By KEN HAMWEY
Staff Sports Writer

Alex Suhajda will be a captain in three sports at Holliston High this year and it’s obvious why his teammates and coaches want him in a leadership role.

The 17-year-old senior, who plays soccer and runs track, not only is a terrific student-athlete, but he also has a very mature outlook and approach to what makes a captain effective and what attributes are needed for success in that role.

“Alex is willing to help our team succeed in any way possible and that’s what you look  for in a great team leader,’’ said Jay Dupuis, who’s in his 13th year as the Panthers’ soccer coach. “If we can put 10 other players on the field with the same effort and determination Alex has, we will have a very successful year.’’  

The 6-foot, 175-pound Suhajda is acutely aware of the responsibilities that a captain must deal with and he’s ready and willing to roll up his sleeves to sharpen his leadership skills.

“I’m very honored and grateful that I’ve been given the opportunity to be a leader for all three seasons,’’ Suhajda said. “I look forward to being with new teammates and I want to live up to and exceed their expectations for me.’’

A four-year veteran in soccer, Suhajda says that one of his personal goals this fall is “to be the best captain I can be and to keep improving in that role.’’ He also emphasizes that his top thrill in soccer was his selection as the team’s sole captain. “It’s exciting to be a captain in three programs,’’ he said. “Leading different people towards a common goal is an honor and I like working with all different types of competitors.’’

Suhajda plans on being a versatile captain. “I’ll strive to lead by example, by being vocal and communicative and to be supportive,’’ he stressed. “I know there’ll be learning curve, but over time I’ll develop better methods for leadership. There’ll be many responsibilities but I’ll come up with a strategy on how best to handle the tasks.’’

His first test will be on Sept. 5 when the Panthers open their soccer season at Norwood. 

A forward, Suhajda scored 10 goals and had seven assists last year, helping Holliston post a 9-5-2 record and qualify for the tournament where the Panthers defeated Falmouth, 5-0, then bowed to Plymouth North, 2-1, in a shootout.

The only starter returning from last year, Suhajda knows the Panthers will be young but he’s confident the sophomore-junior squad can achieve the three goals he’s set for the team. 

“We want to qualify for the playoffs and improve on last year’s results,’’ he said. “I’d also like to see us finish in the top three in the Tri Valley League Large Division and for all of us to improve over the course of the season. My personal goals are to be a strong captain and I’d like to surpass the 10 goals I had last year. Stats, however, don’t drive me. It’s the team’s welfare that matters.’’

“Alex was second in goals on our squad,’’ Dupuis said. “I expect him to be one of the top goal scorers in the league this year.’’  

But, what matters most for Suhajda is to lean on the attributes that make him a high-caliber competitor. He’s got a high soccer IQ, he’s mentally tough, athletic and coachable. He’s also an instinctive player whose technical skills are good enough for him to draw interest from Brian Kelly, the coach at Worcester Polytech. Suhajda ‘s academic skills will be a plus, too. He’s a National Honor Society student with a GPA of 3.99.

“WPI is high on my list of colleges,’’ Suhajda said. “I’d like to continue playing soccer there and I’ll either major in bio-medical engineering or computer science.’’

Blending an aggressive nature going for the ball with a finesse style when he’s attacking, Suhajda likes playing forward for two reasons. “There’s leeway if a mistake is made,’’ he offered. “It may not be costly. I also like being creative when I take on a defender. There’s a variety of ways to score or to deliver a key pass.’’

Suhajda, who competes in sprints, middle distance events and relays in indoor and outdoor track, labels “explosiveness’’ as his prime strength in soccer. “Speed and agility help a forward to change direction quickly,’’ he said. “That’s a big plus on offense.’’

Suhajda is quick to single out senior midfielder Nathan Arujo and junior wing Owen Montalto as two teammates who’ll be major contributors for the Panthers this year. “Nathan dribbles well and passes effectively,’’ he said. “And, when it comes to technique, Nathan is exceptional. Owen’s athleticism makes him a threat. He’s also quick and very agile.’’

A fan of Dupuis, Suhajda likes his commitment to the team. “Coach Dupuis is a fine motivator who’s got a great approach to the game, builds good team chemistry and is considerate toward his players,’’ he said.

Suhajda rates scoring a goal late in the playoff loss to Plymouth North as his best game. “Our goalie punted the ball and I was one-on-one with a defender,’’ he recalled. “I made contact with the ball while it was in the air and scored from 12 yards out. The kick was with my left foot but I usually use my right foot.’’

Calling his parents (Jenn and Dan) role models for their support and encouragement, Suhajda relies on an athletic philosophy of winning, reaching one’s potential and having fun. “I put improving on par with winning,’’ Suhajda noted. “And, some life lessons I’ve learned from sports are overcoming adversity, how to lead and interact with teammates, and to rely on a strong work ethic.’’

Suhajda has overcome a condition called Osgood-Schlatter Disease that’s created knee pain for the last three years. “Rest is what helps to alleviate the pain,’’ he said. “It’s helped and no surgery is needed.’’

That’s good news for the Holliston boys soccer team and its veteran coach. Because Suhajda is a talented player who’s bound for success as a captain.

“Alex is a great player and a terrific leader,’’ says his coach. 

And here’s what makes him a rare breed — he’s a captain for all seasons.