NIU soccer coach Willy Roy hauled in an impressive freshmen class with his first try at the college recruiting game.

National Letters of Intent were signed by forward John Lechner of Waukegan West, forward Frank Sparacino of Elk Grove, defender John Kelly of Lake Park (Roselle) and Roy’s twin sons Karsten, a defender, and Markus, a goalkeeper, both from Bensenville (Fenton).

“In my book they’re all blue-chippers,” coach Roy said. “If somebody would label only a couple of them blue-chip, then the rest are at least red chips.”

However, the announcement of Roy’s five signees was tainted by the news that two players from last season’s squad had left NIU for academic reasons. Barry Garofolo (4 goals, 3 assists last year) and Mike Farnham (2 goals) will be lost to the Huskies for the 1988 season.

Roy said he was upset by the loss of Farnham and Garofolo and he plans to avoid future academic problems with his players.

“Basically, we narrowed down our recruiting effort to these five because they’re all excellent students of the game of soccer and excellent students in the classroom as well,” Roy said.

Lechner, a 5-11, 160-pound forward, established school and Waukegan city scoring records for a season and career at Waukegan West. His 37 goals and 19 assists (93 points) this past year were part of his three-year career total of 74 goals and 48 assists (196 points).

In addition to earning all-state honors from the Chicago Tribune and Illinois Soccer Coaches Association (ISCA), the West Most Valuable Player and captain was a two-time First-Team All-Central Suburban League North pick. Lechner also led the Raiders in scoring as a junior when he tallied 30 goals and 13 assists.

In addition to All-State and All-Area honors, Sparacino is a three-time All-Mid-Suburban League selection, who led Elk Grove in scoring for the last three of his four letter-winning seasons. As a senior captain and team MVP, the 5-11, 145-pound midfield-forward prospect scored 14 goals and assisted on four others. As a junior, when he earned First-Team All-Area notice, Sparacino notched 17 goals and two assists for the regional finalist Grenadiers.

Kelly received ISCA All-Sectional acclaim along with First-Team All-Upstate Eight notice as a senior co-captain and co-MVP for sectional finalist Lake Park. A three-year letterman and starter, the 5-11, 165-pound defender helped the Lancers win back-to-back regional crowns and Upstate Eight co-championships. Although a defensive standout, Kelly tallied four goals and eight assists last season.

Karsten and Markus Roy were the heart of Fenton’s defense at sweeperback and goalie, respectively. The Bison compiled a 13-8-4 record this past year before losing a double overtime sectional title bout to eventual state runner-up Maine South. Fenton posted 13-6-2 and 11-10-2 records in the twins’ previous two seasons.

The 6-2, 175-pound goalie’s extensive resume is topped by Parade Magazine All-America notice and recent trips to Guatemala and the Soviet Union as a member of the U.S. 20-and-under national units. The First-Team All-State, All-Area and All-North Suburban League goalkeeper boasted 10 shutouts and a 1.01 goals-against-average.

Karsten was also an All-State, All-Area and All-North Suburban League pick. The 6-1, 175-pound senior co-captain led the team in scoring as a sweeperback with 17 goals.