PERRYSBURG – Perrysburg’s boys soccer team has been a model of success for the past two decades.
The talent that fuels that success was clearly evident Thursday when four Yellow Jackets signed national
letters of intent to play at the collegiate level.
Two players will be playing at the Division I level – Karter Sell (Duquesne) and Shaun Banagis (Wright
State) – while Ian Jacobs (Ashland) and Jeremy Ashley (Tiffin) signed on with Division II programs.
"It’s very rewarding," Perrysburg coach Mike Timbrook said. "It was an honor to have them,
but really when you think of it, it’s the kids and the parents that put in the time, the effort and the
dedication to getting where they are."
Sell, who leaves Perrysburg as the school’s all-time leading goal-scorer with 59 career goals, chose
Duquesne over Cincinnati and Bowling Green. Sell stated details of his scholarship are still being
worked out.
The forward notched 26 goals as a senior when Perrysburg went 7-0 in the Northern Lakes League for a
second straight season.
"I’ve always wanted to play Division I soccer, so it’s a dream come true," said Sell, who was a
first-team All-Ohio and All-NLL selection as a senior. "It’s basically completing all of my goals
that I’ve had up to this point in my life. It’s a good feeling."
Sell said he’s looking to study becoming a physician’s assistant while at Duquesne.
"My goal is to play right when I get there and do good in school, because that’s why I’m there.
That’s definitely first, and then work hard in soccer," he said.
Banagis, also a first-team All-NLL selection last season, was Perrysburg’s second-leading scorer this
past season when he totaled 10 goals and 10 assists.
Banagis, who received a partial academic and athletic scholarship, chose Wright State over Duquesne and
Dayton, among other schools.
"I’m really excited about playing at the college level," Banagis said. "I really didn’t
think I was going to be playing in college, and then all this worked out. So I’m really happy."
Banagis said he is considering majoring in engineering at Wright State.
As for being able to sign their letters together, the group was happy to be able to begin the next
chapter of their soccer careers surrounded by family and friends.
"It feels great that the guys I grew up with, we all are signing," Banagis said. "It feels
good that we have that much talent in this area. I’m really glad that me and my friends are doing
this."