Faith Lutheran midfielder said he would trade all his records for a 3A state title

By Christopher Drexel

Friday, Nov. 7, 2008 | midnight

Ryan Sniezyk has broken every scoring record for Faith Lutheran's soccer program.

But when the Crusaders take the field Friday in the 3A Southern League playoffs, the senior midfielder would trade impressive offensive performance for his ultimate goal — winning the state title.

Sniezyk led the league with 36 goals and 22 assists during the regular season. Despite averaging more than two goals per contest, he said dominating the opposition has hasn't gotten boring.

"I'm enjoying every minute I'm out there because soccer is my life," Sniezyk said. "It's been my dream to play like this. I never thought I'd be here putting up all these crazy stats. It's seriously the best feeling in the world."

By scoring five goals against The Meadows during a game earlier this season, Sniezyk upped his career goal total to 81, which broke the previous school record of 78 held by Jim Sullivan. He has 95 goals and 55 assists for his career.

Sullivan, who graduated last spring, also held the record for most goals in a season at 31, which Sniezyk has also surpassed.

"(The record) means a lot to me," Sniezyk said. "Hopefully I can leave a mark, leave my name on the school."

One thing Sniezyk hasn't done is lead Faith Lutheran to a state championship. The Crusaders have lost in the state semifinals the last two years despite having dominant regular season, much like they're doing now.

If he finishes high school without a ring, all the numbers and records would be for not.

"Winning state is my ultimate goal," Sniezyk said. "I don't care about stats. I just want to win state, especially since it's my senior year. I really want this title."

Faith Lutheran coach Nate Hagge said Sniezyk, who is being courted by UNLV and the University of California, Santa Cruz, is in a class of his own.

"He moves so well without the ball that he just sneaks behind defenders," Hagge said. "He'll somehow take a bad pass and turn it into something good. His footwork is so incredible that he can fake around guys."

Sniezyk is scoring at the pace he is despite playing a new position. Sniezyk has always been a forward. But he has now taken over the center midfield spot that was manned by Sullivan.

Rather than see his production diminish by moving back in the field, Hagge said Sniezyk has been in the middle of the action more than ever .

"Every time he gets the ball, you're like, 'Is this the time?'" Hagge said. "If you're not paying attention, you might miss him score."

Christopher Drexel can be reached at 990-8929 or [email protected].