RAPID CITY, S.D. --- The South Dakota Mines Soccer team has announced 8 signings for the 2022 class with head coach Ryan Thompson announcing the addition of Ryan Blankenship, Daniel Freitas, Bergen Loveless, Jacob Miklas, Tyler Mullert, Gabe Ripperda, Jayden Roque, and Chase Stohlmann.

"This class will be very exciting for our team," said Thompson. "There is a ton of talent coming in and all the guys are ready to take over a starting spot. The talent ceiling is very high with this group, and we look forward to seeing the mark they make on the team."

Ryan Blankenship is an Arizona native, playing at Casteel High School. He scored four goals in each of his junior and senior seasons.

Thompson spoke of Ryan, stating that "he brings rocket speed, a wealth of foot skills and he can hit the goal consistently with almost every shot he takes."

Originally from Brazil, but now hailing from Omaha, Neb., Daniel Freitas joins the South Dakota Mines soccer program as its' newest goalkeeper. In Brazil, he was a two-time Go Cup participant, and while at Millard North High School, he was named a team captain, was selected as a team MVP, and earned a 4.0 GPA.

"Daniel is extremely athletic, smart and has the foot skills of a field player," said Thompson. "If he continues on his current path, he could easily find himself as a starter soon."

Bergen Loveless is a defensive-minded wing out of Wichita, Kansas.

"Bergen is a very defensive-minded person. He takes pride in not letting his opponents get to the goal. His foot skills give him the ability to find outlets and get his team out of danger.

Jacob Miklas comes in as an outside back from Camas, Wash. While playing at Union High School, he was a team captain.

"Jacob is a very dynamic outside back with speed and technical ability that make him a dual threat on both offense and defense," stated Thompson. "I look forward to seeing how he can make an impact on this team."

Tyler Mullert, set to add more to the back line, hails from Phoenix, Arizona. He was an All-Conference First Team selection while playing for Desert Vista. In his senior year, he helped lead them to an undefeated season, winning the state championship and earning a national top-10 ranking, while allowing just 6 goals on the season.
 
Thompson spoke of Mullert, stating, "the calm presence and smarts on the ball excite me, and he has a stealthy style of movement that allow his to find space and get into the attack."

Gabe Ripperda, a defender with size from Sioux Falls is a big get from the east river. In 2021, he was named to the All-State Second Team, while also adding the accolades of team captain, all-conference, Academic All-State, Academic All-Conference, and All-Conference Honorable Mention throughout his high school career.

"It's important to be able to get guys from our backyard, not only in the Black Hills region, but statewide, and a big focus of our class was the back line and Gabe is another high-quality defender," added Coach Thompson. "He has the skills and knowledge to shut down any opponent and the passing range to put on in a counter-attack and is not afraid to get into the attack as an offensive threat."

Jayden Roque, an Aurora, Colorado native, netted 6 goals between his junior and senior seasons at Cherokee Trail High School and was an Academic All-State selection.

"In addition to adding to the back line, we thought it was important to add some size up front who can go and get the ball and Jayden fits that bill, said Thompson. "He is a very smart forward, his movement on and off the ball makes him a huge threat in front of goal. His tall stature makes him an aerial threat. I am excited to see him in a Hardrocker jersey next season."

Chase Stohlmann is another forward with some size out of Bozeman, Montana. At Gallatin High School, he was named All-Conference as well as the captain and MVP of his team.

"Chase is an exciting forward," added Thompson. "With his technical ability, the fact that he can play as a target or out wide and his accuracy when shooting the ball, he could take over a spot early in his career."

Each of the 8 student-athletes will join the program for fall camp for the 2022 season.

About South Dakota Mines
The South Dakota School of Mines & Technology is a member of the Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference (RMAC) and NCAA Division II offering 11 men's and women's varsity intercollegiate athletic programs. The Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference is a premier NCAA Division II conference with 15 members, as well as four associate members, located in the states of California, Colorado, Nebraska, New Mexico, Oklahoma, South Dakota, and Utah.