Truman men’s basketball head coach Matt Woodley has announced the signing of three Iowa high school seniors to join the Bulldog program as part of next year’s incoming class.

“I couldn’t be more excited about signing these three guys,” Woodley said. “We identified these three early in the recruiting process and worked really hard to get them.

These guys bring toughness and winning to our program, and fans will see these three guys diving on the floor for a lot of loose balls in the years to come.”

Chad Gutschenritter (6-foot-0, guard; Waukee, Iowa; Waukee HS)

Gutschenritter was named first-team all-conference and honorable mention all-state as a junior after leading his squad to a 20-5 record and a state tournament berth.

 He averaged 11 points and lead the state with 163 total assists while shooting 39% from three-point range. He is an 85% free throw shooter and posted a school-record 62 steals as a junior.

“Chad played for me the past two seasons, and he is as competitive of a kid as anybody I have ever coached,” Woodley said.

“He is an excellent passer and ball-handler and just knows how to win! He has always played his best basketball in big games and will be a very good player throughout his career. I am very excited that Chad has decided to play at Truman.”

Cole Myers (6-foot-1, guard; Ankeny, Iowa; Ankeny HS)

Myers has been a three-year starter for Ankeny HS and averaged ten points per game on a squad that posted a 22-4 record and finished third at the state tournament.

 He made 49 three-pointers last season and was a first-team all-conference selection.

“Cole is a fierce competitor, and I love the leadership and toughness he brings to the game,” Woodley said.

“When his brother [fellow signee Cory Myers] went down with an injury last year, he was able to pick up great experience and progress heavily at the point.

 His ability to create off the dribble and pass makes him a tough guy to guard. I couldn’t be more excited to sign Cole.

Cory Myers (6-foot-1, guard; Ankeny, Iowa; Ankeny HS)

Myers started as a freshman and sophomore and was five games into his junior season before suffering a knee injury. As a sophomore, he averaged ten points per game and was a second-team all-conference selection.

“Cory is a physical guard who is really good with the ball in his hands,” Woodley said.

 “He is a fierce competitor who hates to lose, and, like his brother, is a really good football player. I think when Cory gets his knee healthy, he could be as good of guard as we have had at Truman.”

“My staff did a tremendous job recruiting these young men,” Woodley added. “I am very lucky to have assistant coaches Matt Fitzpatrick and Todd Lorensen with me.”

The Truman men open the 2011-12 regular season this Friday and Saturday (Nov. 11-12) at the Abilene Christian (Texas) Tipoff Classic in Abilene, Texas.

The Bulldogs will be facing the host Wildcats along with Angelo (Texas) State at the event before returning to Kirksville for their home opener on Tuesday, Nov. 15 against Central Christian (Mo.).

Courtesy Truman State University