Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: THURSDAY, May 25, 1995 TAG: 9505260008
SECTION: NEIGHBORS PAGE: S-10 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: KIMBERLY DAVIS STAFF WRITER
DATELINE: LENGTH: Medium
How about a group of 17 rambunctious kids serious about something for the first time in their lives?
The Roanoke Star under-12 White team is serious about soccer. They are the first team from Roanoke to make it to the State Cup Final Four, which will be held in Richmond on June 4.
But the road has not been easy for coaches Danny Beamer and Johnny Sarber.
One of their toughest tests came early in a preliminary match against a team from Norfolk.
The Star team came out strong in the first 15 minutes of the half, but couldn't put the ball in the net. By the end of regulation, the score was knotted 1-1. The Star scored an overtime goal to win the game, a "turning point" for the team, Sarber said.
The team has compiled a record of 11-1-1 this season, with the lone loss to the Atlanta Lightning, and the tie with a Rosedale, Ga., team.
"The hardest thing they have had to learn is how to play as a team rather than as individuals," Sarber said. "They are very coachable. Even though they're young and vivacious, they're just learning how to play."
When the kids win, they know practice has paid off, and they've done their job, Sarber said. The losses are very "disappointing."
"The kids are very hard on themselves. Very demanding," Sarber said. "Very rarely do I or Danny have to come down on them or gripe."
The Star take on the defending state champions, the Virginia Beach Desperados, in the State Cup Final Four. The other bracket pits the Yorktown Siege against the Midlothian Blast.
The Star have been practicing and playing regularly, trying "to perfect their game,'' Sarber said.
On a recent May Thursday afternoon on a practice field near Victory Stadium, part of soccer's future worked out. The cool, spring breeze made for pretty good soccer weather.
Most of the kids have played soccer for half their lives, and know the game and their roles.
"I think we have a really good chance of winning," said Donny Smith, a team captain and center midfielder.
Donny's job is to control the middle, distribute the ball, look for players all over the field and "whatever comes up."
Donny was easy to spot on the practice field. Not only because of his red hair, but also because he's a bit taller than most of the other players.
"I have to get psyched [for a game], " Donny said. "I try to get the team picked up and get their emotions running, too."
Michael Kramer is Donny's opposite - physically.
The blond-haired left forward weighs only 70 pounds and is usually the smallest player on the practice field.
Kramer said he doesn't worry about defenders who may be bigger.
"I just run around them," he said.
His spunk doesn't hold up before a game, however.
"I get real nervous," he said, smiling. "I feel like I'm going to throw up."
Michael Bear, a sweeper, is the last line of defense before the goalkeeper. As captains, he and Donny take a leadership role.
His most embarrassing moment came during a game this year.
"I scored a goal on my own team," Bear said sheepishly.
But their team won the game, 4-1.
Goalkeeper Charley Patterson seemed to take it all in stride.
"Got to win," he said. "No pressure. I just take it how it goes."
"What kind of spin do you want on the ball?'' Beamer yelled during a passing drill.
"Back spin!'' the kids yelled back.
by CNB