Soccer Player Tim Finklea signs with Cincinnati Redhawks

South Euclid, OH - December 2, 2004 - Notre Dame College men's soccer player Tim Finklea, has signed a professional contract with the Cincinnati Riverhawks of the United Soccer Leagues (USL) Western Conference Central Division "A" League.

Finklea, a 1998 graduate of St. Peter Chanel High School, started his collegiate career at Lakeland Community College where he earned 2nd team NJCAA All-American Honors, 1st Team All-Region Honors, and 1st Team OCCAC All-Conference Honors before continuing his playing career at Notre Dame College.

An emotional leader and captain of the inaugural men's soccer team at Notre Dame, Finklea helped to lay the foundation for the future success of the Falcon team - including a first-ever NAIA National Ranking this season and a spot in the post-season tournament. During his stay at NDC, Finklea earned American Mideast Conference Honorable Mention Honors as a midfielder.

"It will be hard to leave Notre Dame and forgo my last year of eligibility especially as the team reaches new levels of success," stated Finklea. "Although I am torn about leaving early, I am thankful to my coaches, my teammates, Notre Dame College and the Athletic Department for the opportunity they gave me to compete - and especially to my mother for her support thoughout the years as I chased my dream. My goal is to become a better and more complete player and to take my game to the next level - this is my chance to do that."

Head Notre Dame Coach, Michael "Mac' McBride, "knew from day one that playing professionally was Tim's ultimate goal - the Riverhawks' gain is our loss. He lives for soccer and has the desire to succeed, I'm absolutely thrilled for him. He has been a tremendous asset to our emerging program. His inner-drive is second only to his generosity and I'd like to take this opportunity to thank Tim for donating his first month's wages back into NDC's soccer program," stated a chuckling Coach McBride.

Finklea will relocate to Cincinnati in the spring to begin training with the Riverhawks, while continuing to work on his degree in Political Science. He is the son of Sheila Finklea of Euclid, Ohio.