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Better late than never

Largely a backup during his prep career, Alex Crandall finally is a starter his senior season.

By DAWN REISS
Published December 1, 2006

CRYSTAL RIVER - It's hard to be a nobody. At least a nobody no one has heard of.

It's what Crystal River goalkeeper Alex Crandall said life has been like, until this year.

Sure the senior has played soccer since the age of 5, competitively since he was 9 on West Citrus Soccer's year-round program. He has spent many years at the University of Central Florida's keeper camp. Until this year, he hasn't had a chance to really prove what he's capable of doing, at least at the high school level.

"It's tough because the stat book doesn't have much on me," Crandall said. "I pretty much have a clean sheet and no one knows me beside Coach (Michael Callaway)."

He knows the clock is ticking. College coaches like potential, but need results. Last year, he played three, maybe four times, while Cody Shaffer, the Times' Citrus-Hernando Player of the Year, stopped 137 of 160 shots on goal.

Which is why he and his mother, Cheryl, spent a few days this fall surfing the Internet for Division I and II soccer programs in and close to Florida.

They found D-II Georgia Southwestern Hurricanes, which went 2-12 this season.

Crandall filled out an online application and later attended a Nov. 11 soccer tryout. Along with 30 or so other athletes, including six goalkeepers, Crandall spent 30 minutes showcasing his skills, allowing one goal in seven or eight attempts.

Crandall hopes to catch other colleges' attention. "Living in a small town, it is difficult to get exposure," his mother said.

But if the Pirate's (5-0-1, 3-0 Class 4A-6) record is any indication, Crandall, who has posted 26 saves and five shutouts, is off to a good start.

"Alex has surprised me in many ways," Callaway said. "He's stepped up and made so many phenomenal saves at pivotal points in the game."

Crandall, who has started every game this season, is just glad he is finally getting his chance to play.

"It's exciting," Crandall said. "I've been waiting for a long time. I'm just glad it's finally here."

[Last modified November 30, 2006, 20:43:25]