South Warren Defenseman Commits to MTSU

BOWLING GREEN, Ky. - March 17, 2016 - PRLog -- As family, friends and teammates watched on March 15 at South Warren High School, Nathanael Wilson signed a letter of commitment to play hockey for Middle Tennessee State University in Murfreesboro, Tenn., next season. The defenseman is a member of the 2015-2016 Kentucky High School Hockey League State Champion Owensboro Rampage and ranked an impressive second among league defensemen in points this season, accumulating 5 goals and 26 assists.

"Nathanael's presence and skill on defense will have an immediate impact for MTSU hockey," said MTSU Ice Hockey Head Coach Jasen Riherd. Riherd led the Blue Raiders last season as they re-entered the American Collegiate Hockey Association (ACHA) after a long absence. The coach is excited by what the future holds for the program, which boasts a solid core of returning players as well as some strong recruits. "Nathaniel will be part of a superb entering freshman class," he noted.

For his part, Wilson is thankful for the chance to play the sport he loves on the collegiate level at MTSU. "I am to grateful to Coach Riherd for this opportunity to continue my playing career at MTSU," Wilson said. "I am looking forward to helping the program grow and succeed as one of the newest members of the ACHA."

For the past three years Wilson has represented South Warren High School as a member of the Owensboro Rampage High School hockey team, a joint team comprised of players from seven local schools. During his senior season, Wilson was elected Alternative Captain and was awarded the Brandon Mullins Leadership Scholarship in February.  He also was named Honorable Mention on the All-State team. "Nathanael's enthusiasm and passion will make him a successful student athlete," Riherd predicted.

That sentiment was echoed by Nathanael's parents, Eric and Stacy Wilson. "We look forward to beginning this new chapter in Nathanael's hockey career. After a successful high school career, we are excited for him to attend MTSU. This is a program that is being renewed, and we know that MTSU is a great university that will give Nathanael many opportunities in hockey and in life.  We are also fortunate that he will only be 1.5 hours from home so we will be able to continue watching him play at the collegiate level," they said.

The puck drops on MTSU's second season with tryouts in early August. Can't wait until then to get your #RowdyRaiders gear? Visit MTSU on Twitter (@MTSUHockey) or Facebook (Facebook.com/MTSUIceHockey) to order yours today!

Nathanael Wilson Career Stats (3 years)

GP:          137
GOALS:          9
ASSIST:          47
POINTS:          56
+/-          +41