Five New Raiders to Join Defending PL Champs in Fall
Colgate men’s soccer John W. Beyer Head Coach Erik Ronning has announced the addition of five new Raiders who will comprise the program’s Class of 2021. The five student-athletes, who hail from four states across all regions of the country, will join the program in the fall as Colgate looks to build upon its 2016 Patriot League Championship season.
“I am thrilled to announce the addition of this group to the Colgate Soccer family,” said Ronning. “As a staff, we spent a great deal of time evaluating and building relationships with these young men, and know all are great players, great students and most importantly, great people.
“All possess the characteristics necessary to help Colgate Soccer continue to raise the bar for success on the field, in addition to a compelled attitude that will enable each to maximize their potential as players and scholars,” continued Ronning. “This is a hungry and talented group of great people who will make this program better.”
Below are the five new members of the Colgate men’s soccer program.
Colin Apel – Midfielder – La Canada, Calif./California Connections
Before Colgate: Apel will join the Raiders after a strong six years of playing with the U.S. Soccer Development Academy as a member of the LA Galaxy Academy and Crossfire Premier squads. Apel helped his teams to the Academy playoffs in all five years of his career. A two-year Generation Adidas Cup member, Apel has also participated in a US Soccer National Training Center.
Personal: Full name is Colin Priatis Apel…born in Los Angeles, Calif…son of David and Judith Apel…has two brothers…father and brothers played collegiate soccer…major is undeclared.
Ronning on Apel: “Colin adds a great dimension of creativity in our attack. He has the ability to pick out that final pass and set up his teammates in a variety of ways to score goals, while also being able to finish plays off himself. He has a great engine, great passing range, and is committed to helping on the defensive side of the ball.”
Chris DePetro – Midfielder – Carlsbad, Calif./Canyon Crest Academy
Before Colgate: A two-time first team All-League pick, DePetro scored 30 goals throughout his three-year career at Canyon Crest Academy. He capped his career off with a 14-goal season as a senior en route to All-League and All-Section honors, while also leading his team to a Sectional Championship. DePetro was twice named his team’s Offensive MVP and served as a captain during his senior season. The Carlsbad, Calif. native also ran cross country and track and was a member of Key Club.
Personal: Full name is Christopher Noah DePetro…born in Naperville, Ill…son of Steve and Mona DePetro…has one sister…major is undeclared.
Ronning on DePetro: “Chris will bring a fantastic work rate to our midfield whether it be on the wing or in the middle. He’s very good on the ball in tight spaces and excels at picking off passes defensively. We’re excited to add his energy and fight to our midfield as he will make on impact on both sides of the ball.”
Wilson FitzGerald – Goalkeeper – Columbia, Mo./Rock Bridge High School
Before Colgate: A goalkeeper out of Columbia, Mo., FitzGerald led his Rock Bridge High School team to three District Championships throughout his career. He held a stingy mark of 0.81 goals per game as a senior captain. FitzGerald earned second team All-State honors, District and Regional Goalkeeper of the Year plaudits and first team All-District and All-Region laurels during his time as a Bruin. Strong in the classroom as well, FitzGerald was named Academic All-State and was a member of the National Honor Society.
Personal: Full name is Wilson Frederick FitzGerald…son of Jim FitzGerald and Stephen and Cary Colbert…born in St. Louis, Mo…has one brother and two sisters…major is undeclared.
Ronning on FitzGerald: “Wilson strengthens our already strong goalkeeper core and will have a great opportunity to learn and develop behind some fantastic individuals. Wilson’s length and shot stopping ability really enable him to have a dominating presence in the back and we can’t wait to get started with him.”
Mason Miller – Midfielder – Berwyn, Pennsylvania/Conestoga High School
Before Colgate: Miller comes to Colgate from Berwyn, Pa. where he led his Conestoga High School team to a 2016 Pennsylvania AAAA State Championship. He tallied eight goals and 12 assists during his senior championship season to earn All-League and All-Main Line honors. Miller wrapped up his career with 18 goals and 22 assists as the Pioneers won their league championship for three-straight seasons. He was awarded the team’s Pioneer Award as a senior, which recognizes the member of the team that best exemplifies the traits of leadership, hard work, sportsmanship, teamwork and athleticism both on and off the field.
Personal: Full name is Mason Llewellyn Miller…son of Steven and Lorraine Miller…born in Bryn Mawr, Pa…has three sisters…major is undeclared.
Ronning on Miller: “Mason brings a unique dimension of versatility to our team. He has experience playing out wide, up top, and in the middle of the park. He’s confident on the ball, dangerous in 1v1 situations, and has the ability to score goals. His engine enables him to have an impact on both sides of the ball, and will fit right in with our mentality of recruiting two-way players.”
Peter Prentice – Forward/Midfielder – Houston, Texas/The Awty International School
Before Colgate: Prentice will join the Raiders after a successful high school career at the Awty International School in Houston, Texas. Prentice guided his squad to a pair of state finals and was a two-time All-State pick. He finished his career with 21 goals. Strong off the field as well, Prentice was a member of the French Honor Society and also ran track.
Personal: Full name is Peter Spelman Prentice…son of Michael and Veronique Prentice…born in Paris, France…has two brothers and two sisters…major is undeclared.
Ronning on Prentice: “Peter brings a confidence and explosiveness to our attack. He’s very dangerous off the dribble and always wants to go forward and create. We see Peter fitting in on the wing or as a forward for us. He’s athletic, technical, and relentless going forward.”