MATT HEARN • #6
SENIOR • 6'0" • DEFENDER/MIDFIELD • WHITTIER, CA

The athlete: Matt returns to Vanguard for his fourth and final season…did not play in 2001…only four-year player on the team…has played in 35 games and scored three goals as a Lion…good dribbling skills…plays balls in the air very well…solid defender…versatile all-around player who may play multiple positions for VU in his last year of eligibility…the Lions will count on his experience…could be a career year for Hearn.

The person: Matt was born in Whittier, California on July 2, 1980 to his parents Bruce and Karen Hearn…has younger twin sisters who play soccer for CSUDH…nickname is “Chick”…will be graduating from Vanguard with a degree in Business…likes to eat tacos…sports hero is the late Chick Hearn and his favorite team is the LA Lakers…enjoys bowling and playing pool…favorite movie is “Ten Things I Hate About You”…would like to meet Jackie Chan or John Wayne…wants to become famous.

His thoughts: I picked Vanguard because of the great environment and I really appreciate all of the good teachers I’ve had over the years.

SEAN GANEY • #10
JUNIOR • 6'1" • DEFENDER • IRVINE, CA

The athlete: Sean enters his first season at VU…junior player who played a season at Irvine Valley College and Orange Coast College…team captain at OCC…graduated from Irvine High School in 1996…has played soccer since he was six years old…has club experience with the Mission Viejo Patendores and the Irvine Strikers…

The person: Born on February 9, 1978 in the state of Illinois…father is Robert Ganey…mother is Cindy Mello…has one younger bother…is a Liberal Studies student…likes the color blue and the TV show “The Simpsons”…hobbies include snowboarding and freestyle BMX action…favorite thing to eat are blackened tofu mushroom burgers…feels the biggest problem in the world is the lack of communication…thinks the best thing about this year’s team is the camaraderie among the players…has learned from life to maintain a balance in his life…playing soccer has taught him about teamwork…wants to be an Elementary School Teacher.

His thoughts: I came to VU because of the quality athletic and academic programs. I really like the atmosphere on campus.

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AGUSTIN VILCHIS • #4
JUNIOR • 6'2" • DEFENDER • ORANGE, CA

The athlete: Agustin begins his second season as a Lion…came to VU from the 2000 State Champion Santa Ana College…2000 graduate of El Modena High School where he played soccer and volleyball…soccer MVP his senior season…earned a starting position at forward with the Lions in 2001…will see more action on the defensive side this season…strong tackler…good on balls in the air…solid one on one defender…physically strong with good size to challenge opponents…will lead through his play on the field.

The Person: Agustin was born on April 27, 1982 in Fountain Valley, California…parents are Agustin and Angie Vilchis…has a younger sister, Angelina…people call him “Augie” for short…favorite food is Mexican…likes the TV show “Friends” and the movie “Swingers”…Pebble Beach is his favorite location…enjoys listening to music and dancing…likes the color blue…would like to meet James Brown…has learned to enjoy life…believes the biggest problem in the world is poverty…playing soccer has taught him about respect…wants to become a CPO for a major company.

His thoughts: I like Vanguard University because it presents the opportunity for me to grow in my relationship with God, and the professors here are great.

RICK WADE • #5
JUNIOR • 5'10" • DEFENDER • LAKEWOOD, CA

The athlete: Rick has started since his freshman season at Vanguard…now begins his junior season as one of the most veteran players on the team…was an All-CIF and team MVP at Valley Christian High School in Cerritos, California prior to attending Vanguard…two-sport athlete at VCHS…well rounded soccer player with good techniques…experienced returner who will provide quality leadership on the field…great defensive skills and one on one capabilities…has passion for the game and the desire to win…will help motivate his teammates to play at a higher level…will be one of the most important returners this season…look for Wade to make a big impact for the Lions.

The person: Born on October 30, 1981 in Downey, California to Bill and Janet Wade…has one sister…goes by “Ricky”…is majoring in Athletic Training…likes to eat BBQ ribs…hobbies include snowboarding and surfing…favorite movie is “Lord of the Rings”…LA Lakers fanatic…sports hero is Magic Johnson…likes the TV show “Whose Line is it Anyway”…believes the biggest problem in the world is gluttony…would like to meet Jesus Christ…athletics has taught him to have discipline…has learned from life that you don’t always get what you want…seeks a future as an Athletic Trainer.

His thoughts: I came to Vanguard to play soccer and get a good education. I really like being a part of the soccer team.

