Boca Ciega Boys Soccer Preview 2010-2011

The waves of uncertainty are coming to an end for the Boca Ciega High School boys soccer team this year.

In recent years, the head coaching position has been as changing as the tide. But now, Athletic Director Robert Medici has put Coach Arnold Parker, also an AP language teacher, at the helm for the 2010-2011 season, and he looks to be a mainstay for the Pirates.

This season, Coach Parker is focused on  two things: Giving his young squad a solid foundation for future success and instilling heart. "You can have all the skill in the world but you can't win without heart," Parker says.

While the team might be losing games, they are scoring goals, and that's a positive sign for a young squad trying to re-build.

Team Captain Omar Tovar is a junior. Forwards Brian Barber and Tyler Fawcett - also their leading scorer - are just sophomores. The future looks even brighter when you look at Isias Perez and Connor Janhonen, who are just freshmen and play on the Varsity team. Tyler Hall, their keeper, is also an underclassman.

There are no stars on this Pirate squad yet; just a bunch of solid players that play hard and hope their work will pay off.

The Pirates have some tough games ahead that will test their heart and test their humility as well. Upcoming games with St. Petersburg High School and Dixie Hollins will be especially challenging, and a late season tangle with rival Gibbs will test the team's ability under pressure.

Regardless of this season's outcome, Coach Parker has a lot of hope for the future.