NewsAthleticsAcademicsCollege GuidanceSoccer
Vikings sign Smith
May 8, 2008 12:00 AM
By Tannika King - Faculty
From Rome News-Tribune, 5/8/08
Justin Smith has left a lasting impression on the Darlington boys’ soccer team. Next year, the 6-3 sweeper will hope to do the same for Berry College. Smith signed with the Vikings on Wednesday.
“It’s an honor for Justin to get signed by Berry,” Darlington coach Kevin Ivester said. “That’s one of the best soccer schools in the country, on the NAIA level. That’s an amazing program Richard has going. I personally think he can step right in as soon as he gets there.”
Berry coach Richard Vardy has been keeping an eye on Smith and said he’s been impressed with his ability for quite a while. “He’s been playing since he was a youth,” Vardy said. “We’ve always known he’s a good a player — athletic and fast. On top of that, he’s a great person as well. You watch him in a game and he stands out. He plays the game the right way. We’re excited about him coming to Berry.”
Smith has enjoyed continued success since he started playing for the Tigers. Beginning with his freshman season in 2005, he was named to the Rome News-Tribune All-Area for two straight years. In his junior year, he topped the team, earning Co-Player of the Year honors. In that 2007 season, he helped the Tigers attain nine shutouts and the 7-AA/A region title.
Smith only scored four goals this season, but that’s not why he’s on the field. Scoring is not a priority for Smith; stopping them is his goal. “Playing sweeper is the most important place he could be to make it difficult for teams to score,” Ivester said. “It’s pretty hard to score when he’s back there.”
Smith will join a team that has enjoyed much success under Vardy since he took over the program in 2002. Last season, Vardy led Berry to its first regular season Southern States Athletic Conference title. The Vikings added to that their first SSAC Tournament title. They finished the season 15-3 and were ranked No. 9 in the NAIA national poll.
“He’s a good leader,” Vardy said. “But beyond that, he’s a good guy. I think he’ll fit in with the way we play. All those things put together — it seemed like the right situation.”
Ivester agreed saying, “He has size and speed, and everything you’d want a college player to have. It’s a challenge, moving up to the next level, but he’ll be ready.”
Justin Smith has left a lasting impression on the Darlington boys’ soccer team. Next year, the 6-3 sweeper will hope to do the same for Berry College. Smith signed with the Vikings on Wednesday.
“It’s an honor for Justin to get signed by Berry,” Darlington coach Kevin Ivester said. “That’s one of the best soccer schools in the country, on the NAIA level. That’s an amazing program Richard has going. I personally think he can step right in as soon as he gets there.”
Berry coach Richard Vardy has been keeping an eye on Smith and said he’s been impressed with his ability for quite a while. “He’s been playing since he was a youth,” Vardy said. “We’ve always known he’s a good a player — athletic and fast. On top of that, he’s a great person as well. You watch him in a game and he stands out. He plays the game the right way. We’re excited about him coming to Berry.”
Smith has enjoyed continued success since he started playing for the Tigers. Beginning with his freshman season in 2005, he was named to the Rome News-Tribune All-Area for two straight years. In his junior year, he topped the team, earning Co-Player of the Year honors. In that 2007 season, he helped the Tigers attain nine shutouts and the 7-AA/A region title.
Smith only scored four goals this season, but that’s not why he’s on the field. Scoring is not a priority for Smith; stopping them is his goal. “Playing sweeper is the most important place he could be to make it difficult for teams to score,” Ivester said. “It’s pretty hard to score when he’s back there.”
Smith will join a team that has enjoyed much success under Vardy since he took over the program in 2002. Last season, Vardy led Berry to its first regular season Southern States Athletic Conference title. The Vikings added to that their first SSAC Tournament title. They finished the season 15-3 and were ranked No. 9 in the NAIA national poll.
“He’s a good leader,” Vardy said. “But beyond that, he’s a good guy. I think he’ll fit in with the way we play. All those things put together — it seemed like the right situation.”
Ivester agreed saying, “He has size and speed, and everything you’d want a college player to have. It’s a challenge, moving up to the next level, but he’ll be ready.”
