Westminster's Beachler carves his way to stardom

Knives can be dangerous.

And the Westminster Christian boys soccer team had one of the sharpest knives in the drawer on its roster this season.

Known as a player who can contribute at several different positions, senior Ryan Beachler used his multi-tasking skills to help the Warriors amass a program-record 19-4-1 mark and reach the Class 1A sectional final this season.

His well-rounded game on the field has also landed Beachler the honor of being named the honorary captain of the 2009 Daily Herald All-Area boys soccer team.

"We call him the utility knife, or the Swiss Army knife," said Westminster Christian coach Mike Richardson. "He was a blessing to our club. He basically played anywhere whether that was sweeper, in the midfield or up front. If we needed something different, he brought it to the table and he did it well."

That ability to adapt to the situation is something Beachler feels was one of his greatest improvements this season.

"I was able to play all different kinds of positions," said Beachler, who finished the season with 18 goals and 7 assists. "Whatever the coach needed me to play, I played and I played it pretty well. I've played almost every position when I was younger whether it was forward, midfielder or sweeper. Once the coach has the formation down, I know what to do and how to do it. It's been a plus."

Beachler, officially listed as a midfielder-defender, has no qualms with being a vagabond of sorts on the soccer field.

"I like playing different positions," said Beachler, a 2009 all-Northeastern Athletic Conference selection. "It helps out the team and the coaching staff. It makes things easier for them."

But center midfield is where Beachler enjoys hanging out the most.

"I see more with the ball at center mid," he said. "I'm able to distribute the ball and when I have a chance to attack, I'll attack."

Sweeper, on the other hand, has proved to be the most challenging positions.

"It's because of all the organizing. You have to make sure everybody has their man and you have to try and understand what your players are trying to do and how they are doing it," said Beachler.

Beachler also counts one intangible - that cannot be taught - as his ace in the hole.

"My heart," said Beachler. "I never give up on the play. I've got a big desire to succeed and to play for God."

Richardson also lauded Beachler's contributions as a leader.

"On and off the field he was great for us," said Richardson. "It's the way he leads and gets the kids ready. He's a great kid who is very coachable. Every coach loves to have a player like this. I was lucky to be able to coach him for four years."

Beachler, who wants to play soccer in college and has been in contact with D-III and NAIA programs, has been playing the sport dating back to his early childhood.

"Since I was able to walk," said Beachler. "My parents didn't really play in high school or college. But once they introduced me to it, I loved it and picked up on it."

Beachler, one of four siblings, had an opportunity to play with his younger brother, Josh, also a Daily Herald All-Area selection, this season.

"It's been great playing with him," said Beachler, who plays with the Fox Valley Strikers club soccer team in the off-season. "He's really stepped up as a sophomore. I'm really proud of him."

Beachler's older brother, Tyler, also played at Westminster and now plays at Taylor University.

"I look up to him," said Beachler. "He's been a great role model and a great competitor. He's also a great brother."

Beachler says he will most certainly savor the memories of this year's magical run at Westminster.

"This season at Westminster has been glorifying God and how we can show that through our ability to play soccer," said Beachler, who sports a 3.3 grade-point average at Westminster. "It's not about wins or stats. It's about the team."

Richardson put it into no uncertain terms the high value Beachler brought to the Warriors this season.

"Ryan has been the glue," said Richardson. "He's the reason we are successful. It's mainly because of him."