John Politis is driven like a city bus, constantly moving forward and not stopping for anything, even pedestrians.

“It’s a pride issue, to do something that people tell me I can’t do,” said Politis.

Politis is fighting to win the starting goalkeeper spot on the Saint Louis University men’s soccer team. In previous seasons, the starting goalkeeper position was senior Paul Nagy’s to lose.

“This season is different; both of us get a shot. It’s a healthy environment for the team,” Politis said. “Coach is going to split us and see who emerges.”

Last season, Politis suffered from a variety of ailments, on which he blames his lack of opportunity. “Injuries happen when your body is cold. There’s a huge difference from knowing you have a chance to win the starting spot instead of knowing that the only way you’ll play is if there’s an injury,” Politis said.

“I always give 100 percent but now there is a different aura. I go into every practice like it’s a game.”

“My biggest motivating factor is that I’ve never been on the bench before,” Politis said.

As a freshman in high school, Politis was a starting forward on the junior varsity team. After a few games, Politis tired of the forward position and looked for something more challenging.

“I got bored and I was the back-up keeper, so I asked to play at keeper in our next game.”

In his first junior varsity start, Politis played so well that he was immediately bumped to the starting goalkeeper on the varsity squad.

“We were 3-5 before I started (on varsity). We didn’t lose another game that year. We won the state championship,” Politis said.

In his high-school career Politis captured two state titles and was named an All-American and New York State Player of the Year. He was heavily recruited, especially by hometown St. John’s University.

Politis asked his academic counselor about St. John’s and was greeted by a less-than- positive response.

“It’s a good soccer program, but academically it isn’t highly regarded,” Politis said. “It’s a C- school at best.”

Then Politis’ high school coach talked to SLU assistant coach Dan Donigan. “Donigan mentioned that he was looking for a keeper, and coach told him about me,” Politis said.

After hearing about SLU’s interest, Politis went back to his academic counselor and asked about SLU.

“He told me it was about a B+, A- school academically. I wanted to get away from home, so I decided to come here,” Politis said.

After his freshman season at SLU, Politis told Warming that he was headed back to New York.

“It was a big change for me, moving here from Long Island. It was hard.”

“But I decided it would be better for me to stay. I stayed since this would be a good opportunity for me to be away from home. This is my only chance to live in St. Louis.” Politis said.

“It was really hard to leave the guys on the team; they’re great guys, so I stayed,” Politis said.

This season, Politis is going to make the most of his chances in goal. “I’m glad I’ve got the opportunity to play. It’s unfortunate that it’s Nagy’s senior year.

“If I give 100 percent and don’t win the starting spot, then there is nothing I can do but support Nagy,” Politis said.

Politis is quick to point out that even though he wants to play, the team is what matters most. “It isn’t about me and Nagy. It’s about winning a championship.”

Politis has helped the Billikens on their way to that championship. He didn’t yield a goal in his past two starts and made a diving save to preserve the Billiken’s win earlier this season against UAB.

“There was no way I was giving up a goal,” Politis said. “It was glued to my hands, that was the best part of the save; there wasn’t a rebound.”

Politis continued his stellar play by posting an overtime shutout against the St. John’s Red Storm.

Next for the Billiken keeper was Cincinnati. The Bearcats and Billikens played a two- overtime marathon. Neither team could put a ball in the net.

This past Monday, Politis continued his greedy ways by posting his fifth consecutive shutout against Marquette.

Politis is confident that the Billikens will be able to continue their winning ways as they head into their contests this weekend.

“We’re a good team. If we play with heart and some toughness, we can play with anyone,” said Politis. “Good teams come out on top in the end.”