Cimarraon’s versatile Lunkwitz dangerous in any positon

Steve Cunningham

Thursday, Oct. 16, 1997 | 11:44 a.m.

Cimarron-Memorial's Kevin Lunkwitz had already established himself as one of the premier boys' soccer players in the valley.

A three-year starter. A first-team southern zone selection a year ago. A member of the Olympic Development Program's west regional pool in his age group.

However, Lunkwitz has gone above and beyond the call of duty this fall for the Spartans and coach Tom Porrello. The talented senior has been switched to sweeper, solidifying Cimarron's defense, yet, still leads his team in goals. And his leadership is a big reason the youngish Spartans currently are in second place, behind Cheyenne, in the Sunset Division.

"He's extremely valuable to our team," Porrello said. "It really hit us earlier this year when there was a possibility of him missing a match. We didn't know right until game time ... when we looked at the adjustments we would have had to make, that would have had a big effect on our team."

Ideally, Lunkwitz would be in the middle of the field, where he played last year as a stopper. But when Porrello started looking at his team, he felt they'd be better with Lunkwitz in the back.

He got no arguments.

"Wherever my coach wants me to play, I'll play," said Lunkwitz. "I thought I'd still get my opportunities."

And he has. Lunkwitz has eight goals and three assists, although he's been slowed recently by a blood virus that left him weak with flu-like symptoms. Antibiotics have him feeling better and his presence is needed if the Spartans are to keep pace in the rough-and-tumble Sunset.

As the season draws to a close, the matches Cimarron plays become more and more important. Porrello has noticed a change, a take-charge attitude from Lunkwitz that has benefitted the entire team.

"He's a little more vocal than he was in the past," Porrello said. "He's leading them by example, encouraging the younger players to raise their level of play. Kevin needs them to achieve his success."

"At first, I thought we weren't going to be very good," Lunkwitz said. "A lot of the younger players really stepped it up and they need to get some credit."

Lunkwitz will have little trouble continuing his career. His 4.3 grade-point average is more impressive when you realize to reach that mark, he's had to excel in honors courses. He has visited San Diego, and UNLV, San Francisco, UCLA and San Diego State are high on his list of prospective choices.

If he stayed at home to play for the Rebels, not only would his parents get to follow closely -- "It would be hard to leave them," he said, "because they have made my career possible" -- Lunkwitz could be teammates with his brother, Paul, who is redshirting this season at UNLV.

Porrello thinks Lunkwitz has a bright future ahead of him. Hopefully, says the coach, the Spartans can qualify for the postseason and Lunkwitz's career can end on a high note. When asked his feelings, Porrello offers a pretty strong testament to the character of his star.

"He is the best-student athlete I've ever been around," Porrello said. "His knowledge of the game, his love of the game, his commitment to his teammates make him special.

"It's been a privilege to coach him."