Bellevue bolsters defense with a pair of signings

BELLEVUE, Neb. -- The Bellevue University men's soccer team, under head coach Mark Heath-Preston, announced today the signing of two student-athletes to letters of intent. Andy Wilkinson (Lincoln, England) and Harry Wray (Darlington, England) have decided to continue their academic and athletic careers at Bellevue beginning in the fall.

Wilkinson is the son of Pete and Sharon Wilkinson and currently in his last year at Lincoln College under the guidance of Coach John Priestley. Wilkinson played for Doncaster Rovers as a youngster and is the captain for his county Lincoln. Last season he tallied 5 goals and 8 assists as a center back.

Coach Heath-Preston said of Wilkinson, "We're excited to bring Andy in as he will provide more strength and depth to our team. Andy is coming into the fall to join the squad and we expect him to push the team from the get go with the vast amount of experience he has playing in England."

Wray is the son of Kevin and Alison and attended Hummersknott Academy. Wray has been playing for Richmond Town FC in the TWR Bi Folds Wearside Football League. Wray learned his trade within the Darlington F.C set up.

Coach Heath-Preston said of Wray, "We are excited to bring in Harry to Bellevue University as he can come in and make an immediate impact and increases competition. With his playing experience in the U.K we are excited for him to develop even more within the next four years."

Wilkinson and Wray join earlier signees Toby Millward (Heacham, England), Yago Ramos (Santa Cecilia, Brazil), and Jack Finocchiaro (Omaha, Neb.), and Gerson Joya (Lincoln, Neb.) in the Bruins 2017 recruiting class.

Last season the Bruins posted an overall record of 12-6-2 (4-0-0 NSAA) on their way to capturing both the North Star Regular-Season and Tournament Championships. It was the fourth-straight season that BU won a conference tournament championship and third-straight in which they claimed the regular-season title.