Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: SATURDAY, May 13, 1995 TAG: 9505150025
SECTION: SPORTS PAGE: B-4 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: BOB TEITLEBAUM STAFF WRITER
DATELINE: LENGTH: Medium
Last year as a sophomore, he was dropped from the varsity squad. ``I've never done well trying out for teams,'' said the Knight forward. ``I didn't make the Select team one year and I didn't make it at Hidden Valley [Middle School]. I guess they overlook me. It's not disappointing. I just have to try harder.''
When new coach Bruce Mahan arrived at Cave Spring this year, he didn't know about Hewitt's past. He was pleasantly surprised to find that the Knights had quite a forward and used him accordingly.
Last week, Hewitt was Timesland's leading scorer with 15 goals and 16 assists for 46 points.
``He's a dedicated player. A real team player,'' said Mahan of Hewitt. ``He always tells me that success doesn't come from one player, but the entire squad - players and coaches. That his team makes him a good scorer and when they work their hardest to get him the ball in the attacking zone, he has to work to put the ball in.''
Hewitt is humble about his success.
``The attention doesn't bother me, but my job is simple. I want them to be recognized and if they get me the ball, it's my job to score,'' said Hewitt.
Even now, he isn't upset about being cut last year.
``I guess they wanted to keep some of the seniors. So I worked hard during the off-season to improve my game. I'm more physical. I improved my strength and [worked on my] speed,'' said Hewitt.
Getting cut by the Select team worked out to Hewitt's advantage. Eventually, he was put on the Roanoke Stars 15-and-under Green team and then worked his way back to the White team, which is the top rung. Now, he's on the Stars' 18-and-under White team, again the top Select squad.
Improving his strength and speed is hard to visualize. Mahan says that once, on a corner kick, Hewitt controlled the ball with one foot and sent it home for a goal with the other.
``I don't know about that. I don't remember [doing it], but a good first touch gives it to you if you have soft feet,'' Hewitt said.
Mahan says in a foot race, Hewitt can usually beat his man. Even if he's behind, ``he can make up one step in three steps. If he's even with someone, he's a full step ahead,'' said Mahan.
``I've had good speed. In the position I play, I get to use it a lot,'' said Hewitt. ``It's hard to improve on speed, so I just try to keep mine up.''
Hewitt said he hopes to play college soccer. So far, he hasn't heard from anyone, but then he's got time.
by CNB