Wilmington Hammerheads News Release -- www.wilmingtonhammerheads.com
Thursday, March 24, 2011
WILMINGTON, N.C. – With their season opener quickly approaching, the Wilmington Hammerheads are beginning to finalize their roster for 2011 with the addition of three more players. The most recent additions to the team are midfielders Tanner Wolfe and Diego Barrera, and returning Hammerheads goalkeeper Kyle Polak.
Originally from Huntington Beach, California, Polak returns to the Hammerheads after playing for Coach David Irving from 2007 to 2009. Polak earned 1.22 goals against average in 2009 when the Hammerheads were USL-2 regular season champions.
Polak began his collegiate career at California State University Fullerton in 2002 and later transferred to California State University Dominguez Hills in 2004. He posted 24 career shutouts and was named First Team All-California Collegiate Athletic Association in 2006. The same year, Polak was also named Dominguez Hills Male Athlete of the Year.
A Florida native, Wolfe had a successful collegiate career at Stetson University from 2004 to 2008. Wolfe played in every game for the Hatters in that span, 75 in all, and posted 33 career goals, 18 assists, and 84 total points.
In 2007 and 2008, Wolfe played for the USL Premier Development League's Central Florida Kraze, appearing in all 31 games. Wolfe tallied nine goals and eight assists, and also helped the Kraze qualify for the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup in 2007.
Barrera is the fifth player added to the 2011 Hammerheads squad from the PDL’s Ventura County Fusion. Barrera has played for three different PDL teams including the Fusion in 2007 and 2010, the San Fernando Valley Quakes in 2008, and the Hollywood United Hitman in 2009.
After three years at Loyola Marymount University, Barrera transferred to the University of New Mexico where he was named Second Team All-MPSF selection after finishing third on the team in scoring with 12 points. Barrera also played for the U-18 National Team in 2005 where he helped the U.S. win its first ever Milk Cup trophy in Northern Ireland.
The Hammerheads begin their season at home on April 16, 2011 against the Rochester Rhinos. Ticket prices for games are $10 of adults, $8 for seniors (65+), and $6 for children 12 & under. Special group ticket rates are available. Contact the Hammerhead office for more information.