Red Wolves - IU East

Consider it a signature moment for the Indiana University East men's golf program.

Wes Drees, a senior at Versailles (Ohio) High School, on Jan. 20 signed a letter of intent to play golf for the Red Wolves starting with the 2010-11 school year.

Drees twice qualified for the Ohio state meet, including a 12th-place finish in the Ohio Division II state meet this past fall.

He also was Midwest Athletic Conference (MAC) Most Valuable Player during his senior season.

"It's a landmark signing for the program, to be able to pull in a guy who finished 12th in Division II in the state of Ohio and was a conference MVP," said IU East coach Von Ebeling. "He should make an impact at the top of the lineup."

Wrote Drees: "I was looking for a school with an up-and-coming golf program where I can come right in and help the team get to the top."

The state meet appearances and MAC MVP honors highlight Drees' impressive golf resume.

Drees used his strong iron play to average 36.5 strokes per nine holes as a senior. His career tournament best is a 68.

Drees played on the Versailles High School varsity for four seasons.

He was district medalist as a junior and earned first-team all-conference honors as a junior and senior.

He placed in the top 10 in multiple American Junior Golf Association (AJGA) offseason tournaments.

Ebeling said the signing of Drees will cause a positive ripple effect for the Red Wolves golf program.

"His scores are going to help our overall team scores get better," Ebeling said. "And as our team scores get better and we move up the ranks at invitationals, it will make it easier for our program to be considered for top-notch invitationals.

"He is the prototypical recruit I would like to pattern future recruits after."

Drees also played basketball and baseball at Versailles.

He took part in a variety of other organizations, including the Versailles Industrial Technology club and youth ministry.

He likely will major in accounting at IU East.

"I liked the golf program, the school was kind of close, and I liked the environment," Drees said.

Drees is the son of Bob and Susan Drees.

The IU East golf teams open their 2010 spring seasons March 18.