Boys soccer: Tampa Prep teammates stay true to their word

As freshmen, two Tampa Prep players saw state titles in their future. Right they were.

By Keith Niebuhr, Times Staff Writer
Published February 14, 2008

When Ryan Griffin and Brad Sienkiewicz arrived at Tampa Prep as freshmen, they set a rather lofty goal for their class, and the program as a whole.

"We," Griffin said, "came here thinking we'd win four state titles."

Had the two shared this with others, they might have been laughed at; back then Tampa Prep was not considered an elite program. In fact, since transitioning from fall soccer two years earlier, the Terrapins had yet to advance past the second round of the playoffs.

"We definitely had the idea to lift the program to the next level," Griffin said.

They certainly have done that.

Griffin, Sienkiewicz, Devin Dedrick, Chris Friedrich and Chas Stikeleather, the five seniors who have lettered four years (another senior, Chad Linville, joined the team this season), won't graduate from Tampa Prep with four championship rings. But remarkably, the group enters today's Class 2A semifinal against Orangewood Christian two victories shy of claiming title No. 3.

"They've been incredible," Terrapins coach Jose DaCosta said.

To say the least.

As freshmen and juniors, the group won 2A championships. As sophomores, they lost in the state semifinals. This season, they have helped guide the Terrapins, who are riding an eight-game win streak, to a 25-2-2 record.

"We've got a group of very competitive players," Friedrich said.

Not to mention talented.

Griffin, a high-scoring forward, will play for the University of Tampa. Sienkiewicz, a record-setting keeper, has committed to USF. Dedrick, Friedrich and Stikeleather also have been consistent contributors.

DaCosta never imagined the Class of 2008 would have so much success, but the coach said he "could see the potential." Griffin, for one, is proud of what has been accomplished. And of the legacy the departing class will leave behind.

"When we're gone," Griffin said, "the guys coming back are going to have to maintain it."

State boys soccer

All games at Lockhart Stadium, Fort Lauderdale. Wednesday's games were postponed because of inclement weather.

Class 2A semifinal

Who: Tampa Prep (25-2-2) vs. Orangewood Christian (22-4)

When: 7 tonight

Opponent overview: Orangewood has outscored opponents 115-24. ... Alan Gendreau leads the team with 36 goals. ... Orangewood's only other final four appearance was last year, when it lost in the semifinals.

Meet Tampa Prep

The playmaker: Anthony Baumann, MF. The versatile sophomore is a great distributor. He leads the Terrapins with 28 assists.

The unsung star: Alex Tuch, MF. Often overlooked on a team with several scorers, the junior always does a nice job controlling his area.

Odds and ends: Tampa Prep is 18-3 all-time in the playoffs and 16-1 since 2005. ... In 1,880 minutes played, keeper Brad Sienkiewicz has allowed only 15 goals. ... The Terps are 6-1 on neutral sites.

Today's other games

Class 4A

Nease vs. Golden Gate, noon

Gulf Breeze vs. Merritt Island, 2 p.m.

Class 3A

Bolles vs. American Heritage, 8 a.m.

Lake Highland Prep vs. Melbourne Central Catholic, 10 a.m.

Class 2A

Providence vs. American Christian, 5 p.m.

[Last modified February 13, 2008, 20:36:36]