Defensive transition

Spencer Patterson

Thursday, Oct. 26, 2000 | 10:56 a.m.

Omar Bywaters has been an offensive force from the moment he stepped onto a soccer field.

One of just two Nevadans to play for the prestigious Olympic Development Program (ODP) western regional squad the past two years and a fixture on the local club soccer scene, Bywaters can usually be found roaming the midfield or racing downfield as a striker.

Yet Chaparral coach Dan Schell knew that for his Cowboys to be successful in 2000, his sophomore star would need to learn a new position -- that of sweeper, anchor of the team's defense.

"Because of his experience and leadership, he needs to be back on defense for us," Schell said. "We have some kids who are putting up good (offensive) numbers, and he's a natural leader when it comes to being in the back.

"Most teams we play are probably glad he's on defense, but he can make a contribution at any time anywhere on the field."

The experiment seems to have worked. The Cowboys completed a strong regular season this week, finishing 9-3-4 (6-2-2 Southeast), just behind defending 4A state champion Green Valley and Silverado in the state's toughest division.

Bywaters and stopper Francisco Salazar (two of 12 sophomores on the varsity squad) have stabilized Chaparral's defense, with the Cowboys allowing just 21 goals in 16 games, an average of 1.3 per game.

"I play wherever the team needs me," Bywaters said. "I'm familiar with the sweeper position, but I mainly play midfield and forward. If Coach Schell sees we need some strength in the back, that's where I'll go."

Offensively, junior forward Mario Michel has established himself as a dangerous scorer, finding the back of the net 15 times this fall, including a pair of hat tricks.

"He's been fantastic, very consistent for us," Schell said.

Michel has received help from midfielders Cameron Asgarian and Julian Cruz, two more member of the talented sophomore. And Bywaters has stayed involved offensively from his sweeper position, scoring five goals and dishing out seven assists.

"He's one of those kids who's got that natural ability to know what to do on the field," Schell said. "He can change the outcome of a game."

Besides his new defensive duties, Bywaters has also spent the season adjusting to his new leadership responsibility -- something rarely expected of a 16-year-old sophomore.

"I'm growing into it," Bywaters admitted. "It took me a while to be vocal out there. I don't like yelling at my teammates. I like to keep my calm. But now they understand I'm not being a jerk or a punk or anything."

Possessing quick feet and a dazzling arsenal of darting moves, Bywaters ascended to the height of local youth soccer, earning a spot (along with Bishop Gorman's Joe Zaher) on the ODP regional squad as a 14- and 15-year-old.

Though he was not chosen for the 2001 team, he will remain in the ODP's elite national player pool, and will try out again year.

"I was pretty disappointed when I didn't make it," Bywaters said. "But they told me to keep my head up and try again next year. I felt it meant I needed to pick up my work ethic."

For now, Bywaters will focus on Chaparral's postseason. The Sunrise Region Tournament begins Saturday at Cimarron-Memorial, with the winner of the single-elimination event advancing to this year's four-team 4A State Tournament.

"Now it's down to whoever wants to be in the final games," Bywaters said. "We have the heart and the talent to be there. We just need to keep working hard."

To make its second state appearance in three years, Chaparral will have to go through the likes of Green Valley, Silverado and Northeast champion Valley.

First and foremost, the Cowboys will take on round one foe Rancho in a game with its own Bywaters storyline. Omar's sister, Kamilah, is a senior in Rancho's medical magnet program, as well as the Rams' girls soccer team's top scorer. Their father, Thomas, teaches at Rancho.

Schell, who also coaches the Chaparral girls team in the winter, realizes he narrowly missed the chance to coach both talented siblings. And that's fine by him.

"She could have easily come here and she could have been the scorer we were missing, but it's admirable to see someone who's true to their academics and true to their school," Schell said.

Besides, the Cowboys coach knows coaching one Bywaters is hardly a consolation prize.

"He's definitely the kind of kid you want on your team instead of going against him," Schell said. "You never know what he might do."