Luciano “Luch” DeLuca is the most prolific goal scorer in Sheridan history. Not only do his 31 goals top the school’s all-time list, it ranks him ninth in OCAA history at the time of his induction. He, along with frequent strike-mate Pelico Borea, amassed a staggering 42 goals in their three seasons from 1985-87 to 1987-88.
DeLuca’s career for the Double-Blue began in 1985 and it began in style. Though the Bruins would suffer defeat in their first game that season – to the eventual OCAA and national champions from Seneca – they were able to bounce back against an always tough Fanshawe team, grinding out a 2-1 victory.
Deluca registered both goals in the game for Sheridan. He would also score both goals for the Bruins in a 2-0 win over George Brown later in the year and would go on to record 10 goals in 10 games, as the squad posted a 9-1-2 record, good for second place in the OCAA West Division.
While they would go on to suffer defeat in the OCAA championship game against Seneca – a game in which Luch scored yet another goal – they would still earn a spot in the National Championship tournament.
Hosted by Dawson College in Montreal, the Bruins made their way into the bronze medal game but were thwarted by Capilano College in a heartbreak 2-1 extra time loss.
During the tournament Luch added two more goals to an already impressive season resume.
Things would not go as smoothly for DeLuca in his second season as they did in his first. The Bruins struggled with inconsistency and after amassing a 4-5-3 record, they found themselves on the outside looking in when they playoffs began.
Still, Luch continued to do what he did best – score goals, this time to the tune of 11 in nine games.
For his efforts he was named an OCAA West Division All-Star and at the Annual Athletic Banquet, was also named the men’s soccer coaches award winner.
The 1987-88 season would playout with a similar narrative to the previous year, both for the Bruins and Deluca.
Another impressive scoring season – 12 goals in 12 games – was the individual highlight for Luch, but for the second straight season the Double-Blue failed to qualify for the post-season after finishing with a 5-3-4 record.
Luch was once again named a West Division All-Star and when the Athletic Banquet rolled around, he was named the MVP of the men’s soccer team.