Issue date: 10/27/04 Section: Sports

If you are a student at Suffolk you have probably heard of the Derne Street Deli. What you might not know is that the owner happens to be a member of the Suffolk University community in more ways than one.

Nick Papadopoulos, owner of the Derne Street Deli, lives a second life as head coach of the Suffolk University men's soccer team.

For five years Papadopoulos has coached the soccer team and he is in the midst of wrapping up his fourth year as the Ram's head coach.

With the Derne Street Deli located in the middle of the Suffolk campus, Papadopoulos has no problem handling both work and coaching.

"It's a big difference. It makes it fun and desirable," said Papadopoulos.

"I love the campus and the kids I'm involved with not just on the field, but off it as well."

Coach Papadopoulos has been involved in soccer for 25 years dating back to when he was only 12 years-old.

When he was 17 year-old. Papadopoulos was recruited to play for a Division one soccer club in Greece. Papadopoulos emigrated from Greece to the United States for one specific reason.

"I came to America to come to school and it was a good experience," Papadopoulos said."I had to adjust to the way of living and the style of life."

Papadopoulos, who did not play collegiate soccer here in America, focused on receiving a good education and graduated from Northeastern University

After getting his first taste of soccer here in the United States, Papadopoulos discovered the differences in the way the game is played between cultures. "It was a little more physical than in Greece and in parts of Europe," he said. This contrast in the style of play did not stop him from carrying on with his life in soccer, which continued into the professional ranks right here in Massachusetts.

"I tried out for the Revolution and made the team, but I didn't play.

"Regardless of the lack of playing time, Papadopoulos' effort to follow through with his goal stands as a positive example for the members of the Suffolk men's soccer team.

The Ram's have come a long way from last year, having already eclipsed their 2003 mark of nine wins.

"They are progressing very well," said Papadopoulos. "Five starters are first year players.

They put together a good starting line-up."

"I find the competition very tough except for a couple of teams and the future shows good promise," noted Papadopoulos.

With one more conference game left Wednesday, Oct. 27 against Johnson and Wales University, the team will head into the playoffs.

"I think the chances are very high and very good," said Papadopoulos about Suffolk's challenge ahead.

"The playoffs have very close games. The way the team has performed I think we can beat anybody."

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