ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. – University of New Mexico head coach Jeremy Fishbein has made a point since joining the Lobos as Associate Head Coach in January of 2001 to bring in the top local players and mix them with players from across the country. When he took over as head coach in July of 2002, Fishbein led a 23-man active roster, that included 12 New Mexicans, to a school-record 18-4-0 mark and a return trip to the second round of the NCAA Tournament. After losing just two seniors to graduation, Fishbein and his staff do not need to rebuild for 2003, just reload. Todays signing of Robbie CdeBaca, Mike Graczyk, and Jeff Krause shows that the Lobos are reloading with the same mix of local and national talent. CdeBaca and Graczyk are two of the top players in New Mexico, while Krause is a junior-transfer from the University of Pittsburgh.
Robbie CdeBacaMidfield5-10165Albuquerque, N.M. (St. Pius X HS)
CdeBaca graduated from St. Pius High School in 2002 where he was an All-State player for head coach Jorge Tristani. He also was a member of the Region IV Olympic Development Team from 1998-2002. While playing for the Region IV team, CdeBaca competed in international tours to Australia, Mexico, and Costa Rica. CdeBaca was also a member of the highly successful Albuquerque Bandidos club team that has won the West Regional the last two seasons. He teamed with current Lobos Ben Ashwill, Andrew Weber, Brandon Moss, Eric Carlson, Matt Chavez, and Robert Bower while playing for the Bandidos. CdeBaca is currently playing as a youth amateur in the Netherlands on the A1 team of the N.E.C. Voetball School. The school is a division of the N.E.C. Club that plays in the Eredivisie, which is the first division of the Dutch League. He has started at midfield in every game this season.
Robbie is a great addition for the Lobos, stated Fishbein. He brings with him a great deal of international experience which will help our team. He is great on the ball and has excellent field vision. We are hoping he can come in and make an immediate impact for us.
Mike GraczykGoalkeeper6-1165Albuquerque, N.M. (La Cueva HS)
Graczyk was a member of the 2002 New Mexico 5A State Champion La Cueva High School team for head coach Larry Waters. He was the top goalkeeper in the state with a 0.41 goals-against-average and was a 1st Team All-State player while leading the Bears to a No. 18 national ranking. Graczyks 12 shutouts also helped him garner the 2002 Albuquerque Tribunes Player of the Year award. Graczyk competed on the New Mexico state team in the Olympic Development Program where he was a starter from 1997-2001. In 2001 he helped led the New Mexico team to the OPD regional finals in Las Vegas, Nev., the only New Mexico team to ever reach the finals. Graczyk was also a member of the state champion Rio Vista Rangers club team in 2000-01. The Rangers placed third in the Far West Regionals in 2001 and he was voted MVP of the Tournament in 2001. Graczyks sister, Kristen, plays for the University of Connecticut womens team.
Mike is a very composed and athletic keeper who is a great shot-stopper, stated Fishbein. He also has great leadership qualities and makes excellent decisions when distributing the ball. We feel that Mike is a guy we are comfortable with on the field and he will come in and immediately push for playing time.
Jeff KrauseMidfield6-2175Littleton, Colo. (Chatfield HS)
Krause is a junior-transfer from the University of Pittsburgh. A native of Littleton, Colorado, Krause played on the Colorado Rush club team with current Lobo Danny Bills. He was also a member of the Region IV Olympic Development Team in 2000. Krause started 28 of 31 games while paying for Big East member Pittsburgh in one of the toughest conferences in the NCAA. He scored one goal and one assist for the Panthers. Krause is currently enrolled at UNM and will be eligible for action in the 2003 season.
Jeff is a player I have admired since his days in high school, stated Fishbein. He is excellent in the air and has great technical and attacking abilities. He spent two years in one of toughest conferences in the nation, so he brings top collegiate experience to our team. I look for him to make an impact on our team next season.