Wolverines Ink Three Midfielders for 2001 Season
2/16/2001 12:00:00 AM | Men's Soccer
"We are extremely excited about this recruiting class," said coach Steve Burns. "This group of young men possess the same character, work ethic and determination that represents the foundation which the program is built upon. Each student-athlete is very attack oriented. They will blend in nicely with our returning players and give us the depth to compete at a higher level."
Cameron, who was recently selected to the under-18 U.S. National Team, was a three-year Region I Olympic Development Program (ODP) team starter. Cameron was also an All-Star at the Elite Soccer Program Camp in 2000 and led his club team, the Hewlett Noga Select, to two state championships. His high school team, Cardinal Spellman, was four-time division champion and twice sectional champion, and he was named the team's MVP and All-City all four years.
"Cameron is a gifted player at every level of the game," replied Burns. "He will step into a critical role on this team as a playmaker in the central midfield. His athletic ability, strength of character, and leadership brighten the promising future of this team. Cameron will have a distinguished career at Michigan and beyond."
"He stole the show that day," commented assistant coach Walt Barrett after watching Cameron play for the first time. "He controlled the entire game from the central midfield position. Cameron is an artist. Between his incredible size and technical abilities he's a force to reckon with. It was difficult to notice anyone else while Cameron was on the pitch."
Turpin joins his older brother Robert, who will be junior at Michigan next season. Turpin was a five-year Michigan ODP and four-year region II ODP team member. He was invited to the Elite Soccer Program Camp in 2000, and led his club team (Vardar III) to two state cup championships and one regional championship in 1998. Turpin was selected as an All-State team member twice (1999 and 2000) an made the All-Catholic League and All-District team his last three years in high school (1998-2000). Turpin helped guide his high school team to a Division II State runner-up title in 1999 and to two regional championships.
"Dynamic and skillful are superlatives that don't fully describe Turpin's attacking ability," admitted Burns. "He is a tremendously efficient athlete who because of his versatility will immediately contribute to this team. You will hear this young man's name mentioned quite a bit next season."
Lopata was a two-year starting forward on the Michigan ODP team. At Farmington High School, he helped his team to a regional championship in 2000. A 2000 All-State First Team selection, and two-time All-Conference pick (1999 and 2000), Lopata was the captain of the first Farmington High School soccer team to reach the state semifinals.
"The best-kept secret in the Midwest," Burns said of Lapata. "He is an extremely determined and competitive player who makes everybody around him better. His ability to play with his back to goal will add another dimension to our attack. We expect Lopata to make a positive impact on this team from day one."
| Name | Pos. | Ht. | Wt. | Hometown (High School) |
| Knox Cameron | MF | 6-2 | 195 | Bronx, N.Y. (Cardinal Spellman) |
| Mychal Turpin | MF/F | 5-10 | 165 | Pontiac, Mich. (University of Detroit Jesuit) |
| Karl Lopata | MF/F | 6-0 | 175 | Farmington, Mich. (Farmington) |
Contact: Steve Grialou (764) 764-6108
