ALL-COUNTY BOYS SOCCER

Gifted on and off the field

Tuesday, December 19, 2006

By STEVE ROSENBERG

JOURNAL STAFF WRITER

Ryan Woods is as driven off the soccer field as he on. The same drive which led him to a stellar career in goal for High Tech is the same that will lead him toward a totally different career starting next fall.

Woods has the rare gift of knowing what he wants to be and having his priorities in order at such a young age. The goalie has recently sent in his application to USC, where he hopes to pursue a field in the film industry regardless of a scholarship. "I am carrying a 3.8 grade point average and have good SATs scores so I hope to get accepted to USC," said Woods. "My backup plan is NYU, which in regards to soccer, would be an advantage if I decide to still play." The four-year goalie for High Tech played all but a few minutes of one game due to a double-yellow card. He saved his best soccer for last and that is why he is one of two goalies to be selected to the 2006 Jersey Journal All-County first team.

"What led to this season's success was playing for the Hoboken All-Stars this spring and summer," said Woods, who has been playing an HCIAA Seglio Division (smaller schools) schedule. "I had a chance to play with some of the (HCIAA) Coviello players and got to see what the game is like on a higher level. It was a great experience. It really kept me in shape and gave me a new understanding for the game." Woods summarized his year playing for High Tech and knows he will miss the game. "This season meant a lot to me.

I was one of seven senior starters who played together for four years. We became family. I was glad to bring my club experience into the high school season and was able to help my family record a third (Seglio) championship. I will miss this." Woods stated that academics was always his main concern and that soccer was icing on the cake.