Valparaiso University men’s golf coach David Gring has announced that Ryan Heck and Matt Ward have both signed National Letters of Intent to join the Crusader roster this fall.

Heck, a native of Chippewa Falls, Wis., was a four-time All-Big Rivers Conference selection for Chippewa Falls High School.  A two-time team captain, he won five high school events and has also posted six top-five tournament finishes in Wisconsin Junior PGA tournaments.  In 2007 and 2009, Heck qualified for the Optimist International Junior Championships in Palm Beach Gardens, Fla.

 “With four varsity letters in golf as well as letters in both football and hockey, Ryan is a tremendous athlete,” Gring said.  “His competitive spirit is quite engaging and his experience on the golf course and sports fields will benefit him well playing for the Brown and Gold.  His high school playing career and results are exemplary, and he will be a great competitor on our team.”

Ward, a native of Plainfield, Ill., was named to the All-Regional Team in 2011 for Plainfield South High School.  A three-time All-Southwest Prairie Conference selection, he was twice named the Cougars’ Most Valuable Player as well as Most Improved Player.  He was the iTour Cup season champion in 2011 and has won six events in the iTour in 2010 and 2011.

“We are very excited to have Matt play at Valpo,” stated Gring.  “He brings a lot of tournament experience and great golf acumen.  He has had tremendous success on the high school level and will be an important part of our team during his freshman year.  He has great character and is a smart young man.”

“Our golf team is blessed with terrific talent both on the course and in the classroom,” added Gring.  “Matt and Ryan will continue this tradition as great additions to our program.”