CARDINAL STRITCH UNIVERSITY ATHLETICS

Milwaukee, Wis. – Cardinal Stritch University men’s volleyball head coach Dave Schmidlin has announced the signing of six players to the Wolves for the 2011 season. This year’s recruiting class will feature Micky Flynn, Brian Hoffman, Patrick Lentz, Collin Hartman, Noah Mader, and West Hatae.

Flynn joins the Wolves as a 6-foot-8 setter/middle hitter from Appleton, Wis. While attending Appleton North High School, Flynn was a three sport athlete having participated in volleyball, basketball, and track & field. He will move to middle/opposite with the Wolves.

While playing under volleyball coach Mike Maass, Flynn progressed steadily during his four seasons on the court. He was named Fox Valley Association (FVA) All-Conference three of his four years. He made quite an impact for the Lightning as Flynn ranks second in the record books by having registered 655 assists during the 2008 season. He also ranks second for most block solos in a season with 25.

Joining Flynn will be 6-foot-5 middle hitter Brian Hoffman from Mequon, Wis. Hoffman, a four year member of the Homestead High School Highlanders program, was a first team all-conference member for the Greater Metro Conference in 2009. He helped the Highlanders to a 13-11 overall record and a 3-2 upset win over Hartland Arrowhead High School in the WIAA Sectionals.

Also joining the Wolves is Patrick Lentz. Lentz comes in at 6-foot-7 having played middle blocker and outside hitter for Mundelein High School in Mundelein, Ill. As a four year member of the Mustangs, Lentz was a team captain and was named all-conference and all-area for the North Suburban area.

Collin Hartman will come to Stritch after playing for Eagle High School in Eagle, Idaho. While playing there Hartman, a 6-foot-3 setter, helped the team claim the 5A State Championship as a sophomore. He would help the team finish second in state during his junior season as well.

Noah Mader will take to the court for the Wolves after having competed at Appleton East High School in Appleton, Wis. While playing for the Patriots, Mader played four years of volleyball and basketball. On the volleyball court, he was one of the stronger players as a 6-foot-7 middle blocker. During his time at Appleton East he was named all-conference for the Fox Valley Association during his junior and senior seasons. He was also named all-state honorable mention.

Mader is also a member of the Badger Region High Performance team and be playing in the USA Volleyball High Performance Championships July 15-30 held in Wisconsin Dells.

Joining the Wolves will also West Hatae. Hatae comes to Stritch after having played at the Honolulu Baptist Academy located in Honolulu, Hawaii. In four season, the 5-foot-7 Hatae helped his team win the Division II State Championship twice. During his senior season, he was named second team all-state.

“This recruiting class is made up of quality young men who come from good families,” Schmidlin said. “We have added size, athleticism, and skill in this class. I believe each of these guys will have a significant impact on the Stritch program in the coming years, as we continue our quest for a national championship.”

The Wolves finished this past season at 26-13 overall and 10-2 in the MAMVIC East. Stritch also qualified for the 2010 NAIA Men’s Volleyball Tournament, but fell just shy of the championship game with a loss California Baptist University.