Facebook App
To this day, I remember talking to Wheaton Academy coach Chip Huber after Providence's 2-1 victory in a Class A sectional final. All Huber could do was shake his head and laugh when Brad Guzan's name was mentioned.
"Man, Joe, he's a stud," said Huber, referring to the 6-3, 205-pound sweeper who was the true man-among-boys during his high school career.
Prior to the Class A playoffs that year, I wrote a feature about Guzan, who actually played out of position his entire high school career.
The headline of that story was "The Intimidator." He was all year, and was again on that night when he drilled a one-timer home from 35 yards out for the game-winning goal in the Lemont Sectional.
With each passing year, the former Providence, Chicago Magic and University of South Carolina star continues to show why high school and club are the perfect match - despite their on-again, off-again love-hate relationship for one another.
I spoke to Guzan from England on Thursday morning. I joked with the 23-year-old that every time I talk to him, it seems as though he's moving up the ranks.
Guzan knows the challenges today's teenage players are facing with the club vs. high school debate. While things have changed compared to five years ago when year-round club was starting to take off, Guzan said he has no regrets to this day.
"I played high school and club and loved both of them," Guzan said. "I was able to play high school with my friends and that's something I'll always have. Things have changed, and today players have to make the decision that is best for them. But I'm glad I made the decision to play both."
Guzan's comments echo what former Lincoln-Way and Chicago Magic standout Ned Grabavoy said two weeks ago when he was in town to play against the Chicago Fire. Grabavoy also played high school and club and has advanced to the next level.
- Joe Trost
Cell Phone Alerts
Comments
High School would not be so bad if the coaches understood how to get something out of the players. Even with the best clubs they do not train 5-6 days a week for 3 hours a day.
Posted by: BD - CR | July 22, 2008 7:30 AM
Joe , I like your article but don't you think it would be smart to mention that Guzan is now playing in the Premier League for Aston Villa and stands a great chance of being their starting goalkeeper.
I think it would add more credibility to your point.
TROST RESPONDS: Well, if you read my story in the paper or online, you already know that. It was a blog created from that story.
Posted by: jw7451 | July 23, 2008 12:00 AM
You're right I do already know I'm talking about people that don't
Posted by: jw7451jwhigham60 | July 23, 2008 11:38 PM
Joe, Guzan and Grabavoy ought to lecture all high school seniors (or even juniors) who consider foregoing a final hurrah with their prep teams. You only have one more chance to play for your school, and with your friends, as a senior, and Guzan and Grabavoy both explain well why it was important to them to finish their prep careers. More power to them and let incoming seniors who have a sense of entitlement look to two who have had great success for end-of-high school inspiration.
Posted by: Expost editor | July 27, 2008 3:35 PM