February 2, 2009
Wilmington, NC – The Wilmington Hammerheads have come to agreements with five players from last season. Returning for the 2009 season pending USL and USSF approval are Chris Murray, Jamie Holmes, Dame “Tweety” Walters, Jyler Noviello, and Jeritt Thayer. 
Former UNCW standout Chris Murray will return to the Hammerheads squad for 2009. During his rookie campaign with the Hammerheads he made 17 appearances scoring one goal and recording two assist. He was also named to the USL Second Division Team of the Week once during the season. Murray commented “I am extremely excited and thankful to be given the opportunity to play for the Hammerheads again this season. I am looking forward to playing for the club and especially the fans here in Wilmington. The Hammerheads fans have always been extremely supportive of the team.”
Jamie Holmes will be returning for his third season with the Hammerheads. In 2008 Holmes played in 13 games where he recorded five goals and one assist. He was also named to the USL-2 Team of the Week once during the season.
2008 Hammerheads Defender of the Year Dame “Tweety” Walters will also be returning this season. Walters led the Hammerheads defense in 13 games and was named USL-2 Player of the Week once during the season. He was also a member of the USL-2 All League Second Team.
Also returning this season will be West Virginia University graduate Jyler Noviello. In his rookie campaign Noviello made an appearance in 15 games where he scored two goals and had one assist.
Capping off the returners is mid-fielder Jeritt Thayer. Thayer a graduate of New York University will return for his second season with the Hammerheads. During his rookie season Thayer saw action in 17 games where he recorded one assist and was named to the USL-2 Team of the Week once during the season.
Hammerheads Head Coach David Irving commented “We are very fortunate to have secured these five returners from last season. These guys give us both some young talent that can still develop along with some experience. We are off to a great start in creating our 2009 roster.”
