Clouds of steam billow out of the player’s mouth as he stops to catch his breath in the near freezing temperatures. A tied scoreboard magnifies the intensity of the brutal struggle between two rivals. Any one second of the action could decide the fate of the game.

The game remains a constant battle as Joey Montejano, ’06, sends a quick pass straight to his teammate, Tim Westra, ’05.

Westra aligns himself with the goal, but with a sudden swipe, his opponent steals the ball and sends it flying back towards Eric Beneke, ’07. Without hesitation, Beneke stops the ball and launches it back towards the goal, in hopes that a teammate will catch it.

Westra, undetected by the goalie, taps the ball into the net and gives the team both a goal and the inspiration to win the game.

A football player for two years, Beneke knows the benefits and drawbacks of belonging to a sports team.

The ability Beneke gained through his position on the football team’s offensive line has made him faster and stronger for the soccer season.

“Eric has been a key player to our team since the season began,” Matt Markarian, soccer coach, said. “Each day he continues to learn more about soccer than he knew before.”

Beneke plays many different sports year-round and in each has the constant support of his teammates.

“Eric’s a fun guy to hang around,” Westra said. “Being in soccer with him makes practices more enjoyable because of his hard work ethic and personality.”

Beneke enjoys the benefits of an athlete’s life.

“Being in soccer has been really fun,” Beneke said. “I get to play a game and hang around all my friends at the same time. Plus, the daily running helps me stay in physical shape.”

For many students who decide to play extracurricular sports, the continuous struggle to maintain their grades as well as their relationships with others becomes a constant burden on their lives.

“Unfortunately, practices for soccer often last until about six ?o’clock at night,” Beneke said. “After all that running I don’t always have the stamina to go home and finish my homework.”

Beneke has already set his sight on the goals he wishes to accomplish during his college years.

“My goal during high school is to plan for the future,” Beneke said. “I want to earn high grades so I can become either an architect or a doctor.”

For more information on the soccer schedule, visit www.fresnochristian.com.