Published: March 25, 2009 08:00 pm      

Macdonell commits to Kalamazoo College

TRAVERSE CITY -- Traverse City Central soccer standout Dane Macdonell has verbally committed to play for Kalamazoo College.

Macdonell, a Record-Eagle all-region selection, said he chose the Hornets because of the school's academics. He plans to go into business.

"The big thing was the educational opportunity," Macdonell said. "Kalamazoo is one of the best academic schools in the state."

Macdonell, who had an 89-percent save rate last year, had also considered Vermont, Loyola-Maryland, Quinnipiac and Hartwick College.

Kalamazoo's roster is dotted by area players, including Suttons Bay's Ben Darling and Blaine Fritz, TC West's Dan Kellogg and Petoskey's Bryan Rekowski.

The Hornets have only one goaltender returning next year, freshman Max Wedding.