In the Saddle - Bryan Byars

CHICKASHA – After starting the season 1-1, the No. 15 University of Science and Arts of Oklahoma Drovers have won nine straight games, proving once again they are a high-caliber team.

"We've kind of had a slow start. We had a loss, and it showed the boys that we really have to put our heads down," senior goalkeeper Bryan Byars (SR/Oklahoma City, Oklahoma) said. "We've just been rolling. We've been showing people what we actually can do."

With five straight trips to nationals for the Drovers, Byars said it was certainly a goal for this year's squad that wants another shot at the title.

"Definitely everyone wants to go," he said. "It's different for me. I've been every year, and I want to try to at least go four years in a row. It's my last chance to try to get that national title and show everybody what our team is about."

Byars has crushed USAO's records in career shutouts (39) and wins (56), but he's nipping at the heels of some national records as well, sitting at fourth in the NAIA in career shutouts with a chance of breaking the record this season.

"I didn't even know about it until after the Wayland game," Byars admitted. "It's been on my radar since then. That's pretty cool, knowing that you could be setting national records instead of just your own personal or league records."