MCC Soccer Signs Record Class

From School Reports

The Meridian Community College men’s soccer team held one of its biggest events in recent memory on Friday morning to introduce 14 new members of its soccer team for the upcoming 2015 season. The ceremony was held in the Dulaney Room on the campus of Meridian Community College which was attended by parents, supporters, and local media.

“This could prove to be one of the most talented recruiting classes,” said MCC head soccer coach Alex George. “These guys are accustomed to playing at a high level and it can be seen through the many accolades that they and their high school teams have received.”

The signing class is highlighted by Jordan Walton of Pinson Valley High School in Birmingham, AL. Walton was the 2014 AHSAA Top Goal Scorer and voted as the most valuable forward in the state of Alabama. Walton also earned the honor of 2014 AYSA U18 Top Goal Scorer.

“I’m also very excited to have Jordan Walton out of Pinson Valley High School in Birmingham sign with our team,” said George. “I knew the first time I saw him play I had to make this deal happen. We got Jordan and his dad on campus and sold him on our education and our facilities and it’s was just a few days that he firmly committed to play.”

The Eagles have also added a pair of local standouts to its team for 2015 in Nick Perry (Clarkdale) and Taylor Irby (Neshoba Central). Perry was named to the All-District Team this season for the Bulldogs and was also voted as Best Offensive Player on his team. Irby will also look to make a splash next season for the Eagles after being named an All-District performer during his senior season at Neshoba Central.

The other big addition for the men’s program was the signing of Evan Hotard of St. Stanislaus High School. Hotard helped lead his team to a pair of Class 4A Championships over the past two seasons under the direction of former MCC assistant soccer coach Ryan Joiner.

“Evan Hotard has been a big part of the success that St. Stanislaus has earned and  is one I am especially proud of due to the fact he is currently coached by one of my former MCC Standouts Ryan Joiner,” added George. “Ryan played Keeper at Meridian in 2005-06 and was ranked as one of the most prolific keepers in the State along with being one of the hardest workers I ever had the privilege to coach.”

The other young men that signed with MCC on Friday morning included: Jose Alonso (West Harrison), Daniel Birtfield (Clinton Christian Academy), Michael Elias (Harrison Central), Anthony Rodriguez (Clinton), Kevin Rollins (Lanier), Jashan Singh (Clinton), Jeremy Smith (George County), Joe Smith (George County), David Vallencia (D’Iberville), and Elijah Wheat (Harrison Central).

“All of these guys have been brought up “Old School” in that they work hard on and off the field and have great character,” said George. “It’s going be exciting to put these guys in the mix next year and compete for the State Title.”