Capable, calm and courteous

Buddy Wilks is all of the above and the county's top player.

By JEREMY RASMUSSEN
Published March 10, 2005

TAMPA - The unflappable Buddy Wilks is this season's Hillsborough County player of the year.

The King senior compiled impressive stats - 15 goals and 17 assists in guiding the Lions to an undefeated regular season and 19-2-2 record overall.

But more than sheer numbers, his presence in the midfield led King to two tournament victories and the Class 5A region semifinals before a 2-1 loss to Land O' Lakes on a last-minute penalty kick.

After King's 2-0 upset win over nationally ranked Gaither in the region quarterfinals, Cowboys coach Eric Sims called Wilks and midfield partner Brian Kirk "studs" who were able to control his young team with their patience and passing.

A typical scenario: Wilks is surrounded by three players at midfield, then he suddenly emerges with the ball on his foot and delivers a perfect pass to James Sleeper or Luckner Germain streaking up the wing for an easy finish.

"Buddy's composure is unbelievable," King coach Gary Mattes said. "He never gets rattled. And he's the most unselfish player I've ever coached. He always looks to pass first. He's a real leader. In the few games we got down, he was the guy to encourage everyone and get them pumped up."

Wilks said he is interested in the University of Tampa, Mercer (Ga.) and St. Lawrence (N.Y.), but has not made his final decision on college. Whatever he decides, Wilks should have no problem obtaining a scholarship, at least academically. A student in King's International Baccalaureate program, he carries a weighted 5.5 grade point average. Mattes said Wilks also is one of the politest players he has coached.

"On and off the field, he's just unbelievable," Mattes said. "My toughest job next year is replacing him."

Wilks credits Mattes for bringing a new attitude to a team that had the talent but couldn't get over the hump the previous three seasons.

"With a new coach, we had a new style and work ethic," Wilks said. "We matured as a team. We used to have fun in practice and lose games. This year, we worked hard in practice and had fun in games."

COACH OF THE YEAR: After 12 years and numerous close calls, Tampa Prep's Jose DaCosta finally broke through with a Class 2A championship, earning him Hillsborough County coach of the year honors.

Though his Terrapins had a 6-8-1 record at Christmas break, they turned it around to go 11-1-3 down the stretch and finish 17-9-4 with a 1-0 penalty kick victory over Miami Florida Christian in the state final.

This year was the team's first trip to the state final four since 1982. Prep played fall soccer until 2002. Since then it has a made a smooth transition to winter soccer. DaCosta, who also is the science department chair at Tampa Prep and teaches physics and astronomy, has compiled a 172-78-24 record at the school.

"It's been a long, patient process," DaCosta said. "Exciting and sometimes frustrating. But we felt like this year was our turn, and (winning state) was our goal from the beginning."

[Last modified March 10, 2005, 01:15:14]