Lead By Example

by Andrew Chesebro

Leadership is a quality that all top athletes possess and a quality that all who possess it display differently. Some display it vocally, some display it passively. Chris Sedlak displays it by making two breakaway saves and keeping his team ahead in a one-goal game.

"He is a leader by example," AU men's soccer Head Coach Todd West said. "He has always been one of our team's hardest workers. Not many goalkeepers would be able to compete with midfielders and forwards in our fitness tests but he can and he wins."

Coming out of high school Chris was a highly touted goalkeeper on a very good team. Playing in tournaments, Coach West caught a glimpse of what Chris' future in soccer might hold. "We thought he was one of the best," West said.

Being one of the best, especially at the high school level, also means taking responsibility in the leadership of the team. "In high school not everyone's there for the same reason," Sedlak said. "Some kids are there just to be there. You need to be more vocal to try and motivate those who might not have the same goals as yourself."

"At this level," Sedlak said, "Everyone has the same interests in mind, it almost makes being a leader easy." But don't be fooled. By easy, Chris means that being a leader at this level takes a lot of very hard work.

Chris spent his freshman season in goal as a backup, an unaccustomed role for the rising star. In goal for the Eagles was Thomas Myers, a senior and the reigning Patriot League Goalkeeper of the Year. "That was the biggest adjustment for me when I entered college," Sedlak said. "I went from being the `big man on campus' in high school to being a `small dog' in college."

"It was very tough on Chris mentally, being a second teamer," West said. "He knew the situation coming in though and continued to work hard. It just shows his character and the type of person that he is."

As a sophomore, Chris became the Eagles' starting goalie. In his first two seasons as a starter he earned seven shutouts and established himself as one of the better players at the position. Along the way, his work ethic and skill earned him the respect of his peers and the admiration of those who play with him.

"When Nick Stames, our goalkeeper coach, isn't here, Chris is the coach," West said. "It used to be that I would have to send another assistant to work with the group but not anymore. He is making these young players better by working with them and showing them what it takes to be successful. Chris has stepped up and taken charge."

By his own account, Chris has stepped up in part because he had no other choice. "I'm one of two seniors from our original class of seven," Chris said. "Because of that, I have a lot of people looking up to me. It is almost like I am in a mentor role."

Although he may not admit it, his teammates' willingness to learn from him and follow his lead comes from more than just him being a senior. "When Coach Stames isn't around, our attitude and effort do not change," sophomore goalkeeper Ryan Leonard said. "He has the experience and the talent and we all know that there is a lot we can learn from him. Watching him play makes you realize that you want to become the type of player that he is."

In his four years at AU, Chris has become a leader for which all coaches hope. His talent has made him one of the most accomplished players in the Patriot League and his work ethic has rubbed off on others and improved the team. He is no longer the vocal leader he once was in high school but his effort in training and on game days speak louder than any words. "Some guys say the right thing, but then you watch them and they're walking through drills," West said. "Because of how hard he works, when Chris says something, the rest of the team listens."