THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1996, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Wednesday, May 1, 1996 TAG: 9605010619
SECTION: SPORTS PAGE: C6 EDITION: FINAL
TYPE: Athlete of the Week
SOURCE: BY REA FARMER, STAFF WRITER
DATELINE: CHESAPEAKE LENGTH: Medium: 57 lines
The fans boo. The players yell at the referees. Nick Shockley laughs to himself.
The Deep Creek goaltender relishes the uproar. Especially when he has caused it.
``The best thing is when you're visiting a team and their best player gets a breakaway,'' Shockley said. ``He's coming in and you take the ball right off his foot. He goes flying everywhere. All their fans are booing, yelling for a foul. You look up and you've got the ball in your hands. You're looking at him like, `No, you're not going to score today.' That's the best feeling.''
Shockley has been no stranger to the feeling this season. In 11 games, he has allowed 13 goals. He gave up five in the season opener, then settled in with five shutouts. He has placed Deep Creek at the head of the Southeastern District soccer battle.
Last week he made seven saves en route to a 1-0 shutout of rival Great Bridge. His performance earned him The Virginian-Pilot's male Athlete of the Week award.
The senior is modest in success, crediting his sweeper with most of the saves.
``I've only had to make a couple of good saves,'' he said. ``My defense, they've played great. My sweeper, Steve Verdi, he's saved goals. He's always back there, he talks to everybody.''
While Shockley has become adept at shutting out opponents, he has a little more trouble with his teammates. Earlier this season, Deep Creek won a game 5-1 - the only goal against Shockley was scored by his teammate.
``It wasn't his fault,'' Shockley said. `` He was doing his job. There was a guy standing behind him who would have blasted it. But, now I can say I should have six shutouts. I've shut out everybody but my teammates.''
Shockley is hoping to remain consistent and lead the Hornets to the district title. For the last two seasons, early losses have left Deep Creek's fate dependent on rivals. They finished second both years.
``We've never been in the position where it's in our hands,'' coach Jamie Fraser said. ``Nick has done a great job for us. He's one of the main components to our success.''
Shockley says this is his final year of soccer. After playing year-round in Summer League, Select League and prep games for three years he's walking away from the sport. He is concentrating on pursuing his biology degree at Virginia Tech.
``I've had fun in high school,'' Shockley said. ``Trying to win the district championship and see how far we can go in the playoffs, that will be fun enough for me.'' by CNB