(MSU Billings release)
BILLINGS – Welcoming the latest additions to the Montana State University Billings men’s soccer program on Tuesday, head coach Alex Balog announced the signing of four high-school players for the 2019-20 campaign.
Charles Debling of Los Gatos, California, Cole Hage of Missoula, Kolbein Moore of Yakima, Washington, and Kolten Unrein of Billings comprise the newest recruits to sign letters of intent to join the Yellowjackets.
Charles Debling
Los Gatos, California
6-2 – Forward
Intended Major: Business
Debling is a three-sport standout at Los Gatos High School, excelling in soccer, football, and baseball. As a forward on the pitch, Debling was his team’s captain, led the squad in goals, and was named the Liverpool International Academy MVP. As a junior he led the league in scoring and piloted his squad to the CCS semifinals for the first time in 28 seasons.
In football, Debling was a first-team all-state wide receiver, and in baseball he led his team in home runs. He also participated in cricket in the United Kingdom, and was the leading wicket taker for his U12 team.
Coach Balog on Debling: “Charles left us with a classy impression after his visit earlier this fall. He conducted himself in a first-class manner and showed us he is going to be able to help us up top. We are very much in need of a player like him. I believe Charles will be an outstanding fit in our family-like program, and will thrive in our surroundings.”
Debling on choosing MSUB: “The soccer team was very welcoming and open, and I enjoyed meeting them all and getting to know them. Overall I had a wonderful experience (on my visit), and the coaching staff and entire team made me feel very welcome. The team are great guys and I feel I will be a good fit. The two things that are important to me are the accreditation of the business school and the academic importance of the soccer team. I will thrive in this environment.”
Cole Hage
Missoula, Montana
5-10 – Midfielder
Intended Major: Undecided
Hage earned four letters at Hellgate High School under head coach Jay Anderson. He helped the Knights to a cumulative record of 52-4-4 in his prep career, playing primarily as a central midfielder. Hage is a three-time all-state selection, and was named the Class AA Western Conference Player of the Year.
Hage led his team to three state titles and a runner-up finish in his four seasons. His squad was a four-time conference champion and he set a single-season assist record with 15. He also served as team captain and was a four-time academic all-state honoree.
Coach Balog on Hage: “I believe that with Cole we have signed the best player in Montana and surrounding states. The idea of representing his home state at a high level and having the possibility to contribute right away was appealing to him in his decision-making process. Cole is a player I have high expectations for, and whom I foresee hitting the ground running both academically and athletically.”
Hage on choosing MSUB: “I chose to attend MSUB to further my education while being provided the opportunity to play soccer. I believe MSUB has a unique goal for its student-athletes, which will provide me with a chance to become a better soccer player and person. I am excited for the opportunity to play soccer in college and have a chance to represent my home state of Montana while doing so.”
Kolbein Moore
Yakima, Washington
5-8 – Defender
Intended Major: Undecided
Moore won four letters in soccer and three in cross country while attending West Valley High School. On the pitch as a defender, Moore helped his team to a cumulative record of 44-18 in his four seasons under head coach Ryan Massey. Among Moore’s career highlights are status as a team captain in 2018, and selection to the all-Big 9 League during the 2017 season.
Coach Balog on Moore: “Kolbein is a player who has been on our radar for a while. He has the ability to go up and down the flank and help us both offensively and defensively. He will provide us with much-needed depth on the wing. I am really looking forward to having Kolbein be part of the team because of his enthusiasm and passion for our program. Those are the kind of players we want to come and play for MSUB.”
Moore on choosing MSUB: “I chose MSUB because it was the right fit for me both athletically and academically.”
Kolten Unrein
Billings, Montana
5-6 – Goalkeeper
Intended Major: Engineering
Unrein participated in both soccer and wrestling at Billings Senior High School for four years. On the pitch, he helped the Broncs to an impressive record of 53-10 in three varsity seasons under head coach Zach Robbins. He was a team captain as a senior, while earning all-conference as a junior. Among the goalkeeper’s top moments is a penalty-kick shootout as a sophomore in 2016 during which he saved a pair of shots. Academically, Unrein was a member of the National Honor Society during his prep career.
Coach Balog on Unrein: Growing up in Billings, Kolten has always been closely connected to our program. We have followed his progress and growth as both a person and player. I am impressed with how mature he is for his age. Kolten wants to get better academically and athletically, and we have the right setting for that. Kolten will come in and help push the other goalkeepers, just like they will push him to improve every day.”
Unrein on choosing MSUB: “I chose MSUB because they have a great soccer program and I want to further my soccer experience with them.”
MSUB’s men’s soccer team recently completed the 2018 season, going 7-10-2 overall and 4-7-1 in Great Northwest Athletic Conference play to finish in fifth place.
