Nasser Shahtaji has been around since I began covering soccer in 1995.
But how many people know about Shahtaji? How many people know the amount of time he dedicated to the Homewood-Flossmoor soccer programs during the 1990s? How many people know the amount of time he's dedicated to the Marian Catholic programs? How many times has the IHSSCA honored him?
Shahtaji's team advanced to the Lincoln-Way Central Sectional Final on Monday in what will be Shahtaji's final season as head coach at Marian Catholic. But here's the ironic twist - he could be facing his former program, H-F, if the Vikings knock off Andrew on Tuesday night.
You want a storyline - there is none better than this one come Thursday night.
Shahtaji's children were solid high school players, and he's given so much back to the sport over the past decade.
Quietly with class - just like their coach - Marian has made a run. It really is a great story.
- Joe Trost
















Comments
Coach Nasser is indeed a class act who runs a classy program to boot.
Posted by: Kevin Stow | May 20, 2008 7:49 PM
Joe, great article! I'm glad that my dad has gotten some recognition and that it's come from you.
He truly loves the game of soccer and it translates into his passion for coaching. My allegiance has shifted to MC since my dad took over there. Go Spartans!
Posted by: Alan Shahtaji | May 21, 2008 5:02 PM