LMU SOCCER NEWS

LINCOLN MEMORIAL UNIVERSITY

OFFICE OF SPORTS INFORMATION

Sports Release                                                                                                                                      March 11, 2008

Three More Names Added To LMU Soccer Roster

Robbie Curtis

Rodrigo Martins

James Shariff

HARROGATE, TN -- Head Men’s Soccer Coach Helio D’Anna has added three more names to his list of players for the fall.  James Shariff (Toronto, Ontario), Rodrigo “Brito” Martins (Sorocaba, Brazil), and Robbie Curtis (Ozark, MO) are the latest names added.

A 6’0” defender, Shariff attended high school at Agincourt Institute and played club soccer for both the Olympic Flame (OYLS) and the Winstar Academy.  In 2007 his team finished first at OYSL and as a defender Shariff accumulated one goal and nine assists.  He was also a finalist at the Ontario Cup and a trial player with Team Ontario.  Winstar Coach Bobby Graham stated, “James has been a solid player in our academy and has the pace and ability to play at the next level.”  The son of Charles and Elizabeth Shariff, James plans on majoring in business at LMU.

A 6’2” defender, Brito (as he is known) comes from the same youth system as graduating senior Vitor Souza.  In fact, both played at the same amateur league in Sorocaba city, considered one of the most challenging programs in the country.  Through his youth career, Martins played for Clube Atletico Sorocabano as well as Vitoria FC.  Vitor Souza lends words of praise for the incoming player, “Brito will bring a lot to LMU.  He is strong, technical, and will continue the tradition of great defenders that I had the pleasure of playing with.”  The son of Joao and Mary Martins, Brito wants to major in Kinesiology at Lincoln Memorial University.

A 6’4” forward, Curtis attended Ozark High School where he was a senior all-star, all- district, all-conference and team MVP.  He also played at the Total Soccer Academy where he was the team captain.  In addition, Curtis was also in the state of Missouri ODP pool. “Robbie has an excellent touch for a big guy,” stated D’Anna.  “He can finish very well and has traits to have a great college career.”  The son of Gary and Teresa Curtis, Robbie wants to major in pre-med at LMU.

“These are exciting signees,” says D’Anna.  “I know they all feel a responsibility to follow up such a great season, but in judging the quality of the players returning and coming in, we will do just fine.”   

-LMU-  

For additional comments please contact,
Head Coach:  Helio D'Anna
Phone:  (423) 869-6245