Captain maintains central focus

SARASOTA — As a center back defender, Etienne Behan doesn’t garner the same notoriety as his teammates on the opposite end of the field. 

It’s a position the Riverview High senior has learned to accept. 

Behan’s chances are limited at best. 

So on those rare occasions when an opportunity presents itself for him to contribute to Riverview’s stat sheet, the Rams’ captain is more than willing to step up — even if that means taking a free kick in the biggest game of the season thus far. 

With a district championship on the line, Behan took a free kick from about 40 yards out and used a crosswind to open the scoring in the 19th minute of the Rams’ Class 5A-District 8 championship match Jan. 22, at Lakewood Ranch. 

“The wind took it a little bit, but it was a really good shot,” Lakewood coach Vito Bavaro said. 

The goal, Behan’s fifth of the season, wasn’t enough to push the Rams past the Mustangs, who rallied back for a 3-1 victory, but it gave Riverview momentum against a Lakewood team it had lost to twice during the regular season. 

“This team has a lot of heart,” Behan said. “So many times we’ve found a way to get back up, and these guys don’t always get a lot of admiration for how well we work together.” 

Behan has always defined success by how well the team performs as a whole. 

His role has changed over the years, but for the last three years, he’s taken a central role. 

“I’m willing to do whatever the team needs,” Behan said. “It’s not glamorous play, but it needs to be done.” 

“He never gives up and always puts the team first over his individual success,” Riverview coach Ed Stroop said of Behan. “Etienne has come to understand the success principles we have been teaching, especially that a loss is only a stepping stone to success.”

Behan is happy just to be on the field. 

Four years ago, he was cut from the Rams varsity squad after a nagging back injury from a soccer game kept him from showing his full potential. He was bumped down to the Rams JV squad, where he earned the role of team captain. 

Although he was grateful to be a part of the team, he also knew what he was capable of accomplishing. 

“You look up to the older guys, and you want to get after it,” Behan said. “I did want to be out there. You want to play at a high level and show what you can do.” 

The following season, Behan bounced back and made the Rams varsity squad as a starter. That season, he helped the Rams capture their first district championship in 10 years after converting one of Riverview’s five penalty kicks. 

After getting knocked out of the district tournament earlier than expected last season, Behan, a self-proclaimed jokester off the field, helped the Rams solidify a spot in this year’s regional tournament after holding Manatee scoreless in the second half of their district semifinal match Jan. 19. 

Behan commands attention during practices and games, but off the field, it's a different story.

“My demeanor definitely changes the moment the game starts,” Behan said. “I definitely get into it. I like to have fun and joke around, but when I’m on the field, it’s game time.” 

This season, Behan organized social team dinners, typically at the nearest fast food place to alleviate nerves, especially during the week of the district tournament. Behan and a few other teammates aren't afraid to offer up jokes — typically at the expensive of the younger players — to lighten the mood. 

One year, the players decided they would cut each other's hair and sport their new 'do the next day at school. The result? A trip to the principal's office for Behan and his teammates. 

"They all had each other's backs and told the admin it was all voluntary," Stroop said. "So all were cleared." 

"It's always in good spirit and we all laugh together," Behan said. "When we have better chemistry, we play better on the field. Knowing how players work, react and play in certain situations is very important to a game where one player's commitment could make or break a game." 

Riverview will travel to Palm Harbor University for a Class 5A-Region 2 quarterfinal match Jan. 28 with the winner advancing to the regional semifinals Feb. 2 to face the winner of the other quarterfinal between Lakewood and Wiregrass Ranch. 

“We want it, and we have a lot of heart carrying us,” Behan said. “We have an opportunity to seize the moment. We just have to play together like we always have, but win or lose, it’s been a great experience.” 

Contact Jen Blanco at [email protected].