Milwaukee Wave Selects Bode And Rampa In MISL Draft
Jan. 30, 2008
MILWAUKEE - Steve Bode and Tenzin Rampa, seniors on the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee men's soccer team this past fall, were both drafted Tuesday by the Milwaukee Wave in the 2008 Major Indoor Soccer League College Draft. The MISL draft consisted of five rounds, beginning with a territorial round. Milwaukee selected sixth of nine teams in each of the rounds, choosing Bode with its territorial selection in the first round and Rampa with its choice in the fifth round. "It is great to have two hometown players have the option to stay here in Milwaukee and continue their soccer career," UWM head coach Jon Coleman said. "The Wave is a fantastic organization and it will be a great fit for both players. Steve Bode has all the tools and character to be a top pro. His toughness, strength, and defensive prowess will make him a valuable indoor player. "Tenzin Rampa has worked hard for an opportunity like this and will make the most of it. His work ethic and foot speed will be valuable in the indoor game. We are very excited for both players and it's great to continue to have Panthers in the pros!" Bode, a three-year captain at UWM, adds to an already impressive week. The three-time All-Horizon League selection was selected by the Chicago Fire in the 2008 Major League Supplemental Draft last Thursday. "It really means a lot to be drafted by the Wave, considering I have been watching them play since I was about five years old," Bode said. "I am excited to pursue both the Chicago Fire and Milwaukee Wave opportunities."
Rampa, a four-year letterwinner, has been a key piece of the Milwaukee midfield for the past three seasons. He was one of just two players to start all 20 games as a senior this past fall, finishing the year with a career-best three assists and 18 shots. He appeared in all 19 games as a junior after a breakout season as a sophomore. "It means a lot to me to get drafted by the Wave," Rampa said. "I think I speak for Steve as well when I say that we have both always wanted to have the opportunity to play professionally. I have always admired the Milwaukee Wave. They are a top organization and I am honored to be drafted by the top team in the MISL right now. Keith Tozer is a great coach and I look forward to working with him on the indoor game. There is still a lot of work to be put in to totally acclimate to the indoor game, but I'm up for the challenge. "I have to thank Coach Coleman and the UWM coaching staff with helping me develop as a player over these past few years. I'm proud of my background as a Panther soccer player and it has gotten me to where I am right now." The Milwaukee Wave are the oldest continuously operating professional soccer team in North America. The team was founded in 1984 and is one of the most successful in the MISL, winning championships in 2005, 2001, 2000 and 1998. |
