Longtime friends, teammates ink intents

WASILLA — Longtime friends Paul Sliwa and Cameron Perry have been playing soccer together since the third grade. Recently, the Wasilla High graduated seniors had a chance to take the next step in their soccer careers together.

During a National Letter of Intent ceremony at Wasilla High earlier this month, Sliwa committed to the University of Great Falls and Perry inked his intent to play soccer at Southwestern Oregon Community College.

Both will be following in the footsteps of former Warriors. Paul will be joining his older brother, former Wasilla standout Jimmy Sliwa, at the Montana school. Perry is one of four Wasilla High seniors who will play soccer at SWOCC next fall. Goalkeeper Eli Tingstad and forward Kyle Welton will join Perry on the men’s team. Reace Morrison signed to play for the women’s team earlier this year.

Paul Sliwa, who was recently named the Northern Lights Conference Player of the Year, said the opportunity to play with his older brother was a deciding factor.

“It’s real important. I only got to play with him one year in high school,” Sliwa said. “It felt like it wasn’t enough. I really wanted to play with him again.”

Sliwa said he considered other schools, but UGF had the most to offer. In addition to the thought of playing with Jimmy, who will be a senior in the fall, scholarship money and recent success of the program was also a draw. Last season, UGF made program history by moving into the second round of the NAIA National Championships. The Argos opened tournament play by upsetting second-seeded Simon Fraser of British Columbia, Canada.

The Argos also won their conference championship.

“I know their coach is very excited to have Paul join the program,” Wasilla head coach Blake Livingston said.

Sliwa ended his Wasilla career as a four-year starter and two-year captain. He was named to the all-state tournament team twice, second-team All-NLC as a sophomore and first-team All-NLC as a junior.

“It’s really hard to define just one or two of his qualities. He’s really a complete player,” Livingston said. “He’s always making positive things happen out there.”

Livingston said Sliwa transformed into a true leader for the Warriors.

“Paul is a natural leader and makes those around him better,” Livingston said. “He is also a game-changer and forces the opposition to make tactical adjustments. He is an amazing talent and the most dominating player in our region.”

Sliwa will play center midfield in college.

Perry joins what is becoming a growing list of Wasilla graduates to move on to SWOCC. Livingston said a recent Wasilla graduate has helped keep that pipeline flowing.

“Tillerman Kroon has been huge opening the door for our current players,” Livingston said of Kroon, who recently completed his second and final season at the two-year junior college. “(Southwestern Oregon coach Ray) Fabien told me that (Kroon) is one of the most exceptional players and human beings that he has ever been around.”

Livingston believes Perry, a second-team All-NLC selection as a senior, has the chance to contribute as a freshman.

“I think he’ll do really well, maybe even have an opportunity at a four-year school,” Livingston said.

After signing his intent, Perry said the chance to play at SWOCC and attend the Coos Bay, Ore., school came at somewhat of a surprise. Perry had considered attending Mesa State University in Colorado, and playing in a competitive club program. But that’s before he got the call from Oregon. The team had a pair of spots open on the roster, and Perry was offered a spot.

“I wasn’t planning on going there, but I want to play soccer,” Perry said.

Livingston said he was glad to see his senior get the opportunity.

“It’s a testament to Cameron moving forward. The door opened, and it’s awesome he’s going to be able to take advantage of that opportunity,” Livingston said.

Perry will play on the outside at SWOCC.

“He’s got solid fundamentals, soft feet and a great cross,” Livingston said of Perry.

Contact sports editor Jeremiah Bartz at sports@frontiersman.com.