Argomenti trattati
The decision to attend Belhaven began with people more than with pamphlets or rankings. Two youth coaches who had worn the Blazer crest—Pat Fitzgerald and Mickey Plott—nudged me to explore the campus and the program, and a close friend from home, James Dinsmore, was already singing the program’s praises. Because the team had just secured the NAIA National Championship in the season before I finished high school, the program’s momentum was obvious. Coach Peter Fuller ultimately recruited me into what became a vibrant soccer culture, and that invitation set the stage for years of connection and competition.
Looking back, the pull toward Belhaven mixed reputation, relationships, and timing. I was drawn by trusted mentors, the proximity of a friend already thriving there, and the allure of joining a national champion. Those combined influences felt like a chorus urging me to accept a challenge I knew would demand growth. That mix of community and competitive pedigree mattered; it promised a place where daily training, teamwork, and mentorship could sharpen a young player’s game and character.
Why I chose Belhaven
At the heart of my choice were endorsements from people I respected and the tangible success of the program. Pat Fitzgerald and Mickey Plott had worn the school colors and later steered me toward Belhaven, explaining the program’s values and the level of play I could expect. Hearing from a close friend already enrolled reinforced the recommendation—James Dinsmore’s firsthand account made the idea concrete. The championship win the year before confirmed that this was more than local hype; it was an environment where high standards and competitive results coexisted. Coach Peter Fuller’s offer to join the squad sealed my decision and introduced me to a tight-knit soccer community.
Favorite memories
Preseason and game day rituals
My first preseason with the team at Berry College (GA) remains vivid: packing the gear, meeting teammates, and discovering the depth of talent on that 1993 roster. The communal grind of training sessions revealed the squad’s chemistry and raised expectations immediately. Game days at the Belhaven Bowl were another highlight—the walk down the hill in two lines, the roar of a packed crowd, and the soundtrack of early 90s music created an atmosphere that felt bigger than ourselves. Those rituals—warmups, chants, and the climb toward the field—fostered a sense of belonging and occasion that I still recall with warmth.
Road trips and tournament runs
There were seasons of near-mythic experiences: the 1993 run to the National Championship in San Antonio, where our team carried itself with ambition despite falling short in the semifinals, ranks among them. The following year produced an unforgettable multi-game road trip under coach Hannibal Najjar. We left campus ranked eighth and returned as the top team in the nation—small bus rides, cramped boots, and an endless supply of peanut butter and jelly sandwiches became the texture of that climb. Those journeys combined fatigue, camaraderie, and competitive adrenaline into memories that still feel cinematic.
What I miss and how I stay involved
What I miss most is the daily sharpening that comes from routine team training—the idea of iron sharpening iron captures it well. There’s an intangible power in being part of a band of teammates and coaches who push you to be better both on and off the field. I also miss the cafeteria workers who took care of the campus; the food was one thing, but the people who ran the Caf felt like family and left a lasting impression. Those relationships and rhythms created a campus life that has stayed with me long after my playing days.
Soccer remains central to my life: both of my sons play, and Amanda and I enjoy watching them develop. In 2007 I helped start a soccer club in Huntsville, AL, and I spent several seasons coaching my boys. My oldest now plays at MC, so trips to Mississippi are part of our routine. While my own competitive days are slowing, I still lace up for local Sunday Leagues when time allows. Coaching, club work, and sideline support keep me connected to the game and to lessons learned at Belhaven.
Teammates who defined an era
Picking a single standout player from that era is tough because the roster was stacked, but a few names demand recognition. Craig Demmin embodied leadership and professionalism—he was a captain whose presence elevated the team. Sheldon Bennett was another player whose touch and composure on the ball made him unforgettable; his style ranks among the most elegant I witnessed on the Belhaven Bowl. There were also two NAIA Players of the Year from those squads who I won’t name here but who remain close friends—pointing to the level of talent and the lifelong bonds that grew from those seasons.