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It's not homesickness as much as it is airsickness.

"I live at sea level in Holland," said Wychert Oskam. "I have more air for breathing at home."

But everything else has been good for the exchange student, who has been a dominating force for Wasson High School's soccer team. Winless the past two seasons, the Thunderbirds have two wins and two losses so far. Oskam earned The Gazette prep athlete of the week honor for his roles in those wins. He had four goals in a 7-3 win over Fountain-Fort Carson and one goal in a 4-3 win over Harrison.

Coach Chris Hartman said Oskam has been a good fit.

"He brings everything to our team — a lot of experience," Hartman said. "He's played soccer all of his life. He plays at a skill level — and with skills — that are at as high of a level as you can be. It raises the level of the team in terms of ball control, passing and shooting."

Oskam's English is good, and he is unfailingly polite.

"He's very even tempered, and has mellow personality — when you meet him on the street, he's one of the nicest people you'll ever meet," Hartman said. "On the soccer field, he's an animal. We call him our 'Euro-gangster.' It's a transformation."

At 6-foot-4, Oskam has a long stride.

"It's not like he's really one of the fastest players in the league," Hartman said. "But he's one of the most poised soccer players anywhere. He does move like a gazelle — not fast, but with great smoothness. Being 6-4, he has those long legs, and players just go falling by the side when he shifts."

The five goals in four games are getting a lot of attention. However, Oskam also has four assists.

"He's not selfish at all," Hartman said. "When we first started coaching him, I saw his shot, and it's amazing. I said, 'You need to shoot, since that shot is so good.' He kind of looked at me. I said, 'Isn't it great to score?' He looked back and said, 'But it is just as beautiful to pass.' That made me feel great. I knew I had a great player. He distributes the ball well. But if he has the open shot, he's going to put it in the back of the net. He gives us a scoring threat up front that Wasson hasn't had in a while."

Oskam has fit in with the returning Wasson players. The six seniors are enjoying the success he has helped bring.

"Those six seniors are the ones who have stuck with the program," Hartman said. "They've gotten a lot of aggravation. But they have a lot of character and they've stuck with the program. They might not win state this year. But if Wasson gets there eventually, they're the ones who laid the foundation for it."

The only challenge for Oskam now is to enjoy the scenery of the Springs, which he said he will once the season changes.

"I don't like the sun," Oskam said. "But when there is snow, I will like the mountains."