March 10, 2006

DALLAS (SMU) - SMU head men's soccer coach Schellas Hyndman announced the signing of eight student-athletes for this coming fall season. They include Jaime Benetiz (Carrollton, Texas), Jared Champlin (Enid, Okla.), Leone Cruz (Round Rock, Texas), Stephen Grant (Miami, Fla.), Casey Hibbs (Brenham, Texas), Craig Hill (San Antonio, Texas), Cameron Holm (Kailua, Hawaii), and Dane Saintus (Arlington, Texas). Five of SMU's newest members hail from the state of Texas.

"We are ecstatic to have these recruits join us at SMU," states Hyndman. "This is a very good class for us. Each of these players fill an important need for us as we look to return to the College Cup for the second straight year. This class brings depth to our squad and I expected immediate contributions from each of one these young men."

Benetiz is a 5-6 midfielder who attends Creekview High School in Carrollton, Texas. He was named to the 2005 Region III team and the North Texas State ODP team. Benetiz earned first team All-District honors in 2005. He is the son of Manuel and Vilma Benetiz.

A 6-1 forward, Champlin attends Enid High School, where he led his team in scoring and assists last season. He is a member of the TSV Wendelstein club team and is Bezirksliga champions. He is the son of Joel and Kelly Champlin.

A 6-1 defender, Cruz attends Round Rock High School. A member of the U-18 national team pool, he is also a five-year member of the ODP regional team. An NSCAA All-America selection, Cruz was also a member of the U-16 national team pool. He plays club soccer with the Austin Capitals. His parents are Leonel and Cheryl Cruz.

Grant is a 5-8 defender and attends Miami Sunset Senior High School where he served as team captain. A 2005 All-State selection, he was a member of the 2004 Florida ODP state team and 2003 Region III team. He is the son of Herbie and Beverley Grant.

Hibbs is a 6-1 midfielder and attends Brenham High School where he was a four-year starter and served as team captain the last two seasons. A two-time Gatorade Player of the Year, he was named an NSCAA/adidas All-America in 2005 and is a two-time NSCAA/adidas Texas Player of the Year. Recipient of the Diadora Cup Golden Boot in 2006, Hibbs was selected to the NSCAA/adidas All-Southwest Region team in 2005. He earned District Offensive MVP, team MVP, All-Region IV honors and was selected to the Houston Chroncilce's All-Creater Houston Area team in 2005. He plays club soccer with TSC Classic Premier in Houston. He is the son of Max and Sue Hibbs.

Hill is a 6-3 goalkeeper at Reagan High School in San Antonio where he served as team captain. A 2005 NSCAA All-American, Hill totaled 23 career shutouts with 40 starts and posts a goals-against-average of 1.12. A 2005 All-District first-team selection, Hill was a named to the TASCO All-Region IV team. He plays club soccer with the Lonestars SC. His parents are Paul and Michele Hill.

A 5-9 midfielder, Holm hails from Kailua, Hawaii and attends Hawaii Baptist Academy. Selected SMU camp MVP in 2005, Holm led his team in scoring in 2004 and served as team captain. A 2004 All-League second team selection, he was a two-year member of the Hawaii state team. After his freshman year, Holm earned first team All-League honors. He plays club soccer with the HSC Bulls. He is the son of Robert and Shizuko Holm.

A 6-0 forward, Dane Saintus is the younger brother of current SMU soccer player Dario Saintus. Dane currently attends Lamar High School in Arlington and plays club soccer with the Dallas Texans, which won the 2005 national championship. Named team MVP the last two high school seasons, Dane earned first team All-District honors the last three seasons. His parents are Ronald and Danielle Saintus.