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If Alonso Flores walked down Main St. in Naperville, there wouldn't be a sole that would recognize the 2008 Sun-Times Boys Soccer Player of the Year.
That's fine, Flores doesn't need the attention. Anyone who didn't see the Bloom forward play last season or the previous three, it's their loss.
Flores recorded 49 goals last fall and is now headed to the University of Wisconsin-Green Bay. He recently signed his National Letter of Intent with Bloom head coach Kelly Gutierrez (left) and athletic director Joe Reda (right).
"In a coach's career, you're lucky to get a player who is talented on the field, in the classroom and is such a pleasure to coach," Gutierrez said. "Alonso is that kid. I hope that in my career, I can get at least one more kid like him."
Flores' signing was not only big for the Bloom community, but the Hispanic community as a whole.
Flores' play on the field and hard work in the classroom opened the door to a college scholarship. It's a great story, because more times than not some of the area's best Hispanic players don't go on to play at the next level for one reason or another.
Prior to becoming athletic director at Bloom, Reda was the head boys soccer coach at Bremen. He led the Braves to conference titles and sectional finals appearances during his tenure in the 1990s.
He knows soccer, but more than that - he cares about his students.
Reda and I have spent hours on the phone over the years, agreeing to disagree. I've learned a lot from Reda, who also was a sports reporter at one time.
Whether it's a bowler, soccer player or chess wiz, Reda goes out of his way to help any student at Bloom. He did just that for Flores over the years, even driving him for college visits.
That support is a big reason why Flores will be playing at the next level. And there's not a dollar amount in the world that could match what that support meant for Flores and his future.
- Joe Trost
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Wis. Green Bay? You would think the Sun Times player of the year would get a better gig than that. Other than the fact this horizon league team has not made the NCAA tourney in the last 27 years, perhaps Flores will turn things around. Maybe some of the bigger/more well known/successful programs didn't want to take a chance on him? I'm confused.
Do you know how many Players of the Year have gone to major programs and quit after one year or transferred? Why do you have to go to a major program? If I don't drive a BMW, I'm not rich? I know what you are trying to say, but you missed the bigger picture of the blog. It's great to see Hispanic players going on to play at the next level. There are too many of them in the area that don't each year for one reason or another.
Joe - relax. Take a deep breath. I'm not missing the bigger picture. It's a nice story. I'm trying to figure out the story behind the story. You don't have to go to a major program to be "successful". But when you are the best, you strive to play with and against the best not - that's all I'm trying to get at. I know a bunch of factors go into this type of decision, so I'm just wondering out loud here and looking for an answer.
Annon,
You may want to get your facts right. Loyola, UIC, and Wisconsin-Milwaukee are all Horizon League teams and all have gone to the NCAA tournament in the past 5 years. In fact UIC and Loyola both were in the tournament in 2007. UIC lost in the Quarter-Finals in overtime to North Carolina. Loyola lost to Northwestern in PK's in the first round. I also believe that UIC finished ranked #11 in the country by the NSCAA/Adidas poll. In addition Loyola and UIC had players invited to this year's MLS combine. As a result Baggio Husidic from UIC was selected in the second round by the Chicago Fire. Lastly you have no idea why Alonso Flores picked the University of Wisconsin at Green-Bay. Why even attempt to rain on his parade by even suggesting that he is going to be playing sub-par or inferior Division I soccer. By the way where did you play your collegiate soccer? Best of luck to Alonso!
Look, I'm happy for the kid OK? I'm talking about the school HE is going to, not UIC or Loyola or other teams in the league. Get your facts straight, UW Green Bay has not gone to the tournament in 27 years. That's a fact. Maybe the kid can take them there? We'll see. But can't someone have an opinion or ask a question without having personal attacks rained down on them? Geezzz.....
Everyone needs to calm down a bit... Alonso is a very good player and I am sure there were a lot of decisions that helped way in on his decision. As a former college player myself, it is never easy. Grades, financial support, level of the program, did he get seen...too many unknowns...
Who else was looking at him, did he want a big or small school, did he want to play immediately or have to wait... lots ride on college decisions and not everyone thinks the same way.
You all have valid points, but again, everyone has wished him good luck and should!!!