By Nicholas Huenefeld/Owens Sports Information

Toledo, OH---The Express men's and women's soccer team each signed a player from Kalida HS last week.

Express men's soccer head coach Art Johnson signed midfielder Tyler Kortokrax, while Express women's soccer head coach Mary Whisler signed goalkeeper Erika Brinkman.

Brinkman becomes the first goalkeeper that Whisler has signed for next year's class. Whisler hopes to sign 1-2 more keepers for next season.

"She just loves the game and works hard at her game," Whisler said of Brinkman. "She is a great addition to the Owens program and will step in immediately and contend for the starting spot at goalie."

Brinkman, who will major in physical therapy at Owens, was named Honorable Mention All-Putnam County League (PCL) her senior year. She is the daughter of Ryan and Amy Brinkman.

Kortokrax was named First Team All-PCL, First Team All-Northwest Ohio and First Team All-District at Kalida. He was also a four-year member of the basketball team. He is the son of Rick and Mary Kortokrax.

"Tyler is a very steady player with good athletic ability coupled with good tactical and technical soccer skills," Johnson said. "He often demonstrates good leadership, strong endurance and excellent character traits."

As a senior, Kortokrax led Kalida to a D-III district championship.

"He has very high intelligence on and off the soccer field and will be a great asset to next year's class," Johnson said.

Brinkman led Kalida to the district championship game, where they lost a 1-0 (2 OT) heartbreaker to Lima Central Catholic. She only allowed two goals in three games during the district tournament. She joins Eliza Theaker of Maumee HS, Taylor Avers of Woodmore HS, and Jessica Grindle of Northwood HS as members of 2012-13 class.