Gatorade State Boys Soccer Player of the Year for 2005-2006

CHICAGO (February 17, 2006) — Entering its third decade of honoring the nation's best high school athletes, GatoradeÒ Thirst Quencher today announced Chase Neinken of The Walker School in Marietta as its 2005-06 Georgia Boys Soccer Player of the Year.

Gatorade, in partnership with Scholastic Coach & Athletic Director magazine, named State Boys Soccer Player of the Year award winners representing all 50 states and the District of Columbia. Neinken, along with his fellow State Players of the Year, is now a finalist for the prestigious Gatorade National Boys Soccer Player of the Year award to be announced in late February.

Neinken, a forward, enters his senior campaign with 102 career goals in three varsity seasons – the most ever by a player at The Walker School. He also holds the school record for most goals in a single season (38). Chase has been named the state's AA Player of the Year for the past two seasons, and was given NSCAA All-American recognition for 2005. A versatile all-around athlete, he also made the All-State football team as a kicker, and was All-County as a return specialist (with 10 TDs).

A solid classroom performer, Neinken maintains a 3.3 GPA and scored 1840 on the SAT. He is an active participant in the community, volunteering for Habitat for Humanity and the Atlanta Food Bank. He also works with middle school and youth players.

"Chase is one of the most unselfish players I have ever coached," says Gary Blohm, Head Soccer Coach and Athletic Director at The Walker School. "His encouragement of teammates raises the level of everyone around him. Chase has a competitive spirit, and he really hates to lose. He is a joy to coach."

The Gatorade Player of the Year program recognizes one winner in each of the 50 states and the District of Columbia in football and baseball (boys), volleyball and softball (girls), as well as soccer, basketball, and track & field (boys and girls). Each state winner, selected by a panel of sport-specific experts in conjunction with a national media advisory board, is chosen based on his or her outstanding accomplishments on and off the field of play. In addition to athletic performance, award criteria include the achievement in the classroom and overall character.

Neinken joins recent Georgia Boys Soccer Players of the Year Patrick Mitrovich (2004-05, Walton HS), Andrew Alexander (2003-04, Pace Academy), and Cameron Lewis (2002-03, Chattahoochee HS) among the state's list of former award winners.

For more on the Gatorade Player of the Year program, including nomination information, a list of past winners, and the announcement of the Gatorade National Player of the Year, visit www.gatorade.com/playeroftheyear.