For Vedad Alagic, Brian Hadican and Paul Nagy, a long journey is about to take its course.

The three seniors on the Saint Louis University men’s soccer team arrived as untested freshmen four years ago. They will soon leave as hardened veterans who have seen the pinnacle of college soccer.

The three have also been through the distressful tastes of defeat but their commitment and desire to uphold SLU’s strong soccer tradition has never been questioned.

“They’ve represented our students and our school well and they’ve done it with class, on and off the field,” said SLU Coach Bob Warming.

In their careers, Alagic, Hadican and Nagy have been to one Final Four, won four Conference-USA championships, and appeared in three NCAA tournaments, with one more tournament bid expected in the next week. Overall, they have compiled a 58-17-9 record.

Their inspired play leaves the Billiken squad longing for a run in the post-season, starting this weekend in the C-USA tournament.

“They know what it takes to get to the Final Four,” said junior Tim Sartori, referring to the seniors’ freshmen year in which they lost to Virginia 3-1 in the national semi-final.

“The team wants to work hard for them because it’s their senior year. We want them to go out on top.”

Alagic grew up in war-torn Bosnia until his family moved to St. Louis in 1995. Before he could make an appearance on the field, however, his SLU career was put on hold. On the first day of practice his freshman year, Warming was informed that Alagic was declared a non-qualifier by the NCAA Clearinghouse. His grades from Bosnia wouldn’t transfer, meaning that he couldn’t practice or play for SLU’s squad. This year, he got his fourth year of eligibility back after a new NCAA rule and has made the most of his last year under Warming.

“Vedad might be one of the great stories in the NCAA this year,” Warming said. “He has proven he’s bright. He’s been more vocal and has relished the role of having more responsibility.”

Last year, Hadican led the Bills with nine assists, and this year is a team captain, along with Alagic, Nagy and Joe Hammes.

“Brian’s enjoying his best year. He’s playing inspired and and he’s really stepped up his game,” Warming said.

Nagy is finishing a stellar career at SLU. His 29 wins in goal currently ranks third all-time on SLU’s list. Last year Nagy was named C-USA first-team All-Conference and NSCAA second-team All-Midwest Region.

“He’s an unbelievable shot stopper who is incredibly hard-working away from practice, where great players are made,” Warming said.