Tim Heiduk is a local product coming from Dos Pueblos High School.
Westmont Men’s Soccer has announced the signing of seven recruits for the Class of 2015. These student-athletes, with an outstanding combined grade-point average of 3.83, will matriculate at Westmont in the fall. All reside in California, four from Southern California, one from the Central Valley, and two from the Bay Area.
“This is an exciting class that will add depth and talent to our already strong returning nucleus of 20 players,” said Westmont head coach Dave Wolf. “We have a vibrant program right now, and are thrilled to be adding a group of players who have distinguished themselves both on the soccer field and in the classroom. Each of these recruits has visited campus multiple times and it is clear that each is the right ‘fit’ for our program.”
The incoming class consists of Jeremiah Anderson from San Jose, Asher Booth from San Diego, Tim Heiduk of Goleta, Sam Martin from Fresno, Collin Scott of Solona Beach, Gabe Thurner of Pleasanton and Dash Wulterin from Orange.
“This is a talented recruiting class,” Wolf commented, “All seven have played at a high level of club soccer and have participated in the top regional and national club tournaments in America. The coaching staff is confident that this class will be able to make an immediate impact on the field next fall.
“This is also an exemplary recruiting class in terms of academic fit for Westmont,” Wolf added. “Each recruit has impressive classroom credentials. This academic integrity is a vital ingredient to our program. We want players who are able to balance their class work with a demanding soccer schedule. I am confident that these young men will take purposeful steps to grow during the next four years of their Westmont experience and I am honored to have the opportunity to mentor each of them during their college journey.”
Anderson played midfielder for The Harker School and the De Anza Force USSDA Academy. He was selected to the All-West Bay Athletic League Team and the Mercury News Team after scoring seven goals and contributing seven assists in his senior year. As a member of De Anza Force’s U16 team, Anderson reached the national quarterfinals in 2013.
“We are thrilled to add Jeremiah to our incoming class,” said Wolf. “We were contacted by him relatively late in the recruiting process and he has made a concerted effort to visit campus on several occasions in a short time to get to know the school and the soccer program. Jeremiah is a smart, technical player who we believe will rapidly develop into a player competing for playing time on the left side.”
“I chose Westmont because I was looking for a college that had a great sense of community, and a place where I would feel confident,” said Anderson. “I also wanted a place with a Christian environment where I would get to know a lot of people, and a lot of people would get to know me. After my visits and talking with the men’s soccer coaching staff, I felt such a positive vibe and I knew that Westmont would be the right fit for me. Moreover, the chance to play college soccer is amazing, and I am looking forward to what the future holds.”
Booth comes to the Warriors from Torrey Pines High School as a first team All-CIF San Diego Section selection and the Palomar League Player of the Year. The forward set the school record with 23 goals last season. Torrey Pines advanced to the CIF-SD finals in both his junior and senior years.
He was also a member of the San Diego Surf Academy I and Surf USSDA Academy which won the Surf Cup and the Las Vegas Showcase in 2014.
“I have chosen to attend Westmont College because I want to get an education that no one else can get at any other school,” said Booth. “Westmont will give me not only an education, but also a family. This family will support me in my beliefs and help me become the man that the Lord has planned for me to be. Westmont also has an incredible soccer team and even more incredible people who are part of it. God has led me here to do big things and I can’t wait to be a Warrior!”
“We believe Asher is a special talent,” offered Wolf. “There is no more difficult task in the game of soccer than scoring goals, but Asher’s track record in that regard is impressive. We have also been impressed by the ways in which he has matured and developed as person.”
Heiduk will not need to travel far to join the Warrior team. The midfielder played for Dos Pueblos High School which won the 2015 Channel League Championships. He was named the All-Channel League Offensive MVP.
As a member of Santa Barbara Soccer Club, Heiduk’s team’s twice won the US Youth Soccer National Championship and was runner up in the blue division last year. In 2012, he was named to the Elite Eleven All-Tournament Team.
“It seems as if Timmy has already been a part of our program for many years,” said Wolf. “He is both liked and highly respected by our current players, which speaks to the wonderful way he has already engaged his future teammates. He is, in equal parts, a leader, a winner, and a terrific player. We are very fortunate to add a person and player of his pedigree to our program.”
“Westmont College is the perfect fit for me, both academically and athletically,” said Heiduk. “Westmont provides a challenging academic culture, while providing me with the opportunity to fulfill my dream of playing collegiate soccer. The players and coaches will help encourage me to reach my full potential, not only as a soccer player, but also as a person. I look forward to my four years as a Westmont Warrior.”
