Veteran Schulte returns as Thunder re-signs three

Published on February 20, 2004 under USL First Division (USL-1)
Minnesota Thunder News Release


ST.PAUL, Minn. (Friday, February 20, 2004) — The Minnesota Thunder announced today three returning players for the 2004 season, including veteran Mark Schulte. Shulte is returning for his fifth year on defense with the Thunder, Evan Richardson and Chris Vorenkamp return for their second season.

"Schulte is a consistent, dominant, positive force in the team and league and we are excited to have him back again this season," said coach Buzz Lagos.

Schulte, 26, played 28 games in the 2003 season with a total of 2,518 minutes, scoring two goals and making one assist as defender. In 2002 he played 27 games while logging 2,184 minutes, and finished third in the team with six assists. He was also the Second team All-A-League selection. Schulte played soccer in college with new Thunder midfielder Godfrey Tenoff at the University of Dayton.

Vorenkamp and Richardson return to the Thunder to get more action than they saw last year. Michigan native Vorenkamp, 23, comes back as midfielder. He has previously played for the West Michigan Edge after attending Ohio Wesleyan University. While at OWU, he received the 2002-03 North Coast Athlete Award for his outstanding academic and athletic achievement.

Richardson, 24, started all 22 games for the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee in 2002, scoring three goals and helping the Panthers finish in the top-10 Division I teams in the country. As a graduate of St. Paul Central High school, Richardson will be making his homecoming at James Griffin Stadium, the new home of the Thunder.

PLAYER DUSTIN BRANAN TO DELIVER MEALS ON WHEELS

On Tuesday, Feb. 24, Dustin Branan will be delivering Meals on Wheels to seniors in St. Paul for about an hour. The two organizations are getting together to raise awareness of the Meals on Wheels program, hopefully bringing in more funds and volunteers.

Meals on Wheels volunteers deliver food to over forty neighborhoods, which is more than 4,000 hot lunches every weekday, over 1 million meals a year.

The mission of Meals on Wheels is to ensure that homebound seniors in Minnesota can remain independent without going hungry.

"It will help to brighten the days of dozens of seniors in the Twin Cities. Your team has a strong presence in the community and we would like to utilize that presence to reach out to our neighbors," said Emily Anderson of Meals on Wheels.

GROUP TICKETS ARE HOT IN 2004

Group ticket packages for the 2004 season are available now and selling fast. Group ticket packages create the perfect event for family, friends, employees or business associates to enjoy a relaxing evening in the exciting Thunder atmosphere. Any group over twenty people will receive special rates for both adult and youth tickets. Each group will also receive a name recognition announcement during the game and other special benefits.

2004 Group Packages:

Striker Package: 20-49 tickets, Adult $10 ($2 off), Youth $7 ($1 off)

Midfield Package: 50-99 tickets, Adult $9 ($3 off), Youth $6.50 ($1.50 off)

Goal Package: 100+ tickets, Adult $8 ($4 off), Youth $6 ($2 off)

The Thunder is also developing corporate ticket packages for businesses throughout the Twin Cities. All corporate group packages will include discounted tickets, name recognition, and a corporate tent supplied with food and beverage. Further details will be announced at a later date.

"Our move into the heart of the Twin Cities will make our group and corporate ticket packages a big hit this season," said Matt Schneider, Senior Account Executive for the Thunder. "We promise to provide the most entertaining and unique group outing experience in the metro area."

For more information on all group packages contact Schneider at 651.917.TEAM (8326) or via email at matt@mnthunder.com.

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USL First Division Stories from February 20, 2004


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