Pack soccer standout signs with UAB
If you wanted to paint a picture of the prototypical goalkeeper, the end result would look a lot like Greenbrier High School soccer player Keith Borgner.
The Wolfpack senior stands 6-4, and size isn't his only attribute - Borgner's mobility and strong leg make him the complete package in goal.
University of Alabama at Birmingham took notice, and offered a scholarship. Bornger signed his letter of intent last week at the Brierpatch.
"I'm excited about going to UAB because of the stature of their program," he said of the Blazers, a Division I squad which finished as the No. 12 ranked team in the country last season.
"I'll probably red-shirt my freshman year and leave another year of eligibility after completing my education," said Borgner, who says he may study sports management.
Borgner got UAB's attention when the Pack traveled to Atlanta during the 2002 season. With Blazers' scouts watching, Greenbrier beat Lovett 4-0, and Borgner posted one of his nine shutouts.
That was nice timing, but there also has been some bad luck for Borgner at the Brierpatch. In his freshman season, the Pack lost in the state finals, and his past two seasons have ended on sour notes.
"There definitely have been some ups and downs during my career here. A lot more down than up. We wanted to win a state championship, but it just didn't pan out," Borgner said. "In the state playoffs we have lost with under a minute left in three out of four years, but it's been enjoyable overall."
During his senior campaign, Borgner allowed only six goals in 14 games, for a .4 goals per game average. Two of those goals were on penalty kicks.
While the Pack didn't reach its goal of winning a Georgia High School Association state title, Borgner will continue his quest at the next level.
"Try to win an NCAA championship," he said of his No. 1 goal at UAB. "They've been to the Elite Eight twice and the Sweet 16 in the past three years. Hopefully when I get there we'll go to Columbus to play in the Division I Final Four."