Wawasee senior Fernando Camargo is ready to kick up his heels and get offensive this fall. (Photo by Mike Deak)

SYRACUSE – If anyone has followed Wawasee area soccer over the years, the last name Camargo has been on and around the pitch. The time has now come for the elder statesman to take his final bow.

Wawasee High School senior Fernando Camargo has been an old standby for the program, playing all four years at the varsity level and often using his quiet yet quick disposition to give defenders and midfielders fits. Camargo has a powerful first step on the ball and has a crafty touch that allows him space moving forward and the ability to create his own shots when given room.

Entering his final season in the green and white uniform, Camargo is confident this is the year he finally breaks out, for himself and for his team.

“I am moving to central midfield this year, which means a lot more running but I enjoy it,” Camargo said, beading sweat after a preseason practice with the Warriors. “I just want the ball, its the way I play. I want to find open teammates and be able to create scoring chances. I feel me playing midfield will work, one pass at a time. I hope to create more possession, simple touches on the ball.”

Camargo will have a chance to set a huge example for his club being just one of two returning seniors on the 2013 Wawasee soccer roster – the other classmate Michael Pena. Wawasee has struggled in recent seasons to score, tallying just 19 goals last season, 10 of which came in two games against South Bend Riley and South Bend Trinity Christian. The chance for Camargo to facilitate the offense is appetizing, considering he has familiar faces to work with.

Fernando is not the only Camargo taking the pitch for Wawasee as brothers Ricky, Luis and Carlos are also returning to the Wawasee program. Combined, the flying Camargos scored seven goals last year and know how to get through to each other.

“We have been playing in the backyard for a long time,” Fernando said, sharing there are 20 Camargo’s in his immediate family in Indiana, Illinois and California. Two goalkeepers short of a full pitch. “It’s fun playing with my brothers, we know how each other play.”

Ricky and Luis are both juniors, Carlos a sophomore. There are two sisters also at Wawasee but not playing soccer in senior Stephanie and freshman Sabrina. Down the ranks, sixth grader Guadalupe and third grader Ruben both play soccer and may add to the legacy at the high school in the coming years.

Wawasee first-year head coach Jordan Sharp has been ultra impressed with Fernando’s direction this preseason.

“He has really stepped in as a leader for us,” Sharp said. “The tandem of him and Pena, where Pena is more vocal and Fernando just goes out there and runs beast mode. Takes on defenders, gets off tremendous shots.

“His attitude works well with this group,” continued Sharp. “He doesn’t complain, ever. He is really intense. He just goes out there and does his job, leads by example. I’m really excited to see what he can do for us this year.”

Fernando, his brothers, and the rest of the Warriors will have to put it all together in a hurry as a mighty big test in Westview awaits as the first contest next Tuesday, a 6:30 p.m. varsity first whistle.