Top Pick, 2 Others Signed by Sockers

SAN DIEGO — The Sockers announced Tuesday that they had signed contracts with their number one draft pick and two former prep players from the San Diego area.

Ralph Wilheims, the Sockers’ first selection in the Major Indoor Soccer League draft in June, signed a two-year contract.

Wilheims, 25, is a native of West Germany who graduated from the University of Cologne and is now a student at Foothill College in Los Altos, Calif. Socker assistant coach Johan Aarnio said Wilheims could play either defender or forward next season.

The Sockers also signed Rene Ortiz, a recent graduate of Southwest High School in San Diego, and Paul Wright from Grossmont High in La Mesa to two-year contracts.