H A R D WORK P L A V S 0 F F By Donislrn Webb I Kristina Kiser Senior defender Curtis Hunt began playing soccer at the age of 5, but he said it was not until eighth grade that he began to take it seriously. He began playing Amateur Athletic Union (AAU) soccer and attending soccer camps in 2011. Before the summer of his senior year of high school, one of the camps he attended was at Harding. By the end of Hunt's senior year of high school, he was not able to secure a scholarship to play soccer, but he knew he still wanted to be involved with the team. During his first semester at Harding, he decided to try out for the team as a walk-on and succeeded. Head soccer coach Odie Guzman, a 2009 graduate, said Hunt left a positive impression on him since the high school summer camps. "[Hunt] is a very raw player and just with his skills, but what he brought to the table was his work ethic, and he was relentless on the field," Guzman said. "I always had energy when he was out there, and speed was ultimately why I ended picking him up." As the seasons progressed, so did Hunt. His playing time increased and he began to prove to himself, to his teammates and to his coach that he was an asset to the team. Out ofthe eight players who joined the team with Hunt his freshman year, he was one of only three who remained. As a senior, Hunt hoped to be a light to his peers. "I like to keep things in a fun environment because that is what I think sports are for," Hunt said. "You play them to have fun, but at the same time you give it your best and your all when you are playing." Midfielder senior Christopher Walker recollected the four years he spent playing with Hunt. "He has made everyone laugh and we love having him around," Walker said. "He worked hard though. Everyday he gave the team everything he had and it payed off." According to Walker, team members respected Hunt because of his personality and his leadership. "Last year he became a crucial part of the team coming off of the bench, and this year he is a genuine leader and a very good player," Walker said. "He still works hard everyday and gives his all, but now he has talent and skill to go along with it, and I know I can count on him on and off the field to set an example for the younger guys." Guzman described Hunt as a catalyst for team spirit as he strove to encourage his teammates. "I just always think ofhim as a spark," Guzman said. "He needs to be out there. He would always, always give 110 percent." 2 :l B . \ T 11 L E T I C S SCOREBOARD Oklahoma Baptist I 1-2 L Williams Baptist I 3--1 L Ouachita Baptist I 1-1 T Cent,-al Baptist I 1-5 L Southem Nazarene I 3-0 W Oklahoma Baptist I 1-2 L Southwest Baptist I 3-1 W Ouachita Baptist I 1-2 L Northeastern State I 1-5 L Delta State I 2-4 L Southern NGzarene I 0-1 [, Oklahoma Baptist I -1-0 W Christian Brothers I 1-4 L Southwest Baptist I 3-2 M' Rogers State I 0-3 L Union (TN) I 0-2 L Oklahoma Ch,-istian I 1--1 L Dallas Baptist I 1-1 T
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