Feb. 19, 2001

NOTRE DAME, Ind. – The University of Notre Dame men’s soccer program has signed three high school standouts to national letters of intent it was announced today by first-year head coach Bobby Clark. Midfielder Kevin Goldthwaite (Sacramento, Calif.), goalkeeper Chris Sawyer (Highlands Ranch, Colo.) and defender/midfielder Jack Stewart (Torrance, Calif.) will attend Notre Dame beginning in the fall of 2001.

“This ranks as one of the best recruiting classes in the country and we were very fortunate to sign three talented players,” Clark says. “These individuals rank as three of the top players at their respective positions in the very strong West region. I expect all three of them to have a tremendous impact on the future success of our program at Notre Dame.”

Goldthwaite, a member of the Region IV Olympic Development Team, was a three-year starter at Christian Brothers High School where he captained the team in his senior season. The 6-0, 165-pound midfielder, who had 53 goals and 72 assists during his career, was a two-time all-city selection. A senior, he had personal bests of 21 goals and 28 assists.

Goldthwaite plays for the San Juan Lightening Soccer Club and led that team the Region IV championship and runner-up finish at the national tournament in 2000.

“Kevin was one of the primary reasons why San Juan Lightening reached the final four of last year’s Under-17 National Youth championships,” Clark says. “He is one of the best attacking midfield players coming out of the his region. He is a very talented and versatile athlete who has all the skills and ability to have a major impact on our program here at Notre Dame.

Sawyer, a 6-3-190-pound goalkeeper, was a three-year starter at Highlands Ranch High School and a member of the National Soccer Coaches Association of America (NSCAA) and led his team to a 50-5 record from 1998-2000. He posted 32 career shutouts and a 0.7 goals against average during his career. His team captured one state championship in two appearances in the state finals and won three league championships

Sawyer is a member of the Region IV Olympic Development Team and is currently in the Under-18 National Team Player Pool. He participated in the adidas ESP Camp where he received the ESP Golden Glove Award as the top goalkeeper.

He helped his Colorado Rush club team to the Region IV ODP championship in 1999 and a runner-up finish in 2000.

“Chris is one of the top goalkeepers coming out of high school this year,” Clark says. “He is big, strong and athletic player. Apart from his ability to stop shots, he commands the goal very well.”

Stewart started a school-record 102 games during his career at South Torrance High School. During his four-year career as a starter, he led his team to a 40-13-3 record while scoring 42 goals and dishing off 40 assists. Named the 2000 California Player of the Year and an NCSAA High School All-America Team, he also was a three-time all-CIF selection.

A member of the Under-16 National Team in 1999, Stewart also is in the Under-18 National Team Player Pool and on the Region IV Olympic Development squad. In addition, Stewart was a participant at the Adidas ESP camp. He led the Breakaway Soccer Club to the semifinals of the Region IV championships in 2000.

“Jack has tremendous potential and talent,” Clark says. “Similar to Chris, he has experience with the under-18 national program. Jack also is a very strong player with good size and skills. He has great potential to develop into one of the top players in the country at his position.”