BLAKE RYAN GETS DRAFTED BY KANSAS CITY COMETS

Local MISL Team Selects William Jewell College Midfielder/Forward in 5^th Round

William Jewell College Senior Blake Ryan was drafted by the Kansas City Comets, of the Major Indoor Soccer League, in the 5^th Round today. Ryan, from Kansas City, MO, had a standout career at Jewell, netting 51 goals and tallying 49 assists (both school records) for a total of 151 points. In college, Ryan helped lead the Cardinals to as high as #11 ranking in the NAIA National poll and guided them to the NAIA National Tournament for the first time in history this past fall season. He was named to the all-Heart of America Athletic Conference team all four years and was an all-Region V and NAIA All-American the past two.

Ryan also has played with the Kansas City Brass, Professional Developmental League, for the last three summers (starting all 43 games), making the PDL team of the week four times. He led the Brass in all scoring categories in 2004 and was named team MVP.

“This is such an exciting opportunity for me,” Ryan said. “I am so thankful and honored to be drafted by the Kansas City Comets. Coach Savic and Mr. Kincaid (Owner) have done such a wonderful job with the team over the years and it has been such a staple in the community in which I grew up. I have always wanted to pursue playing soccer after my collegiate career and I could not have asked for a better chance.”

Ryan marks the first Jewell student-athlete in recent memory to be drafted by a professional sports team. A handful of baseball players have played in professional organizations and in the last two years three baseball players have signed with Independent League teams. In years past basketball and football players have signed professional contracts both domestically and internationally, but were not drafted.  

Awards:

4-Time All-Conference Selection (1^st team three times)

2-Time All-Region Selection (1^st team both times)

2-Time NAIA All-American

William Jewell College Team MVP (2001, 2002, 2003, 2004)

Statistics:                    Goals              Assists                        Points             

Freshman                    10                    10                    30

Sophomore                 14                    12                    40       

Junior                          18                    16                    52                   

Senior                         9                      11                    29                   

Career                         51                    49                    151

*** Led the team in goals, assists, and points all four years                     

2004 -  #17 in nation in assists per game (0.65)

2003 -  #3 in nation in assists per game (0.95)    #8 in nation in points per game (2.84)

2002 -  #18 in nation in goals per game (0.88)    #12 in nation assists per game (0.69)

             #14 in nation in points per game (2.44)

Quotes from other coaches:

Chris Cissell (William Jewell College Soccer Coach) –

“In the three years that I coached Blake Ryan at the college level I was constantly amazed and impressed by his overall athletic ability and his great competitive spirit. Ryan is a true team player and an unbelievable leader. He has all the physical skills and attributes necessary to be a great professional player. I am thrilled for Blake Ryan, I knew this day would come, he has earned it – I am so proud of him.”

Jefferson Roblee (Kansas City Brass - PDL - Head Soccer Coach) –

“Blake Ryan (who started for the Brass the last three years) has pro ability, quickness, and overall tremendous skills. He is a big game player and will be a great professional. He led our team in all categories this past season and was our team MVP. I look forward to watching him play professionally here in Kansas City.”

Rob Thomson (William Jewell College Asst. Soccer Coach) –

“Blake Ryan’s natural soccer ability is phenomenal with a strong work rate to top it off. His spectacular individual moves coupled with his team-first mentality is an excellent balance. He will surprise many people in the Comets organization and MISL, but this will come to no surprise to any of the players Blake has played with or against.”

Scott McClure (NAIA National Office; Soccer Administrator) -

“Blake Ryan’s signing with the Kansas City Comets is definitely a highlight for NAIA soccer, both locally and nationally. Blake has proven that NAIA soccer is played at an extremely competitive level and we wish him all the best in his new endeavors with the Kansas City Comets. He joins a growing list of NAIA players who have taken their game to another level after college.”