Local soccer standout Nate Darr recently announced his commitment to Head Coach Dave Schureck and the UD mens soccer team. Darr, a defensive star and offensive scoring weapon on the state-ranked Centerville Elks squad, is considered one of the top defenders in the state of Ohio this year and teamed up with several other local HS stars to win the USYSA U17 National Title this summer playing for Team Dayton ’83, coached by WSU mens soccer Head Coach Mike Tracy.

Darr, 6-1, 170lb, is known for his propensity for dominating in the air for headers as well as moving forward on set pieces to take advantage of his arial game. Despite playing stopper, Darr is second on the Elks team in goals (12gls, 5asts) for a squad that finished the regular season at 11-1-4 with the lone defeat coming to nationally-ranked Cleveland St. Ignatius (2-1) and were ranked as high as #6 in the country in the preseason polls. Darr is the first Elk to commit to the Flyer since current Flyer senior Chris Moler, a midfielder who earned Ohio D-I Player of the Year and NSCAA All-America honors.

UDP: In a couple sentences, explain why the Univ. Dayton is the right place for Nate Darr.

ND: First, education, and the atmosphere and the feeling of community on and around campus. The locale makes it possible for my friends and family to attend games.

UDP: What schools were in your short list in deciding on your soccer future?

ND: Wright State, Ohio State, Southwest Missouri State, Oakland, Univ. of Cincinnati, Univ. of Michigan.

UDP: What are your first impressions of Coach Schureck and the mens soccer staff?

ND: I have met with the staff several times and am very impressed with their dedication to the program, their friendliness and last, but not least, their approachability.

UDP: You had a great season with Team Dayton 83, capturing the first club national title by any soccer organization in the Dayton area. A lot of those players are on your current Centerville HS team as well as competing teams. What was the experience like and did you surprise yourselves in winning the title?

ND: It was certainly the most amazing and exciting soccer accomplishment of my life. We were undefeated in 40 games and I was the second leading scorer with 24 goals. It’s fun to play against my TD teammates, especially if we win. I wouldn’t say we were surprised about winning because we knew we could do it.

UDP: The Elks are having another good year and state ranked once again as the state playoffs approach. Briefly sum up your senior season so far and where you see the team’s chances in the tournament.

ND: My senior season in the beginning and part way through the middle was like a rollercoaster; a couple of wins, a loss, a few ties. Toward the end we have pulled it together and finished strong with 10 shutouts. Even though I am considered a defender, I was able to score 12 goals this season and hope to add to that total in the tournament. I feel that if this is the start to our peak, you will see Centerville still hanging around when November rolls around.

UDP: At 6-1, 170lb, you fit right in with current Flyer defenders Mike Nsien and Denny Clanton in terms of size and effectiveness in the air. Do you anticipate remaining a defender in college or has it even been discussed?

ND: I would love to be a defender still, and if I am put in another position, I will be just as happy and play just as hard.

UDP: What strengths will you bring to the Flyers and what areas do you need to work on between now and 2002?

ND: I feel that I am bringing an ability to win balls, especially in the air, and ability to distribute from a defensive position and hopefully increase their scoring punch. I can always fine tune things like touch.

UDP: What’s the best piece of soccer advice anyone gave you?

ND: “Always go hard” from my brother and he was always straight to the point.

UDP: Finish this sentence: “Dayton soccer is…”

ND: Something I can’t wait to be a part of and a tradition that I want to be a part of.