Mild mannered and seemingly quiet off the field, Chesterton sophomore midfielder/forward Billy Biehl breaks out of his shell when he has the ball on the pitch.
"You have a conversation with him, and he seems timid," Chesterton coach Jamie Sensibaugh said. "Get him on the field, and he's the Tasmanian Devil when he has the ball.
"He's very fast and he's got incredible endurance."
Through 11 games, Biehl has 11 goals and four assists for the Times No. 4 Trojans (7-3-1).
"He has the technical ability to get free of the defender," Sensibaugh said. "He understands little subtleties, where he's on the field and how to know what part of the foot to put on the ball. Most kids his age don't have that skill."
Biehl attributes most of this success to tireless practice both at the school and at home. Junior varsity coach Bill Biehl, Billy's father, puts his son through the paces with drills at home. Billy Biehl also works by himself.
"I just juggle with myself and practice passing (the ball) against the wall," he said. "I realize that I have to practice to get better. I better do the work."
Biehl spent a little time on varsity last season, but Sensibaugh was careful with his usage of the then-freshman. Biehl has suffered from Osgood Schlatter disease, a condition where painful lumps can form under the kneecap during adolescent growth spurts. Biehl said that he doesn't have that issue now, but he still deals with shin splints from time to time.
"I just try to stretch it out, and take Tylenol to help with the pain," Biehl said. "My doctor told me I would grow out of it. It feels so much better now."
Biehl has thrived as a first-year varsity starter for Chesterton, which is somewhat of a surprise to the sophomore.
"I didn't think I would score as many goals," said Biehl, who dreams of playing college ball. "My teammates keep giving me the ball in the perfect spot. I couldn't do it without them.
"I'm very happy. I hope I can continue to play like this."
Sensibaugh believes that could be the case, and the Chesterton coach isn't the only one singing Biehl's praises.
"He manages the game really well, especially at a higher level," Sensibaugh said. "I cannot tell you how many coaches mention him (after the game), and call him a special player.
"He definitely has some (college) teams looking at him."
Please Wait…