August 2008 Archives

This is the so-called last official weekend of the summer.

You know what I say to that - whatever. Wasn't it 90-plus degrees last Columbus Day Weekend when people were dropping like flies during the Chicago Marathon?

Nevertheless, I'll be out scouting the site for the summer Pepsi Showdown (stay tuned) and then finding my way to a boat.

Here's the best storyline next Tuesday - St. Ignatius vs. Young. If the Wolfpack wins, it will be the 400th career win for coach Jim Luzzi. It also could come against former Wolfpack alum Ian McCarthy, who now coaches Young.

Enjoy the weekend...

Three entries into the 2008 season, and I'm all set to pick on the IHSA.

Honestly, I'm surprised it took this long. Like I said, this is kinder Trost this year.

In all seriousness, this is a major issue the IHSA needs to look at to even the playing field for all teams, all players and all coaches. (And for the record, I own Walgreens stock, so the IHSA is doing one thing right - see a compliment.)

Whether you love him or not, everyone knows who Jay Mariotti is.

I remember sitting in my english class senior year of high school at Lincoln-Way reading Mariotti on a daily basis. Nothing against my english teacher, but I learned more from reading Mariotti than I did debating what the heck Romeo and Juliet was really about.

Like many other outstanding reporters I've had the pleasure working with since starting in this business in 1995, Mariotti has moved on. So, too, has the Tribune's Dave Surico, who accepted a buyout last week.

Entering this season, one thing I plan to focus on is what players and teams are doing off the field.

Anyone who knows me well realizes this is something very important to me. It's easy to score a goal on the field for some, but how many people go the extra step off the field?

Many do, but far many more don't.

And in the end, a goal scored off the field is far more important than those scored on the field.

Ahhhh, a new year. Fresh start, new goals and rising stars to be born.

I actually thought about trying to soften my approach this year with the blog - a kindler, gentler side of Trost. I guess I did right there, so at least I tried.

And with that, here are some opening thoughts as we countdown to kickoff of the first big match of the year - Barrington vs. New Trier - tonight...

Former Providence and Chicago Magic star Brad Guzan, goalie for the U.S. Men's National Soccer Team, will blog throughout the Summer Games in China. And the only place you'll be able to find it is right here.

With that said, here's Guzan's final blog...

But don't say that to Larkin coach Ken Hall.

As many people expect, this could be a big year for the program.

Don't believe me or its No. 2 seed in the upcoming Pepsi Showdown? Then read for yourself...

For those looking, Brad Guzan, goalie for the U.S. Men's National Soccer Team, will continue his blog later today (Thursday). Internet access in the Olympic Village is sort of like the Chinese government's thinking - old-school - if you know what I mean.

It's so bad and so slow that Guzan was forced to send his last blog from his blackberry.

Maybe the Chinese should take $10 from the $300 million spent on the Opening Ceremonies and invest in AT&T service for one month.

But that would be common sense, sort of like democracy.

Former Providence and Chicago Magic star Brad Guzan, goalie for the U.S. Men's National Soccer Team, will blog throughout the Summer Games in China. And the only place you'll be able to find it is right here.

With that said, here's Guzan's fifth blog...

Former Providence and Chicago Magic star Brad Guzan, goalie for the U.S. Men's National Soccer Team, will blog throughout the Summer Games in China. And the only place you'll be able to find it is right here.

With that said, here's Guzan's fourth blog...

Brad Guzan, goalie for the U.S. Men's National Soccer Team, will blog throughout the Summer Games in China. And the only place you'll be able to find it is right here.

With that said, here's Guzan's third blog...

Brad Guzan, goalie for the U.S. Men's National Soccer Team, will blog throughout the Summer Games in China. And the only place you'll be able to find it is right here.

With that said, here's Guzan's second blog...

Brad Guzan, goalie for the U.S. Men's National Soccer Team, will blog throughout the Summer Games in China. And the only place you'll be able to find it is right here.

With that said, here's Guzan's first blog...