Sheldon, Ia (KICD) – The Northwest Community College Athletic Department hosted their first every media day on August 15th as local outlets got to speak with brand new Soccer Programs in their first year of existence.

Eric Francis has been hired as the new Athletic Director at NCC, and he talked about the value of Junior Colleges like Northwest.

Tre Thomas is the Women’s Soccer Coach for the Northwest Thunder. He says the first few weeks on campus for the athletes have been a great experience.

Karla Ivette hails from Lincoln, Nebraska and she said the transition from prep soccer to the collegiate level has been a challenge.

Bailey Koyle from Missouri Valley, Iowa hoped to not only play soccer at the college level but gain an education in the agriculture area.

Coach Thomas talked about the opportunities JuCos provide.

Spencer High School Graduate and current Varsity Soccer Coach of the Tigers, Jesse Kuehler, is taking the reigns as the NCC Men’s Soccer Coach as well. He says it was nice to come face to face with the athletes he has been recruiting these past few months to start up this program.

Ori Alster of Isreal was named team captain of the Thunder. He has experience in College Soccer already, and believes this team is in a really good spot.

The Thunder brought in a significant number of recruits from the Dominican Republic. Axel Ricart is one of them, and he enjoys the comradery between not only the Dominican athletes, but the other Spanish speaking players as well.

Coach Kuehler talked about the recruiting process.

 

Eric Francis says athletics helps the growth of Northwest Community College.

You can see full interviews with athletes and coaches on my twitter account @cutler4steven and @KICDSports.