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TOMMASO BIANCHI
REDSHIRT • 6'0" • GOALKEEPER • ONTARIO, CANADA

The athlete: Tommaso’s sophomore season was cut short before it officially began…suffered a broken arm in the preseason alumni scrimmage and will be forced to redshirt this season…started all but one game as a freshman in 2001…Canadian goalkeeper who played for the U-18 Canadian Junior National Team…came to VU from St. Elizabeth High School where he played three sports…graduated from SEHS in 2000 and was the MVP of the soccer team and senior Athlete of the Year…recorded 83 saves for the Lions last year and had a 1.94 goals against average in his rookie collegiate season…good build and skilled athlete…great work ethic…will be sorely missed by the Lions in 2002.

The person: Born on June 20, 1981 in Toronto, Canada to his parents Emidio and Carmela Bianchi…has two older sisters…teammates call him “Tommy”…sports hero is Peter Schmiechel…likes to eat pizza, lift weights, and hang out with friends…roots for the S.S. Lazio soccer team…favorite movie is “Goodfellas” and TV show is “Blind Date”…would like to meet Pele…believes crime is the biggest problem in the world…has learned from life to never give up regardless of your situation…competing in soccer has taught him to be nice to the referees…plans to teach Physical Education or English at the high school level.

His thoughts: Tommaso’s chose VU because of its reputation for athletics and education. He enjoys being near the beach, on the soccer team, and with the friends he’s made at Vanguard.

THOMAS DRAXLER • #1/15
SOPHOMORE • 6'2" • GOALKEEPER/MIDFIELD • PACIFICA, CA

The athlete: Thomas returns to Vanguard for his sophomore season on the soccer team…completed a three-sport career at Alma Heights Christian Academy in 1999…All-League player and two-time MVP of the soccer team…has two sisters and one brother who have all played soccer for Vanguard…started in nine games as a freshman and played in all 19 in 2001…played the midfield last year…rejoins the team to add depth at the goalkeeper position in 2002… good soccer skills…good size and quickness in goal…has a good attitude and great work ethic…team player.

The person: Born in Florence, Oregon on May 26, 1981…parents are Timothy and Barbara Draxler…enjoys listening to music, reading, and hiking…favorite movie is “Chariots of Fire”…sports hero is Pele…would like to meet God…has learned that life goes on…competing in athletics has taught him about humility…wants to become whatever God desires for him.

His thoughts: Thomas is at Vanguard because of his three siblings that attended VU. He appreciates that school gets out in May.

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MATTHEW HESS • #9
SOPHOMORE • 6'3" • FORWARD • FULLERTON, CA

The athlete: Matt had a very successful freshman season in 2001…led Vanguard with 15 goals and 35 total points…was named to the All-GSAC, All-Region II, and the NAIA All-America Honorable Mention teams last year…attended Cypress College in 2000, but did not compete…garnered All-League and All-CIF honors while playing for Valley Christian High School…the 2000 VCHS grad scored 66 goals in his senior season and 134 in his high school career…also earned League MVP honors in 2000 and played in the All-American High School game…possesses good vision on the field…has great goal scoring capabilities…team captain…has the respect of his teammates spiritually and athletically…key factor to the Lions’ success.

The person: Matthew was born in Long Beach, California on June 13, 1982…parents are Bruce and Wanda Hess…youngest of three children…likes to eat pizza…would like to meet his sports hero, Michael Jordan…favorite movie is “Tommy Boy”…cheers for the Chicago Bears…likes to water ski and wake board…favorite color is blue…believes hunger is the biggest problem in the world…life has taught him to work hard…playing soccer has taught him to be a team player…wants to become a professional soccer player.

His thoughts: I came to Vanguard to play great soccer and get a good education. I really like my professors and the other students at VU.

NATHANIEL KRAMER • #8
SOPHOMORE • 6'2" • FORWARD • HACIENDA HEIGHTS, CA

The athlete: Nathaniel attended Fullerton College last year but did not compete athletically…team captain for Los Altos High School where he graduated in 1999…received the Coach’s Award and was named 2nd Team All-League for the Miramonte League…also played volleyball and football in high school…good one on one attacker and quality finisher…was recruited for his offensive abilities…will bring maturity and experience in as a sophomore…expected to contribute immediately.

The person: Nathaniel was born on April 23, 1981 in Bellflower, California to his parents Fred and Kari Kramer…has one older and one younger brother…goes by “Nate”…nickname is “Precious”…sports hero is Craig Waibel…likes the TV show “Trading Places” and the movie “Fight Club”…favorite color is red…would like to meet Han Solo…has learned from life to love it, live it, or leave it alone…competing in soccer has taught him to never give up and to believe in himself…he wants to become whatever God wants him to be.

