Feb. 14, 2003

DURHAM,N.C. - A member of the United States under-17 national team and two High School All-Americas highlight the Duke University Men's Soccer 2003 recruiting class. Head Coach John Rennie has announced the signing of six recruits, which includes Kyle Helton (Alpharetta, Ga.), Chris Loftus (Springfield, Ill.), Danny Miller (East Brunswick, N.J.), Ryan Pascioni (Lake Mary, Fla.), Chase Perfect (Durham, N.C.) and Josh Swank (San Antonio, Texas).

"We needed a group with skill, speed, strength and character," said Rennie. "We got exactly what we wanted. This shapes up as a great freshmen class."

The 2003 Duke Class--

Kyle Helton
5-8 * 160 * Bradenton, Fla. * Edison Academic Center

Helton enters Duke with a tremendous resume that includes playing with the United States under-17 national team. Helton has lived in Bradenton, Florida at the IMG Academy for the past two years in preparations for the under-17 World Championships this summer in Finland. His versatility as an 'attacking defender' helped lead his Atlanta Fire club team to a national championship this past summer. Helton was an All-Star at the Elite Soccer Program (ESP) this summer.

Chris Loftus
6-5 * 185 * Springfield, Ill. - Sacred Heart-Griffin H.S.

Loftus joins the Blue Devils after a successful high school career that saw him lead Sacred Heart-Griffin HS to an Illinois State 'A' Championship in 2002. An NSCAA High School All-America, Loftus led the Cyclones in scoring with 32 goals and 19 assists. A very versatile player, the 6'5" Loftus has played in the midfield, defense and forward for his Metro FC club team. He also participated in ESP last summer.

Danny Miller
5-11 * 175 * East Brunswick, N.J. * East Brunswick H.S.

Miller comes to Durham as the New Jersey High School Player of the Year and as a NSCAA High School All-America. Regarded as one of the top defensive prospects coming out of high school this year, Miller has participated in the New Jersey Olympic Development Program. Miller led his Match Fit Academy club team to State Cup Championships in 2001 and 2002, and was a Regional semifinalist this past summer. Miller was an ESP All-Star this summer.

Ryan Pascioni
6-2 * 175 * Lake Mary, Fla. * Lake Mary H.S.

Pascioni coming to Duke continues the fine tradition of Lake Mary H.S. products to don the Blue and White. Former All-ACC selection Donald McIntosh and current Blue Devil Danny Wymer are alumni of Lake Mary. A first team All-State performer in Florida, Pascioni is also a member of the Florida Olympic Development Program. This past summer Ryan led his Royale Orlando FC team to compete in the Y-League National Championships. Pascioni was a Duke Soccer Camp All-Star last summer.

Chase Perfect
5-10 * 160 * Durham, N.C. * Jordan H.S.

Perfect joins the Blue Devils as perhaps the most heralded youth soccer player in the state of North Carolina this past year. Chase won State Championships at Durham's Jordan High School in 2001 and with his club team, CASL Elite, in 2001 and 2002. A Durham native, Perfect has grown up around Duke's program and looks to contribute as an athletic midfielder or forward. Perfect is a member of the North Carolina Olympic Development Program.

Josh Swank
5-9 * 140 * San Antonio, Texas * Health Careers H.S.

Swank comes to Duke with a tremendous reputation as a goal scorer. He has been a member of the United States under-17 and under-18 national pools and has participated in the Region III Olympic Development Program. His Austin Capitals soccer club team was State Champions in South Texas in 2002. Josh was named an all-star this past summer at ESP.

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