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Today's random thoughts:
* Is there anyone not ready for spring and summer to actually arrive? For the 32 teams competing in the Pepsi Showdown last Saturday at Oak Park-River Forest High School and Concordia University, I think everyone realized the guy upstairs like Pepsi over Coke - seeing that it was the warmest day since last fall (mid-60s and sunny).
* The top three seeds held their spots in the Pepsi Showdown, while No. 5 York knocked off No. 4 Maine South in another quarterfinal to advanced to Saturday's semis at Oak Park. Surprised? You shouldn't be. This is girls soccer, where upsets are as rare as the Cubs winning the World Series - I know, I'm a Cubs fan.
* I've always said there are some great, great athletic directors out there. Each year when the Pepsi Showdown rolls around - whether it's the boys or girls event - I'm reminded that their jobs are tough. So next time you see your athletic director - whether you like them or not - just say thanks...they deserve it.
* Dear Maine South school board: Everyone at the school wants to turf the stadium field, but you and your old age thinking have stood in the way. I know, I know, you are worried what the other schools in the district are going to say if Maine South has turf and they don't. Can you say socialism? I can.
* Common sense alert...If I move by an airport, I can expect to hear planes. If I move by a school, I can expect to hear activity around the school. Can someone please explain this to the folks around Oak Park-River Forest High School? First, they are afraid of lights - for more reasons than one - and now they are afraid of human sound on a bright Saturday afternoon. Please note folks, the mental health bus is just a phone call away.
* The u-16 Eclipse Select won the USYSA National League last week in Dallas. Visit the club's new web site at http://www.eclipselect.org for more details.
* Libertyville went to South Carolina to train, and Waubonsie Valley went to Georgia. I want to know which team is going to be the first to train in Mexico over spring break? It's only a matter of time.
* St. Ignatius coach Aaron Carpenter is helping one of his former players collect gently used cleats, uniforms, balls and shin guards for a mission in Haiti. Visit http://www.haitianhealthfoundation.org or email Carpenter at aaron.carpenter@ignatius.org for more details.
- Joe Trost
Cell Phone Alerts
Hey Joe,
Are you on the Eclipse payroll? Do you get paid to advertise for that club as you do so often? How many of those Eclipse players support your Pepsi Showdown? You confuse your less soccer-educated readers by mixing club with IHSA . . . but I suppose that's what you want to do. In the end, when there's only Eclipse, there will be no high school soccer and there will be nothing for you to write about . . . which may be just fine.
TROST RESPONDS: Thanks for reading!
I can only speak for Libertyville, but there are 4 Eclipse players on the field;with a couple of more playing for Vernon Hills. They don't all play year round.
As for mexico next year - please don't give the girls any ideas.