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My dad once told me you don’t start to feel old until you see professional players you watched growing up going into the Hall of Fame. When a new player goes into the Hall of Fame, I always find it hard to believe. But then when I see they’ve been retired for a couple years, I always think back to my dad’s comment.
So there's my Hall of Fame moment.
And here's another thought: Gibault coach Jim Corsi deserves a spot in the IHSSCA Hall of Fame.
Let's look at Corsi, coach of the three-time defending Class A champs:
*He has led the Gibault boys program to double-digit wins each season since becoming head coach in 1991.
*He has led the Gibault boys program to five state trophies, including three consecutive titles. He is only the second coach in the state's history to accomplish that.
*He has won 242 games playing a solid schedule each year, which includes teams from the loaded St. Louis area. Despite being a school with an enrollment around 250 students, he plays the best competition around.
*Since taking over the girls program in 1995, he has won 132 games.
*He led the girls program to a second place Class A finish last spring.
If that isn't enough, here's a lead to a story I wrote off last spring's Class A girls state title game:
When Jim Corsi wakes up this morning and looks in the mirror, the affable, longtime Gibault soccer coach is probably going to shake his head and laugh when he thinks about the past 365 days.
And why shouldn't he?
Over the past 12 months, Corsi has died, come back to life, won a state title and come within one game of winning another. The second of those state titles slipped away Saturday night, as his beloved Hawks fell to Rockford Lutheran 2-1 in the Class A girls soccer title game at North Central College.
"Winning would have been nice, but it was still a special year for me," said Corsi, who led the boys program to its second consecutive Class A crown last fall. "Last year (at the start of the season), I was running at the YMCA and collapsed.
"Luckily, there were three paramedics right there and they used a heart defibulator to bring me back to life. That's why getting here was extra special, because I couldn't be there for these girls last year until the end of the season."
It's time for the IHSSCA to honor Corsi - someone who has given to the sport, died and come back to life to give even more to the sport.
The time is now. Tomorrow, as Corsi knows, isn't promised.
-Joe Trost
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Totally agree with your comments. Jim is a class guy who has done an outstanding job in the community, for the school and its athletes. There is just one nomination, hopefully he will not be missed in the future.
Both Norm AND Jim are going to be in the Hall of Fame. It is as certain as the sun rising tomorrow morning. Whether Norm goes this year and Jim next, or the year after that, or whatever, they BOTH definitely deserve to be in the hall. Both men are people I respect and admire. Special thanks should go to Norm and all the IHSSCA coaches who do the behind the scenes slave work for the high school soccer players and coaches. I am happy to see him get this great, well deserved honor. With the 3rd state title in a row, I am sure Jim is quite content with that for 2007!
I recently read the previous article and felt compelled to express my opinion. For the last six years I have been the assistant soccer coach for Jim Corsi at Gibault Catholic High School. I can honestly say that I know Jim Corsi personally and professionally. I have witnessed his high points in life (winning season, etc.) and his low points in life (near death experience). The trials and tribulations that Jim Corsi has gone through on a day-in and day-out situation for the last six years is truly an amazing story. He is truly an great person, coach, teacher, and mentor. If anyone is deserving of such an award it is Mr. Jim Corsi. For his accomplishments and the obstacles he overcame to achieve them.