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Kilpatrick Brothers Kick the Competition

By Mari Barrera
www.rattlerathletics.com writer

Sibling rivalry does not exist on the soccer field as Stephen and Scott Kilpatrick look to lead the Rattlers to a successful season in 2004.

The Kilpatrick brothers natural connection has helped the Rattlers to a 5-5 overall record this season and a 3-4 mark in the Southwest Soccer Conference. Scott leads the team in goals scored with five.

“They know each other so well,” explains Querande Willis, head soccer coach. “Goals seem to come out of nowhere.”

Aside from Stephen’s senior year in high school, the Converse, Texas natives have never had much of an opportunity to play together. Each of them is taking advantage of their playing time together.

“[Stephen] was a big reason for me [to play at St. Mary’s],” says Scott, a freshman. “I wanted a chance to play with him before he moved on.”

As a senior midfielder, Stephen leads the team by example and frequently sets his brother up for the goal. Coach Willis has noticed how all the guys, not just Stephen, look for Scott, a forward, on the field to score the goal.

“[Playing college soccer with my brother] is fun,” says Stephen. “[I usually] give him the ball so he can put it in the back of the net.”

Confidence is key for the Kilpatrick brothers, both on the field and off. Without it, Stephen would never be able to balance Computer Engineering classes with soccer. Scott is just starting to experience the college athlete life as he attempts to succeed at soccer and General Business.

Neither of the boys let the stress get to them. One load off Stephen’s shoulders was not worrying his brother adjusting to college soccer.

“Scott is pretty confident,” said Willis. “[Stephen] has given him opportunities [to succeed on his own].”

Stephen and Scott just want to do their best this season for the Rattlers. Having each other will probably help them both succeed.

“I expect Stephen to be a leader,” says Coach Willis. “Scott, everything he does [for the team as a freshman] is a positive. I expect a lot from those two.”