Meingast happy with Wright State surprise

By Curt Herron

One unexpected e-mail from a new head coach changed the entire college recruitment picture for Lyons Township senior Chris Meingast.

While looking at a variety of schools from throughout the country, Meingast got an e-mail from the new coach at Wright State University, Bryan Davis.

Although he didn't know anything about Wright State, he was intrigued by the interest in him and decided to check out the school in Dayton, Ohio.

As often is the case, Meingast quickly liked what he saw and suddenly he wanted to become part of a program that he hadn't previously considered.

"I was looking at places like Cal Poly and Villanova as well as some others here and there," Meingast said. "But then I got an e-mail from Bryan Davis, the new coach at Wright State.

"He said he was interested in me coming out and seeing the school and talking to him. It came out of the blue and I'd honestly never heard of them before.

"When I went there, I just fell in love with the place. I didn't expect nearly as much as I saw and it seemed like it was the perfect environment for me."

Just as Meingast was excited about what he saw at Wright State, the Raiders also attracted a number of other recruits for their new coach.

"Bryan has everything going there," Meingast said. "They've got something like 11 new recruits so far and the kids are from all over the place.

"In addition, coach (Michael) Bonelli came in from Northwestern and I knew him from club soccer. I met some of the players and they're great guys.

"I feel at home there and I'm excited to see them play and meet everyone who's going there next year.

"It all really jelled together and going to Wright State turns out to be the perfect fit for me."

As a member of the Chicago Magic club, Meingast received the type of recognition that opens doors at many colleges.

But he's also happy that he has been able to be a part of a successful soccer program like the one at Lyons Township.

"I had the combination of club soccer and being with the Magic, which is a club with great coaches that gets a lot of attention," Meingast said.

"And this has been a great high school environment, and there's not a ton of those, so I feel very fortunate.

"I've had great teammates and a lot of team success and those things help a lot. So it's been great for me."

With LT off to a successful 7-1 start this season, Meingast is happy that he has his college decision all wrapped up.

"Now I can focus on meeting everyone there and trying to jell before I get there and that's a great head start," Meingast said.

"I'm really excited about our high school team and then being able to go to Wright State so this should be an exciting year."