Dec. 4, 2007

Loyola University Chicago head men's volleyball coach Shane Davis and his coaching staff have announced the signing of three student-athletes this morning. Two outside hitters and a middle blocker will join the Ramblers on the court in 2009.

Mike Bunting, a 6-foot-4 outside hitter from Wyomissing, Pa., brings a wealth of leadership and experience to the Ramblers. A four-year varsity starter and team captain at Wyomissing High, Bunting was also the recipient of the Coaches MVP Award for his performance on the court. As a junior, he captured all-state and all-county accolades and was named to the all-district first team. A very talented all-around athlete, Bunting also excelled on the gridiron and basketball court. Bunting has played club volleyball for eight years and currently plays for Damon's Volleyball Club.

"Mike is a very talented athlete, who could have played football, basketball or volleyball at the collegiate level and we are certainly glad he chose volleyball," Davis said. "He is a big jumper who brings a big arm to our gym."

A Damascus, Md., native, Ryan Mullsteff brings plenty of talent to the Loyola men's volleyball program. The 6-foot-3 outside hitter from Damascus High will come to the Ramblers after being coached by Aldis Berzins, the father the Ramblers' current outside hitter, Kris Berzins. Mullsteff has experience playing USA Volleyball in which he participated in the Youth A2 camp and the High Performance Championship and was the winner of the USAV Beach Tour's East Zone Championship. He also plays club volleyball for the Maryland Volleyball Program (MVP). As a junior at Damascus High, Mullsteff was named the 2007 Gazette Player of the Year.

"Ryan has excellent ball control and is very quick off the floor," Davis said. "He has the ability to get on the ball fast with a lot of heat."

The final recruit is Eric Daliege, a 6-foot-6 middle blocker from Orland Park, Ill. Daliege, an all-area selection by The Star, has experience on the court for Providence Catholic High and currently plays for the Ultimate Volleyball club team under the tutelage of Denis Bergstedt. He has also played for the USA Volleyball Youth A2 team while capturing the YA2 Blue silver medal and playing in the International Youth Division.

"We are glad to pick up another top-notch player from the Chicago area," Davis said. "Eric's quickness as a blocker will help us in the middle blocker position right away. He is a consistent attacker and adds a lot of depth to our program."

The Loyola men's volleyball program finished the 2007 campaign with a 23-7 record, marking the sixth time in the last seven years it has topped the 20-win plateau. The Ramblers open up the season on Saturday, January 12 against MIVA foe Ball State at Alumni Gym.