By CAM HUFFMANSports Editor
Posing for signing day pictures has become almost routine for South Aiken High School boys' soccer coach Paul Waters. In the last five years, Waters has watched more than 30 players sign on with college teams, and on Friday, he was standing in support of his second this year as senior outside midfielder Rene Beteta inked his letter of intent with USC-Salkehatchie."It's really exciting," said Beteta, a 5-foot-6, 130-pounder who has been a part of the SAHS program for three years, playing with the varsity the past two. "I never expected to play college, but when this came up I took the chance and went with it."
Waters has seen plenty of players take the next step in their soccer careers, but that didn't temper his excitement for Beteta, who came a long way to gain the opportunity."He's a workaholic," said Waters. "He asks every day after practice what he can do to get better. His attitude is awesome, and he's a great teammate."It's paid off for him. At one time, he was a non-starter, and now he's been starting a lot of games for us. So his perseverance is paying off in terms of playing time."It all so paid off by giving Beteta a chance at playing college soccer, and he is excited about what he will be getting at USC Salkehatchie as part of head coach Bill Glass's junior college program."I liked the small feel," said Beteta, who explained that he fell in love with the campus after a couple visits. "I want to get situated and fit in first and then move on from there.""It's a perfect fit," agreed Waters.
"He'll have an opportunity to play, and he can start off at a small school. He loved it there, and that's what is most important. If he feels comfortable, that's where we want him to be."Before Beteta pursues a college career, and the degree in chemistry that he will seek, he first wants to help his team try to repeat as Class AAA state champions. After a 1-4 start, the Thoroughbreds are now 14-4-1, and as co-Region 5-AAA champions, they will be one of the No. 2 seeds in the Class AAA playoffs, which begin next week. South Aiken will begin play on Tuesday when it hosts No. 3 seed Crestwood. If the T-Breds can pull off a victory in that one, they will likely have to travel to No. 1 seed North Myrtle Beach in round two.
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