January 2009 Archives

I have to admit, I thought this "In The Bleachers" cartoon was dead-on today.

bleachers1.pdf

Now to today's issue: Is the 2009 girls class down or are colleges being picky?

After being in Miami over the weekend, there's no doubt I'm ready for summer. Forget spring, let's jump to summer.

All right, some news and notes - with more details to come in upcoming blogs:

1. Finally, the Chicago Fire has done something right. The struggling franchise has hired Mike Matkovich as an assistant coach, as well as an advisor for the Chicago Fire Academy.

2. Jim Johns - done at Neuqua Valley. More details to come on his dismissal.

3. Eclipse dropped to No. 2 in the latest Soccer America girls national rankings, while the Chicago Magic continued its fall from No. 1 boys club during Matkovich's tenure to No. 5.

4. The Pepsi Showdown - powered by ComEd and sponsored by YourSeason.com - has a new logo. The 2009 girls tournament, which is the largest in the country, will release its bracket next week on its redesigned web site - pepsishowdown.us. The event is hosted by Oak Park-River Forest High School.

Avi Stopper, former coach at the University of Chicago and founder of www.CaptainU.com - a Chicago-based company that makes recruiting software for high school athletes, their parents, and club and high school coaches - will be providing recruiting insight for coaches and players each Monday.

Outside of Lincoln-Way East's Brian Papa, Downers South's Barry Jacobson, Eclipse Select director Rory Dames , Naperville North's Al Harris and U.S. National Team coach Mike Matkovich, there probably isn't another person in the country I turn to more than Neuqua Valley coach Joe Moreau when I'm debating a subject.

Moreau and I have agreed to disagreed so many times, I've lost count. Most of the time he's disagreeing with me, calling me crazy, but that's for another blog. I've always turned to people with experience - not just from an age standpoint but from having dealt with different situations.

But now, Moreau is the new President of the Illinois High School Soccer Coaches Association. (I still can't believe Obama overshadowed this, but that's what I'm here for.) Some will say it should be President Moreau, but call me bias, I like President Joe better.

There's no doubt Tuesday was a historic day for America. It's been a long time coming, and I actually can't wait for the first time when a woman is elected President of the United States, too. It's sad that it's 2009 and that hasn't happened yet.

Everyone is equal - period. And for those that don't think so, you can get on a boat and get lost.

There are times when I'm jealous of my grandparents, knowing they've seen so much change during their lives. Seriously, think about how much has changed in America since 1900 or even 1950?

It's pretty awesome to think about, and it's something many of us take for granted. I'm really curious to see how Tuesday and days like 9-11 are talked about in history classes in years to come.

But I'm also curious about a couple other things.....soccer related...

Avi Stopper, former coach at the University of Chicago and founder of www.CaptainU.com - a Chicago-based company that makes recruiting software for high school athletes, their parents, and club and high school coaches - will be providing recruiting insight for coaches and players each Monday.

As national signing day approaches, here are a couple more commitments.

But here's the main question - are college commitments for the 2009 class down compared to recent years?

I say yes...and the statistics, as you'll see later this week, back up that stance.

And the emails continue to roll in with who is headed where this fall...

With the official signing date right around the corner, Cornerkicks will be adding names as they come in. Make sure to check out the annual soccer recruiting story coming soon in the Sun-Times.

Avi Stopper, former coach at the University of Chicago and founder of www.CaptainU.com - a Chicago-based company that makes recruiting software for high school athletes, their parents, and club and high school coaches - will be providing recruiting insight for coaches and players each Monday.

Vacation and the holidays are always nice, but they are rough, too. It's tough to get into the mode, but once you do, it's tough to get out of it.

But man, do we have a lot to talk about. So let's get into it with some college selections...

Avi Stopper, former coach at the University of Chicago and founder of www.CaptainU.com - a Chicago-based company that makes recruiting software for high school athletes, their parents, and club and high school coaches - will be providing recruiting insight for coaches and players each Monday.