Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: THURSDAY, March 16, 1995 TAG: 9503160033
SECTION: CURRENT PAGE: NRV-3 EDITION: NEW RIVER VALLEY
SOURCE: CHRIS KING Special to the Roanoke Times & World-News
DATELINE: BLACKSBURG LENGTH: Long
Ask any member of the team, which advanced to the state semifinals last year, and to a man they will credit their success to one thing - work ethic.
``We have a tradition of that [work ethic],'' said Blacksburg coach Shelley Blumenthal. ``If you outwork the other team, good things will happen.''
``Our practices are harder than the games,'' said forward Steve Cherry, the team's leading returning scorer with 11 goals and five assists last season. ``When we get to the games, they seem easier.''
The long hours of practice and conditioning have paid off rather handsomely for the Indians. Since Group AA began holding a state soccer tournament in 1989, Blacksburg has captured two state titles, most recently in 1993, and has failed to reach the ultimate game only twice.
While most teams may view a season that includes a trip to the state Final Four as reason to celebrate, last season's elimination at that point has served as a motivator for this year's squad.
The Indians led Martinsville 2-0 and seemed to be cruising to their fifth state championship game. At the 65-minute mark Martinsville began an improbable rally and won the game, 3-2.
``It was a very bitter loss, and is always in the back of our minds,'' said midfielder John Freeman. ``We keep thinking about getting back to that game and winning.''
Despite their history of past success, if this Blacksburg team is to duplicate the accomplishments of its predecessors, there is work to do. Five seniors graduated from last year's team, including Greg Adamo and Michael Dowdy, two first team All-State selections.
``I think we will have to improve considerably as a group,'' said Blumenthal, who steered the Indians to their second state crown. ``Over the years, the chemistry here has been very good; this team needs to develop that.''
For that elusive team chemistry to occur, Blumenthal will need two things - senior leadership and a healthy team. While the leadership seems to be there, the Indians have been nagged by injuries in the preseason.
``Injuries have set us back,'' Blumenthal said. ``The seniors have been here awhile. They can provide leadership, because they know what it feels like to accomplish the ultimate and about the disappointment.''
Cherry, a senior, and Kurt Williams appear to have the inside track on playing the forward positions. Cherry, entering his fourth year of varsity competition, will be counted on to help ease the loss of Adamo, who had 17 goals and six assists last season.
Anchoring the midfield slots will be seniors Mark Decker and Freeman, both of whom are three-year starters. The two will be counted on to help set the table for Cherry and Williams to feast on opposing goalkeepers.
Decker relies on his great technical ability, while Freeman is one of the two hardest workers he has ever coached, according to Blumenthal.
The Indians should be strong in the goal with Ben Pinkerton, a 6-foot-3 junior, a starter last year.
``He has a year of experience under his belt,'' Blumenthal said. ``He is very confident, but he wants to get better.''
The Indians like to play what Blumenthal calls a controlled fast break, which features a mixture of both attacking and counterattacking.
``We like to play high pressure, but it is important the younger players give us the depth to play that style,'' he said.
Despite the potential problems for the Indians, the belief is they can attain the glory of yesteryear, if a few things go their way.
``I think this group is working very hard to capture the success we have had in the past,'' Blumenthal said. ``I would say right now I am cautiously optimistic. I could see this group gelling in the latter part of the regular season and the post season, if we get there.''
``We have to give 110 percent every day in practices and games, and not take anybody lightly, or be scared of anybody,'' Decker said. ``If we do that, we will achieve some of our goals.''
Blacksburg's chief rival in the New River District, Christiansburg, is undergoing a transition period in its first year under the guidance of coach Sam Okpodu.
``We are still trying to put the team together,'' said Okpodu. ``I will have to see them go through my workout next week.''
Radford, which competed at the Group AA level last season, advanced to the first round of the state playoffs. There will be no sanctioned Group A soccer tournament because of a dearth of teams, though Radford coach Mike Greco said there has been talk of an informal state championship.
Still, the Bobcats should have a good squad, led by Kirk Perrow, Allen Cox and John Quesenberry. Perrow, the team's leading returning scorer, and Cox will patrol the midfield, while Quesenberry will play one of the forward slots.
Giles, the only other Group A school in the New River Valley to field a soccer team, is hoping to see continued improvement in its program. Neil Schmidt's squad is looking to Robbie Claytor and Shane Meredith to provide the impetus for his club's improvement.
Pulaski County will rely on youth in its attempt to ascend to the top of the Roanoke Valley District. Senior Henry Fariss and sophomores Brian Myers and Brad Dalton will be keys to the success of the squad.
``We are very young, but talented,'' said second-year coach Keith Eck. ``We are shooting to be one of the top two or three teams in the RVD.''
by CNB