After finishing as a national semifinalist two seasons ago and the Great Lakes Valley Conference champion last season, the Southern Illinois University Edwardsville men's soccer program has reloaded again.
         SIUE signed six players to national letters of intent, including five freshmen. They are John Lamping (Barnhart, Mo.), Eddie Davis (Waterloo), Adam Lanter (Edwardsville), John Matthews (Edwardsville), Greg Crook (Columbia), and Adis Nukic (St. Louis, Mo.).
         "The momentum of successful seasons is continuing with the recruiting season. This class will help fuel more wins," said SIUE Coach Ed Huneke.
         Lamping, from St. Piux X High School in Festus, Mo., transfers to SIUE from St. Louis Community College at Meramec. Lamping was a two-time All-State and All-Metro selection and helped the Busch Soccer Club to state championships four times.
         "John is a talented defender who can go forward with ease," said Huneke.
         Davis, who played varsity at Saint Louis University High School, helped the Junior Billikens to a third-place finish at the state championships last season. A member of the Scott Gallagher club team, Davis helped secure a second-place finish nationally at the midfield and forward positions.
         Lanter missed the 2002 season with an injury but helped Edwardsville High School to a state championship in 2000 and a runner-up finish in 2001. Lanter, a forward, was the 2001 Player of the Year by the Belleville News-Democrat.
         "Adam is creative and is very adept in getting past defenders," said Huneke.
         Matthews, a prep and club teammate with Lanter, was the Alton Telegraph's Player of the Year in 2002. A 6-foot-1-inch forward, Matthews plays club soccer for the Metro Futbol Club. He was a four-year player at Edwardsville and spent two years with the varsity baseball team.
         "I expect John to have a high rate of development as he concentrates more on soccer," said Huneke.
         Crook, a 6-1 goalkeeper from Columbia High School, was a four-year letterwinner and an All-Sectional finisher as a senior. He also played for Metro FC, helping the team become semifinalist at the State Cup in 2001 and 2002.
         "Greg is a quick and athletic goalkeeper who also can fill the modern role of being very good with his feet and verbal direction," said Huneke.
         Nukic joins the Cougars after four varsity seasons at Mehlville (Mo.) High School. A member of the Busch Soccer Club, Nukic also was a standout for Mehlville after breaking the single-season scoring record as a freshman with 30 goals.
         "Adis is a classic finisher," said Huneke. "When given a chance to score, he'll capitalize more than most." -siue-
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