From Alabama to Black Mountain Elementary School to Harlan County High School, soccer has been an important part of David Blas’ life.
As a senior, Blas realizes his soccer career could be coming to an end soon and he wants to go out in memorable fashion.
“I want to become successful in soccer to have the life I want and take care of my grandma who has taken care of me,” said Blas, who has led the Black Bears this season in both goals, with 10, and points, with 20, going into 50th District Tournament action tonight against Middlesboro at Barbourville.
“Soccer has always been there and has helped me through everything with life,” Blas said. “It taught me a lot of very valuable lessons.”
Blas began playing soccer as a child in Alabama, then played on a middle school county championship team at Black Mountain Elementary School.
“I felt happy when I won the championship, but I feel happier that it’s my senior year. This year has opened more doors for me,” Blas said.
“David is all you can ask for in an athlete. He leads by example and always finishes first in conditioning and drills,” Harlan County coach Tommy Key said. “He is on the field putting in work when no one else is around, He is never out of a game no matter the score.”
The Bears will play Middlesboro at 8 p.m in a first-round game. The Bears won two previous matches this season against the Yellow Jackets. The winner of tonight’s game will play Barbourville in the district finals on Wednesday at 6 p.m.
“I’m excited about the game and want to win it all, but kind of sad because I know this is my senior year,” Blas said.
“He is our leader and with him we always have a chance,” Key said. “He is a great teammate, player and an even better human being.”