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The Spokesman-Review Newspaper
Spokane, Washington  Est. May 19, 1883

Goal Maker Nick Reynolds Helping Power Blackhawks Into State Soccer Playoffs

Annette Griffus Correspondent

It’s been a long season for Nick Reynolds and the Cheney soccer team, but they’re not complaining.

“As a group, our team is kind of like a family; we do things outside school together,” says Reynolds, Cheney’s top player. “I think that’s why we’ve been so successful this year.”

Success has been a reoccurring thing for the Blackhawks this season. Cheney finished the regular season 12-1-1 and is headed for the State AA playoffs.

“I think we’re expected to do well this year,” Reynolds said.

Reynolds, a junior, scored 22 goals, the same as Riverside’s Ryan Baker. Last year, Reynolds played midfield and still managed to notch double-digit goals.

His switch to striker has given him many more opportunities to find the net.

“The transition (from midfield to striker) was pretty easy because I played striker in the premier league with the Skyhawks,” said Reynolds.

Cheney coach Mark Belstad says the move has been good for Reynolds.

“He’s going to get more looks than a midfielder,” Belstad said. “He’s a big kid, real strong. It’s virtually impossible to get him off the ball.”

Reynolds likes the team aspect of soccer. He thrives on the non-stop action, noting that because stopping the game is rare, teammates must rely on each other.

Reynolds has been playing soccer since he was 4 and has no plans on stopping now. He has one year of high school left and would like to attend the University of Washington and play soccer there.

He’s interested in studying architecture.

He should do well; he’s accustomed to hitting the books at Cheney. “Student” is stressed for the student-athlete at Cheney High.

“They push us in the classroom,” Reynolds said. “If we don’t get things done there, they don’t let us play.”

Belstad believes Reynolds has a good shot at continuing his soccer career after high school.

“The possibility is there for him to be able to go on and play at the next level,” the coach said. Admiration and respect is evident from coach and player.

“We think he’s a great young man … just a great personality,” Belstad said. Reynolds, the coach added, works hard, enjoys soccer and has fun with it.

“He’s a great coach,” said Reynolds. “He really helps us out a lot.

“He’s taught me a lot of discipline and not to force things so much.”

Reynolds has also received a great deal of support from his parents, Scott and Sherry, and younger brother Chris, also a soccer player.

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