Roger Lee/Journal Scene

USC Sumter boys’ soccer coach Giovanni Vlahos (back) presented jerseys to new signees (front, l to r) Chris Kifer, Justin Keys and Ryan Nobbs on April 22.

The Fort Dorchester soccer program hasn’t exactly been a feeder program for South Carolina colleges, but maybe that is about to change.

The program has had some athletes move on to play college ball, but the numbers aren’t exactly staggering and most of them have been walk-ons.

It wasn’t until last February, when Rudi Hellberger signed with the College of Charleston, that the program had its first athlete sign with a D-1 college.

However, college scouts are now taking notice of the Patriots.

Last week, three Fort players received college scholarships. During a ceremony at the Fort, Justin Keys, Chris Kifer and Ryan Nobbs signed to play for USC Sumter.

“I think the interests is great for our program,” said Fort coach Rick Nobbs, who took over as the Patriots’ head coach this season after coaches Anthony Pelton and Billy Gibbs retired. “It shows our players that if they are willing to work for it, there can be something beyond high school and club soccer.”

The USC Sumter soccer team is a new program. The Fire Ants are preparing for what will be their third season.

“Even though the program is just getting started, it is attracting some quality players,” Coach Nobbs said.

“They have signed a player from Russia and another one from Canada. It should be a great experience for these three because they will get to compete with and against different types of players.”

In their latest acquisition, the Fire Ants are getting a skilled trio.

Keys is a four-year starter for the Patriots who has primarily been used as a forward.

He was named all-region twice and the Patriots’ Offensive Player of the Year three times.

He has also been a member of two U.S. Club Soccer national championship teams. He plans to study nursing.

Kifer, a 2008 FDHS graduate, is a two-sport athlete whose powerful leg drew the attention of college football coaches and soccer coaches alike. He was a three-year starter for the Patriot soccer team who was primarily used in the midfield. As a junior, he received his team’s Mr. Hustle superlative. As a senior he served as a captain, received the team’s Mr. Midfield award and was named all-region.

As the starting place kicker for the Patriot football team, Kifer hit a number of game-winning field goals. He plans to major in education.

In addition to being the son of Rick Nobbs, Ryan Nobbs is a two-sport athlete. A three-year starter for the Patriot soccer team, he has been used primarily as a defender. He received the team’s Mr. Hustle award twice. His involvement with club soccer took him to play abroad in places like England and Hawaii.

He also lettered in track and cross country. He was twice a captain for the Patriot cross country team and twice received all-region honors. He plans to study marine sciences.

Contact Roger Lee @ 873-9424 ext. 213 or rlee@journalscene.com.

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