Dear Joe,

First of all, my family & I appreciate very much your kind words about us and Marian Catholic. We are very grateful to you for recognizing our efforts at your "Corner Kicks."

Well, with H-F's victory over Andrew yesterday, the stage is set.

I always have mixed emotions when Marian Catholic plays H-F. As you mentioned, coaching there for several years, Alan, Eric & Pamela (my three children) played and led the teams as captains. It gives me that special feeling about the game. Although, the above factors are just history, I have to remember that my wife is a graduate of H-F, too!!

Hopefully, the outcome of tomorrow's game won't be the same as 1999's (when Marian lost to Lincoln-Way in its only sectional finals appearance in school history). H-F is a solid team with no weaknesses, with an outstanding keeper, extremely tough defenders, very smart , skillful mid and forwards who play very well with ball and without ball.

They deserve to be recognized among the top teams in state. Todd (Elkei) and Vince (Bove) work very hard with their team and both of them are very dedicated coaches who strive to make H-F the best team in state.

Regards & thanks,

Nasser Shahtaji