Saint Mary's Signs 11 Football Players to National Letters of Intent
2/5/2003 12:00:00 AM | Football
Feb. 5, 2003
Moraga, CA - Saint Mary's College has signed 11 football players to national letters of intent announced head coach Vincent White. The 2003 recruiting class includes five defensive players, five offensive players, and one kicker.
"I think we did a great job getting players where we needed depth to help our football team," commented White. "Defensively we added some guys that can fly around and make plays for us. On offense, we added two solid lineman and three talented skilled position players. Overall, we did a great job identifying good players in such a short period of time."
"This recruiting class is made up of young men that like to go to school and like to play football," said White. "That's very important at Saint Mary's College."
Lukas Arnerich (OL, 6-3, 290, Portland, OR) was a three-year all-league offensive lineman at Central Catholic High School - two years at center and one year at tackle. As a senior, he was named the Most Valuable Offensive Lineman of the team. An outstanding student, Arnerich carries a 4.01 GPA and has made the honor roll six of the last seven semesters. He's a member of the National Honors Society and is the sports editor of the school newspaper.
Michael Braund (LB, 6-1, 215, Bellevue, WA) will come to Saint Mary's from Bellevue High School where he earned seven letters, including three in football and four in track and field. He totaled 67 tackles and 13 sacks in his career and led Bellevue to state titles in 2001 and 2002. He was named all-league, all-area, and all-state last year. Current Gael women's basketball player Katie Ludwick also attended Bellevue High School.
Ryan Coogler (WR, 5-10, 180, Richmond, CA) was the Most Valuable Receiver at the Cal Camp last year and was the 2001 Saint Mary's High School of Berkeley Most Outstanding Offensive Player. In 2002, he caught 19 passes for 367 yards for the Panthers. He holds a 3.73 grade point average and was a North Coast Section Scholar-Athlete. Coogler was also heavily recruited by Harvard, Pennsylvania, and Princeton.
Alexander Cook (LB, 5-11, 212, Acampo, CA) was a three-year letter winner at Saint Mary's High School of Stockton. He was named the SJAA Defensive Most Valuable Player as he collected 111 tackles, including 24 for loss, and one interception that he returned 96 yards for a touchdown. He was also selected all-area first team, SJAA first team, and the team's MVP. Along with Saint Mary's, Cook was recruited by UC Davis, Eastern Washington, Holy Cross, Dartmouth and Cal Poly.
Rodolpho Encarnacion (DL, 6-2, 225, Los Angeles, CA) was a four-year letter winner at Cathedral Prep High School last year. He tallied 45 tackles, including 15 for loss, and 12 sacks to earn second team all-league honors.
Joe Lucia (K, 5-9, 160, Concord, CA) prepped at nearby Clayton Valley High School, where he was a two-time All-BVAL selection at kicker. During his senior season he converted 9-of-10 field goal attempts, including a long of 45 yards, and made a career-high three field goals against College Park. During his career he converted 13-of-15 field goals and 31-of-34 points after touchdown. Lucia doubled as a wide receiver his senior year, tallying 31 catches for 423 yards and four touchdowns. His 31 receptions ranked second in the BVAL. His brother, Mike, currently plays golf for Saint Mary's.
Parker Mangum (QB, 6-4, 205, Boise, ID) passed for 1,727 yards and 11 touchdowns last year at Timberline High School. He also rushed for 500 yards and seven touchdowns en route to second team all-league honors. He was the East captain at the Idaho Shrine game, where he threw for 192 yards and one touchdown. 147 of his passing yards and the score were thrown to Thomas Steiner, who also signed with the Gaels. Mangum is also a National Football Hall of Fame scholarship winner.
Dale Maas (OL, 6-5, 260, Cloverdale, CA) is a two-sport letterman at Cloverdale High School. He earned all-league and All-Empire honors as both an offensive and defensive lineman. He was an all-state selection (small school) on offense, while leading his team to two NCL championships.
Zack Rockwell (CB, 5-11, 190, Pleasant Hill, CA) will come to Saint Mary's from Ygnacio Valley High School, where he earned five letters - two in football and three in basketball. He was a first team All-BVAL selection at defensive back and a second team All-BVAL honoree at wide receiver.
Thomas Steiner (WR, 5-9, 175, Boise, ID) totaled 54 catches for 800 yards and seven touchdowns last year at Bishop Kelly High School, earning first team all-league honors. He also returned two punts and one kickoff for touchdowns. He played on the East team at the Idaho Shrine game, hooking up with fellow future Gael Parker Mangum for seven receptions for 147 yards and one touchdown.
Be-Naiah Williams (CB, 5-9, 170, Oakland, CA) prepped at McClymonds High School where he earned second team all-city honors last year. He was third on the team in tackles and led the team with five forced fumbles. He was named to the all-city academic team and won the team's Iron Man Awards
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