His thoughts: I came to VU because it is a good school with a good soccer team. I like the location and being in Costa Mesa.

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JOEL MARTINEZ • #16
SOPHOMORE • 5'7" • DEFENDER • RIALTO, CA

The athlete: Joel returns for his second season at Vanguard…gained collegiate experience as a freshman…hopes to increase his role this season…served as the team captain his senior year for Coach Frank Camacho and Rialto High School…RHS MVP…Most Inspirational…All-League and Scholar-Athlete honors…good defensive skills…wins the 50/50 balls…will push himself and the team to get better…team player…valuable returner to the 2002 Lions…good Christian leader and committed to the team.

The person: Joel was born in Glendale, California on August 6, 1983 to his parents, Ernesto and Virginia Martinez…has a younger brother that played soccer at RHS and will join the Lions this season…has decided to major in Religion at VU…likes to eat chile rellenos…favorite movies are “Rocky 1-5”…loves the color blue and the TV show “Whose Line Is It Anyway”…hobbies include anything enjoyable…favorite team is the Kings…would like to meet Jesus Christ…life has taught him that it’s all good…likes the characters on this year’s team…has learned to have patience through competing in soccer…is unsure as to what his future will hold for him.

His thoughts: Joel feels that Vanguard is a good school, and he likes the food.

JONATHAN OLINGER • #19
SOPHOMORE • 5'11" • MIDFIELD • COLORADO SPRINGS, CO

The athlete: Jonathan begins his second season with the Lions…came in as a freshman last year after competing at Steamboat Springs club team in Colorado…attended Christian Heritage School…played soccer at CHS for Rob Bohlman…made the State Academic Team…graduated in 2001…gained experience as a freshman…played in 12 games throughout the season and hopes to increase his role in 2002…solid moves with the ball…good soccer skills…potential to score…good team player who will contribute on and off the field.

The person: Jonathan was born on March 28, 1983 in Steamboat Springs, Colorado…parents are John Holmquist and Tawni Olinger…is an only child…teammates call him “Oli”…majoring in Communications at Vanguard…sports hero is Pele…enjoys spending time at the beach…favorite movie is “ET”…likes the color blue and the number 19…roots for the VU Lions…favorite place is Europe…would like to meet Jesus Christ…feels that many people in this world have a need for God…has learned that life is short, and we need to maximize our time and live for Christ…wants to become an awesome human.

His thoughts: Vanguard is a stellar university and I love all of the friends I’ve met here.

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ARMANDO ORTIZ • #2
SOPHOMORE • 5'5" • MIDFIELD • COSTA MESA, CA

The athlete: Armando had an exceptional freshman season for the Lions in 2001…was the second leading scorer on the team with seven goals and four assists…excelled for Coach Stephen Crenshaw and CIF Champion Estancia High School prior to attending VU…three-time All-League…Team and League MVP for soccer…All-County…also a four-year baseball player for EHS…speedy midfielder…good first touch…solid attacking skills…great work ethic that pushes his teammates out of their comfort zone…good vision and ball control…will be a crucial part of VU’s success this season.

The person: Born on September 14, 1982 in Anaheim, California…parents are Jose and Ofelia Ortiz…Lions call him “Mandito”…has a little sister who plays soccer…likes to eat tamales…enjoys playing soccer…favorite color is blue and likes the number 6…favorite movie is “Dumb and Dumber”…likes the TV show “Married With Children”…would like to meet Rambo…feels that this year’s team has heart…has learned that life has ups and downs…competing in athletics has taught him to never give up and to be humble…wants to become someone important.

His thoughts: I chose Vanguard because it’s a good school and it’s close to my home.

MARK PESCE • #11
SOPHOMORE • 5'7" • DEFENDER • DOWNEY, CA

The athlete: Mark begins his first season with the Lions…transferred to VU from Biola University…graduated from Downey High School in 2000…team captain and MVP at DHS…All-League soccer player in high school…also played baseball and ran cross country at DHS…fluent passer…quality defensive skills…good response to balls in the air…will battle for a starting position…solid player who will provide leadership on and off the field.

The person: Mark was born June 4, 1981 in Downey, California to his parents Mark and Aleta Pesce…has four younger sisters…nickname is “Peshee”…is a Marketing major in the Business program at Vanguard…likes to eat Italian food…favorite athlete is Maradona…roots for the LA Lakers…likes the color blue and the number 11…favorite movie is “The Godfather” and TV show is “Sienfeld”…hobbies include surfing, eating, relaxing, and playing golf…would like to meet David and Goliath…believes the biggest problems in the world are selfishness, greed, and hypocrisy…has learned from life that it’s important to be yourself…wants to become a teacher and a coach.

