Webb goalie obtains goal

Attending Zach Crownover's signing with Martin Methodist College are mother Cyndi Clower and back, from left, Camp Forest coach Lee Brooks, Webb assistant/Camp Forest coach Andy Lyon, Webb coach Adrian Anderson, stepfather Ron Clower and Martin Methodist coach Paschal Dunne. (T-G Photo by Danny Parker) [Click to enlarge] [Order this photo]

There are several different reasons why the Webb soccer program has taken off the last two years to becoming one of the dominant teams in Division II Class A.

One is Zach Crownover.

The goalkeeper was the backbone of a defense that helped the Feet to a combined 28-9-2 record the last two years, including finishing runner-up in the state tournament twice.

Now, Crownover's taking his talents to the collegiate level as he signed scholarship papers with Martin Methodist College.

"It's a great opportunity for me to play, have fun and do something I love for at least another four years," said Crownover, who also drew interest from Lipscomb University and University of the South.

Crownover will join former Shelbyville Central standouts Marcus Cooke, Andrew Gordon and fellow goalie Hunter Jamison in Pulaski.

Martin Methodist coach Paschal Dunne said Crownover has the technique and size to play keeper on the next level.

Crownover, a Manchester native, didn't play high school soccer for two years before transferring to the Bell Buckle school for his junior and senior years. Thus, his transition from being away from the sport a fair amount prior to coming to Webb to being a college-ready goalie was tremendous.

"Zach has improved leaps and bounds since he's been here mainly because he's learned a real sense of responsibility to himself and the group of people he's around," said Webb coach Adrian Anderson, who's known Crownover since he was 10 years old.

"He knows if he doesn't work hard to make sure he's prepared to play, he's not only letting himself down, he's letting his whole team down and letting his school down. He understands that."

As much praise as Anderson has for Crownover, the youngster is quick to point the finger right back at the Feet coaches.

Crownover helped lead the Feet to back-to-back state runner-up finishes. (T-G Photo by Danny Parker) [Click to enlarge] [Order this photo]

"(Anderson)'s been phenomenal with me. He's the one who got me doing soccer goalie and teaching me what to do, what not to do," said Crownover, who also crafted his trade for Camp Forest FC.

Anderson noted how Crownover's put in the extra time getting his body in shape along with improving his ball skills, foot skills and knowing where he's supposed to be.

Barring an unforeseen injury, Dunne said that Crownover will redshirt his first year to get acclimated to college soccer.

The RedHawks finished 12-3-1 in the fall of 2008 and won the TranSouth Conference regular season title.

Crownover's already qualified with an ACT score of 22 but is undecided on a major.