Missouri Western men’s basketball coach Brett Weiberg announced the signing of three student-athletes that will join the program for the 2014-15 season. Currie Byrd a forward from Montgomery, Texas, Seth Bonifas a forward from Dubuque, Iowa and Cole Clearman a guard from Bettendorf, Iowa will all be freshman at MWSU next fall.
Currie Byrd – 6-7, 210, Freshman, Forward, Montgomery HS, Montgomery, Texas
Byrd is a two year letter winner who was first team All-District and All-County a season ago. He averages 14 points per game and 13 rebounds. His greatest spots moment came last season when Montgomery won their first ever District Championship. He is the son of Martha and Currie and plans on majoring in business.
“Currie is a very tough kid that plays with a little bit of a chip on his shoulder,” commented coach Weiberg. “He will play small forward and power forward for us. Currie can really rebound the ball and also has the ability to shoot the ball from the perimeter. He also runs the floor well. I believe he brings a certain level of toughness that we need in the 2014 class. Currie also plays for a good high school coach in Don Johnson at Montgomery High School. I am pleased that we have added Currie and look forward to coaching him.”
Seth Bonifas – 6-9, 215, Freshman, Forward, Dubuque Senior High, Dubuque, Iowa
Is a three year letter winner at Dubuque Senior High. He was named second team All-Conference last season while being an honorable mention selection as a sophomore. His freshman season he was named his schools most improved player. He averages 8.6 points per game and six rebounds. He shoots 51.4-percent from the field. Last season he had 33 blocks to go with 12 steals and nine assists. His greatest sports moment was helping his team make it to state. He is the son of Mark and Lois and plans on majoring in biology.
“We are very pleased to announce the signing of Seth Bonifas,” stated Coach Weiberg. “Seth is a good player that plays both forward positions. He brings much needed size and length to the 2014 recruiting class. He plays hard and is unselfish. Coach Eimers, Seth’s high school coach is a very good coach that has won a lot of games. Seth is used to winning and understands the importance of hard work. He is a good player, good person, and good student.”
Cole Clearman – 6-0, 182, Freshman, Guard, Bettendorf HS, Bettendorf, Iowa
Clearman is a three year letterman at Bettendorf HS. Last season he was named to the first team All-conference and All-Metro was well as being named first team All-State by Sports Spotlight & Iowa Preps and second team by INA. His high scoring game in high school was 33 points where he hig nine three pointers. He has been his teams leading scorer two years in a row while scoring 18 points a game as a sophomore and 13 last season. He also shot over 80-percent from the free throw line two years in a row. He is the son of Todd and Lisa and is undecided on a major.
“Cole Clearman is a wonderful addition to our 2014 recruiting class,” said Coach Weiberg. “Cole is a 6’0 combo guard that can really shoot the basketball. He plays hard and is a competitor. Coach Clark does an excellent job at Bettendorf and it is always nice to sign players that have been coached in high school the way Cole has. With the addition of Cole, we are getting a player that can play either the point or off guard and he can also spread the floor because of the ability to shoot the basketball. Cole is a winner and I am looking forward to coaching him.”
— MWSU Sports Information —