Martin played his high school soccer at Bullard which advanced to the CIF-Central Section Championships in 2014 after winning the County/Metro League Championship. The defender was named to the All-CMAC first team in both 2014 and 2015 and participated in the Central Section All-Star game.
Martin was also a member of the Bullard FC which won the NorCal State Cup Silver Division Championship in 2014 and the NorCal Premier-Gold League Championship in 2013.
“From the first time I visited the campus, everyone made me feel like I was already a part of the school,” said Martin. “After playing alongside the team during the ID camps, and watching some games, I could tell that this team would be a great fit for me. I was impressed by the team and the coaching, and grew a strong desire to be a part of the program.”
“Sam has already proven himself to be the consummate student-athlete, and his profile in both regards will greatly enhance our program,” noted Wolf. “He is tough minded, honest, and quietly confident in his abilities. He is also committed to development over the long haul, and I have no doubt that he will improve as a player each and every day.”
Scott comes to Westmont by way of Francis Parker High School where the midfielder was a three-time All-Coastal League selection and a second team All-CIF San Diego Section selection in 2012. As a member of Rancho Santa Fe Attack, Scott reached the quarterfinals of the Cal South Cup in both 2013 and 2014.
“Collin is a gifted left-sided player in a sport that lacks those unique attributes,” said Wolf. “We’re excited to be a part of Collin’s growth and development as both a person and a player. Due to some struggles with injury, Collin has been a bit under the radar. Our projection is that he won’t stay there. We’re grateful that he has chosen Westmont College.”
“The decision to commit to Westmont was simple,” said Collin. “It has everything I envisioned my college having: a strong religious influence, a tight knit community, and it gives me the opportunity to play the game that has gotten me through some very tough times. The part that stood out to me is the religious aspect on campus. I never thought it would be possible to have everything that means something to me all on one campus.”
Amador Valley High School sends Thurner to Westmont as a midfielder. The team reached the semifinals of CIF-North Coast Section in 2014 and Thurner was named as MVP of the CIF-NCS All-Star Team. He has twice been honored as a member of the All-East Bay Athletic League First Team. Thurner led his teams in both goals and assists last season.
Thurner played for the Mustang FC Internationale, which was the 2014 West Coast College Development Associations champion, The US Club Regional champion the National Premier League champion and the Surf Cup champion, all in 2014. As a member of De Anza Force USSDA Academy, his team won the Northwest Division Championship and was U16 national quarterfinalist.
“Gabe has been recruiting us for some time now,” said Wolf. “Really from the very first encounter with him, it seemed destined that he would become a Warrior. He has been decisive in his desire to join our community and contribute to our team. He has a deep passion for ‘football’ and that, coupled with his talent, is the kind of combination that makes for an exciting addition to our program.”
“What really brought me into Westmont is the feeling that the school was one big family,” said Thurner. “I love the campus, I love the area, and I love the people that go to Westmont. The thought of being in Santa Barbara, playing soccer with an excellent team, and getting my education in a phenomenal environment is really what made me want to come here.”
Wulterin comes to Westmont from Villa Park High School. As a midfielder, he is a two-time All-Century League selection. Wulterin also played for the Irvine Strikers FC, which was semifinalist at the Buenos Aires Cup and champions of the NHB Cup in 2014, US Club Soccer National Regional Cup finalist in 2013 and Cal South Cup quarterfinalist in 2013.
“Westmont combines a challenging educational environment with a rich, nationally recognized soccer tradition,” said Wulterin. “I appreciate the program’s dedication to winning while developing its players. I’m grateful for the opportunity and look forward to growing on and off the field with teammates who share similar aspirations.”
“Dash has been part of the Westmont soccer family for a long time, with his dad having had an excellent career as a Warrior,” said Wolf. “That being said, he has been his own man in making this decision. He has applied this same thoughtfulness to the football pitch and has developed into a very bright and intelligent player. We believe we have signed an exceptional player who will perfectly fit our idea of how soccer is played.”
“Each of these recruits is blessed to have supportive families and mentors who have helped them get to this point,” said Wolf. “I am grateful for the sacrifices that each family is making in order for their son to experience Westmont College and all it has to offer. We are looking forward to welcoming each of these families into the larger Westmont soccer family.”