His thoughts: I came to Vanguard because it was affordable and has a great location.

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JARRETT BORREGO • #14
FRESHMAN • 5'9" • MIDFIELD • LITTLETON, CO

The athlete: Jarrett comes to Vanguard University from Englewood High School in Englewood, Colorado…2002 graduate who was a team captain and 1st Team All-State selection…team MVP…helped lead his team to the playoffs every year…played club soccer for the Colorado Rush…smooth first touch…distributes the ball well…comes from winning club and high school programs…brings quality experience as a freshman which will help ease the transition to the collegiate game…will carry a lot of responsibility as a freshman for the Lions.

The person: Jarrett was born in Denver, Colorado on January 13, 1984…parents are Fred and Gay Borrego…has one brother and one sister…family resides in Littleton, Colorado…nickname is “Bling Bling”…plans to major in Business at VU…likes to eat Mexican food…favorite color is blue and number is 14…enjoys collecting baseball cards and watching the TV show “Friends”…sports hero is Ronaldo…favorite movie is “Gone In Sixty Seconds”…would like to meet Jennifer Love Hewitt…favorite place is grandma’s house…thinks poverty and hunger are the biggest problems in the world…life has taught him about discipline, glory, defeat, and happiness…wants to pursue a career in the world of business.

His thoughts: I picked Vanguard because of the environment. I really like the unity I feel on campus and on my team.

JAMES GRIGAS • #7
FRESHMAN • 5'11" • MIDFIELD • SANTA ANA, CA

The athlete: James begins his collegiate career at VU…graduated from Foothill High School in Santa Ana, California in 2000…played soccer for coach Barry Turner in the Century League…has played soccer for 15 years, including three years of club soccer…good field vision…clean first touch…solid shot…was recruited to run the midfield and distribute the ball…will lead the team by his play on the field…a key to his success will be how he adjusts to the college game…his adjustment will be a key to Vanguard’s success as a team.

The person: Born James Jerald Grigas on August 21, 1982 in Santa Ana, California to his parents John and Janet…has a brother and two sisters…will by studying Psychology…teammates call him “Jimmy”…sports hero is Benoit Benjamin…likes the TV show “The Simpsons”…favorite movies include “Caddy Shack” and “Mallrats”…enjoys skiing…likes the number seven…would like to meet Steve Allen…feels that people are the biggest problem in the world…is unsure of what his future holds.

His thoughts: James came to Vanguard to play for the soccer team.

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BRIAN MARTINEZ • #20
FRESHMAN • 5'6" • FORWARD • RIALTO, CA

The athlete: Brian joins his older brother at Vanguard…graduated from Rialto High School in 2002 where he played for coach Frank Camacho in the Citrus Belt League…earned the Coach’s Award and was an All-League player…helped RHS attain the league championship in 2001-02…also competed for the I.E. Strikers club team for three seasons…has played soccer since he was eight years old…versatile and athletic player…talented forward…will blossom as a player as he develops and adjusts to the collegiate competition…will provide Christian leadership to the team…will challenge for a position as a freshman.

The person: Brian was born on November 21, 1984 in Glendale, California…parents are Ernesto and Virginia Martinez…is the youngest of two sons…teammates call him “B” for short…is undecided on a major at this time…sports hero is Javier Saviola…likes to eat pizza and watch the “Rocky” movies…favorite team is Barcelona…hobbies include playing the keyboard and singing…likes the colors blue and orange…favorite number is 20…would like to meet Jesus Christ…feels smog is the biggest problem in the world…likes the personalities on this year’s team…has learned to enjoy life…competing in soccer has taught him to be determined…wants to be involved in ministry in his future.

His thoughts: I selected Vanguard because it is a great school and close to really fun places.

JOSHUA MCCALL • # 13
FRESHMAN • 6'1" • DEFENDER/FORWARD • DENVER, CO

The athlete: Joshua comes to Vanguard from Faith Christian High School in Arvada, Colorado…2002 FCHS graduate…played basketball and soccer in high school…was an All-Conference and All-State Soccer player…helped FCHS win the Colorado State Championship in 2000…two-time team MVP…also played five years for the Colorado Rush…has played soccer for 12 years…very athletic…good on balls in the air…can play the outside midfield position or forward…solid all-around player…will contribute in his first year.

