If NIU soccer coach Willy Roy seems to be smiling more—or talking with more of a melodic foreign accent—its probably because of his latest signees for the 1989 soccer season.

Heading the class of recruits is Dustan “Dusty” Showers. A 6-1, 180-pound defender from Libertyville High School, Showers comes to NIU after a successful senior year. He racked up eight goals and 10 assists from the stopperback position, statistics that are above average for that position.

The All-Midwesterner proudly displays his oustanding speed and a 37-foot vertical leap, a result of his goalie days. Showers has spent time working on his game during the summer by playing for the Maroons soccer club.

“He’s the best athlete I’ve ever coached,” said Libertyville soccer coach Andy Bitta, who has also coached basketball during his career. “He’s only on the brink of how good he can be. Dusty is also very coachable. From his stopperback position, he marks on the other team’s best forwards.”

Roy chimed in with Bitta’s praise of Showers.

“We’re talking about one of the premiere defenders in the country,” Roy said. “Dusty is the kind of athlete that will help our team. He has tremendous physical ability.”

Roy’s other recruit is Glenbrook South’s Tom Weber, a 5-10 155-pound player who did not receive much attention in high school; but Roy is hoping for the best.

“He’s a sleeper,” Roy said. “He didn’t get all the accolades. He’s very aggressive, but needs seasoning. I feel with a little coaching, he can become a very determined player.”

Besides his high school team, Weber also played on a club team in an attempt to hone his soccer skills, something Roy likes to see in his players.

Roy had a chance to see what his team looks like Wednesday afternoon when the Huskies took on Loyola in an exhibition game on the fields west of Huskie Stadium. NIU pulled off a 2-0 win. Goals were scored by Willy Roy Jr. and Karsten Roy. Ironically, each player assisted on the others goal.

“We’re starting to look effective in all departments,” coach Roy said. “Defensively we’re getting much more aggressive. The handwriting is on the wall for much better competition come next season.”