Gatlyn gets biggest goal

By CHRIS ROTAR
© St. Petersburg Times, published April 2, 1998

VALRICO -- The key to Chris Gatlyn's soccer success is about as well-guarded a secret as Cliffs Notes.

"People know about his speed," Brandon coach Allen Ware said, "but he beats you anyway."

The V-8 engine that powers the Bloomingdale senior's legs is housed in a compact 5-foot-7, 140-pound body. What makes the whole thing work, however, is a mind that thinks big.

Before the post-season even began, the Times Hillsborough County boys soccer Player of the Year spoke of one goal -- and not some match-winning penalty kick, either. The only thing that mattered to Gatlyn was a state championship.

Following an upset of the nation's top-ranked team, Hialeah American, and a win over Fort Lauderdale Western in the final, the forward had the finish he craved most of all.

"The state championship is something I've worked for my entire life," said Gatlyn, who scored the lone goal in the semifinal against American. "To win that was the highlight of my career.

"I can't think of a better way to end my career. I can't stop thinking about it."

It was almost as if every goal Gatlyn scored was another block in building a championship foundation. It was the Bulls' third title of the decade, but their first with Gatlyn.

Gatlyn, who said he is leaning toward signing with Davidson, finished his second 35-goal season in a row. Most of those were the product of a mad dash toward the opposing keeper.

"He's a natural striker," Ware said. "If he gets past you, he's gone. The kid can finish."

The only thing quicker than Gatlyn's legs might be the wheels in his head. He's eighth in a class of 557 with a 5.48 weighted grade point average, leading him to consider attending an Ivy League school.

If few defenders can run with Gatlyn, it was his running mates that made many of his goals, and the championship, possible.

"The players around me were so good," Gatlyn said. "I was getting such good opportunities and such good balls that I really didn't have to do that much.

"Everybody had a job to do. Mine was to score goals."

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