Feb. 6, 2009

"We are very excited to add Kel and Dan to the program today," said Head Coach Brian Bahl. "Without a doubt, they are terrific young men that will be great representatives of our program and Upper Iowa University."

"We only lose two seniors from this past year's young, record-setting team, but we need to upgrade various areas and create more depth to be able to consistently compete at the Division II level. One key area we needed to make sure we got stronger and deeper at was goalkeeper and I don't think we could have gotten a better guy to fill that role than Kel Markert. He is fantastic."

Bahl continued, "The other main area that we really needed help is up top."

The Peacocks graduate two seniors after finishing the 2008 season with a 10-7-1 record. The two seniors are UIU's all-time leading scorer and All-American Forward Craig Signorin and the program's all-time leader in assists Jake Rasbeck.

"With the loss of Craig and Jake, much of our offensive production is gone. So the addition of Dan will allow us to begin rebuilding our depth on the front line."

The Peacocks still plan to add multiple student-athletes this spring to complete the incoming class.

	Kel Markert ~ Goalkeeper ~ Plainfield, IL (Plainfield South HS) ~ Chicago Fire Juniors Major: Biology/Pre-Med Key Stats: Named to All-Conference, All-section, and All-Area 1st Teams... Varsity Captain... High School MVP... High School Athlete of the Week... Student of the Month... Honor Roll... Third Highest Score in Illinois for World Wide Youth in Science and Engineering. Coach's Comments: "Kel is a phenomenal goalkeeper. His athleticism, extension, quickness, and understanding of the position will allow him to do some great things during his time at Upper Iowa. Kel also has tremendous leadership qualities and great character that will have a very positive effect on our program.
	Dan Rasmussen ~ Forward ~ Maplewood, MN (North St. Paul HS) ~ St. Croix Riverhawks Major: Undecided Key Stats: All-Conference... High School MVP... Team Captain... Led team in scoring senior year... Lead HS team to best season ever... Named Top Athlete in HS... Member of National Honor Society. Coach's Comments: "Dan was coached by former UIU player Casey Holm and brings great passion to our program. Dan is a fast attacking player with great potential. We feel that Dan can really add to our attack and score goals for us as he develops."