the state tournament...high school soccer coach was Dr. Walt Witkowski. Personal
Parents are Jerome and Leslie Rossillon...has one sister, Marie (16) and one brother, Eric (12)...planning to major in mechanical engineering...hobbies include all sports and hanging out with friends... recruited by Luther College and Washington College...favorite food is enchiladas (but only with real chile)...lived in Germany for two and a half years...greatest moment in sports was playing in the state finals with his high school team...credits his father with the biggest influence on his sports career. Coach Hill's Comments
Kevin is an intelligent and mature young man. He will continue to develop his game in this environment. With his honest approach and work ethic, we are confident he will do well in the future.  Jake Jones
Height: 6-4
Weight: 190
Position: Defender
Hometown: Virginia Beach, VA
Club Team: Beach Futbol Club
Before Air Force
Club: Played for the Beach F.C. club team for five seasons. ODP: Member of the Olympic Development Program Southeastern District Team. High School (Hickory): Four-year letterwinner in soccer... district co-player of the year as a senior...first-team all-district and all-region... second-team all-state...two-time second-team all-region...two-time team captain...member of National Honor Society...high school soccer coach was Eric Blackmore. Personal
Parents are David Jones and Christi Hajzak...has two brothers, Chad (17) and Jerry (8), and one sister, Cacey (17)...both of his parents graduated from the Naval Academy in 1986...his father played tennis and his mother played basketball for Navy...would like to attend pilot training and fly fighters following his time at the Academy...recruited by Navy, West Virginia and Drexel...favorite food is pizza...favorite movie is Saving Private Ryan... favorite book is Red Badge of Courage...person in history he would most like to meet is Pele...credits his mother with the biggest influence on his sports career. Coach Hill's Comments
Jake has very good size and brings a lot of athleticism and great field presence. We look for Jake to continue to develop as a player and contribute to the program in the near future. | 
