April 22, 2010
UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. - Penn State interim head coach Isang Jacob has announced the addition of three players to the roster, finalizing the 2010 class of newcomers to the Nittany Lion program. Ehjay Henry (Harris Village, Saint Kitts) and Jordan Tyrna (Seabrook, Texas) have signed national letters of intent to play at the collegiate level in Happy Valley while Micah Collins (Glen Rock, Pa.) has transferred from Villanova.
Hailing from the Eastern Caribbean island nation of Saint Kitts, Ehjay Henry boasts an impressive international resume. Blessed with good size and rare speed, the 6-0, 175 lb. forward gained valuable international experience with the U-17 and U-20 Saint Kitts national teams. The past two years, Henry has also been a standout striker for ManTab Premier of the Saint Kitts and Nevis Football Association. In 2009, while abroad in England, he played a half season for the Bracknell Town FC Youth Team in the South Division and the Allied Counties League Cup, scoring four goals in six games and two goals in one game, respectively.
"Ehjay brings speed and quickness to an already dynamic and strong forward line up," said Jacob. "He has the attitude of a striker with international experience playing with both his U-17 and U-20 National teams. The key is going to be how Ehjay quickly adjust to the college game, and once that happens, he is going to be dangerous to stop."
A Lone Star State product, Jordan Tyrna comes to Penn State after a standout career at Houston Clear Lake High School. A four-year varsity starter in goal and three-year captain, he was selected as the all-district defensive MVP and to the all-region teams in three consecutive years (2007-09). As a senior, he was named first team all-district and second team all-state in addition to receiving All-Greater Houston Chronicle Team honors and an invitation to take part in the state all-star region III team. Tyrna played club soccer with the Texas Rush U18 USSF Developmental Academy, winning Dallas and Disney Cup championships.
Jordan Tyrna |
"Jordan is a very technical keeper who comes from a successful Texas Rush team," said Jacob. "He communicates well, leads from the back, and is a solid goalkeeper. Jordan's distribution is one of his top assets as he gets the ball to the forward line quickly and accurately. With Jordan, we are adding another top notch goalkeeper to an already talented group."
Collins joins Penn State after redshirting the 2009 season with the Villanova men's soccer program. As a senior team captain at Susquehannock H.S., he recorded 13 shutouts en route to York County All-Star honors and his team captured the PIAA AA state championship. The 6-2, 200 pound goalkeeper played club soccer with FC Delco, with which he won a Region I Premier championship in 2007 and an EPYSA state championship in 2008. Collins has strong ties to Penn State, as his father, Bill, played for legendary head coach Walter Bahr and his mother, Debbie, was a member of the Lady Lion basketball team. He also has a sister who currently attends Penn State.
"Micah is a player who brings collegiate experience with him to Penn State," said assistant/goalkeepers coach Ryan Defibaugh. "He has very good footwork, which gives him the ability to make saves look simple. Micah is also a very dedicated trainer and we look for him to push our other goalkeepers in their everyday workouts. The passion Micah will bring to the program will be evident from the first day."
Penn State will wrap up what has been a highly successful spring season thus far this weekend when it hosts BIG EAST power West Virginia. The Nittany Lions and Mountaineers will square off prior to the Blue-White football game on Saturday at noon at the practice complex adjacent to Jeffrey Field. Penn State has posted a 4-0 record this spring, outscoring its opponents, 13-0.
The 2010 season will be a special one for the Penn State men's soccer program, as it will mark its 100th year of existence with a season-long celebration. Beginning this spring and culminating in the fall with a weekend of events including a reunion reception, a Nittany Lion game, and a banquet, the celebration will acknowledge the program's proud and distinguished tradition and history. Information, announcements, and any updates will be posted to the GoPSUsports.com website as they are solidified and become available. In 2010, Penn State will also serve as hosts of the Big Ten Tournament (Nov. 11-14) for the third time since joining the conference in 1991.
Penn State returns 17 letterwinners and nine starters, including four All-Big Ten performers and 2009 team leaders in goals and assists, from a squad that won 12 games, advanced to the Big Ten Tournament title game, and earned a berth in the NCAA Championship last season.