The person: Born on October 27, 1983 in Denver, Colorado…parents are Randy and Sheri…oldest of two children…has athletic younger sister…people call him “Josh” for short…plans to study Business at Vanguard…likes to eat pizza and watch the TV show “Friends”…sports hero is Michael Jordan…favorite movie is “Dumb and Dumber”…enjoys playing sports and reading the Bible…favorite number is 13…likes the color blue…would like to meet Vince Carter…feels selfish people are the biggest problem in the world…likes the diversity of players on this year’s team…has learned from life to have as much fun as you can and to always look at things positively…has learned from competing in sports to try your hardest and do your best…is unsure what his future holds for him.

His thoughts: I selected Vanguard University because it is in California and I could play soccer.

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ANDREW SUNDSETH • #3
FRESHMAN • 5' 8" • FORWARD • KAILUA-KONA, HI

The athlete: Andrew attended Vanguard last year but did not play soccer…begins his athletic eligibility in 2002…graduated from Makua Lani High School in Kailua-Kona, Hawaii in 2001…was the team MVP of his soccer team in high school…has played soccer for 12 years…speedy and athletic…brings natural abilities to the team…good one on one attacker…will battle for an outside midfield position…will need to adjust to the collegiate game and competition…great potential to be a huge factor on and off the field.

The person: Andrew was born in Kailua-Kona, Hawaii on October 7, 1982 to his parents, Gale and Tsuneyo Sundseth…has three older brothers and one younger sister…nickname is “Shakah Bra”…is a Marketing major…sports hero is his dad…favorite food is his mother’s cooking…likes the movie “Half Baked” and the VU show “The Simpsons”…favorite numbers are 16 and 2…enjoys playing all sports and going to the beach…would like to meet Abraham Lincoln…has learned about team work while competing in athletics…wants to become a rich man.

His thoughts: Andrew likes the dorm life at Vanguard.

CHRISTOPHER SWIFT • #0
FRESHMAN • 5'11" • GOALKEEPER • SIERRA MADRE, CA

The athlete: Christopher attended Maranatha High School in Pasadena, California prior to attending Vanguard University…2002 high school graduate…played for coach Todd Elkins at MHS in the Olympic League…was the Most Inspirational Player on his team and received the Coach’s Award…has played soccer for 12 years, including five years on the club soccer scene in southern California…has played the midfield and goalkeeper positions…was recruited for his versatility…good team player and solid athlete…will be thrust into a position of starting goalkeeper after the injury of Tommaso Bianchi…his development this season will be a huge factor to the Lions in the 2002 season.

The person: Born in Glendale, California on October 12, 1984 to his parents, Carl and Pam Swift…oldest of three children…teammates call him “Chris” or “Swifty”…will be a Pre-Law student at VU…had a 3.6 GPA in high school…likes to eat fish sticks…would like to meet his sports hero Lance Armstrong…favorite team is Manchester United…likes the movie “The Negotiator” and the TV show “Law and Order”…favorite color is blue and number is seven…likes to play video games…feels terrorism is the biggest problem in the world…believes this year’s team has lots of talented players…has learned from life that you only live once…athletics has taught him to never give up…wants to become a Lawyer.

His thoughts: I came to Vanguard to get a Christian education and to play soccer. I like it because it is small and personal.

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MICHAEL WEISZ • #18
FRESHMAN • 5'10" • DEFENDER • LAGUNA HILLS, CA

The athlete: Michael comes to VU from Laguna Hills High School…played for coach Scott Johnson and graduated in 2002…team MVP his senior year…All-Sea View League 1st-team player as a senior…Athlete of the Month twice in HS…four-year letterman in soccer…played roller hockey his freshman year…played club soccer for seven years…has been playing the game for 14 years…solid soccer skills…good defensive instincts…will need to adjust to the college game and new competitive level…has the potential to be a successful player at Vanguard.

The person: Born Michael Tybor Weisz on May 22, 1983 in Fountain Valley, California…parents are Joseph and Patty Weisz…middle of three children…goes by “Mike”…is undecided on a major at this time…sports hero is Brett Favre…cheers for the LA Lakers…likes to eat hamburgers…favorite movie is “Gladiator”…hobbies include snowboarding and listing to music…enjoys watching the TV show “The Simpsons” and going to Lake Tahoe…favorite number is 11…would like to meet Britney Spears…thinks terrorism is the biggest problem in the world…has learned that life is tough…competing in soccer has taught him about teamwork and discipline…wants to become successful.

His thoughts: I chose Vanguard because I have the opportunity to play soccer here. I really like all of the nice people at VU.

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