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Someone asked me last week...What was the greatest high school girls game I had ever seen? I have seen a lot of very good games. The two games I will never forget actually involve former St. Charles and current Neuqua Valley coach Joe Moreau.
The first came in April 2000 when Lincoln-Way beat St. Charles 2-1 in New Lenox. A heel flick by Kristen Jedlo helped the Knights beat what was and probably always will be regarded to as the premier girls soccer program in Illinois (and the country at that time).
Fast forward to June 2005 when lightning struck in overtime of the Class AA title game at North Central College. Trailing 3-0 in the second half, Neuqua Valley rallied for six goals in an unbelievable second half to stun two-time defending tournament champion New Trier - which was the premier program in Illinois at that time.
The 2009 Dan Radz Media Award....Goes to all those coaches who couldn't take a second to phone in result to give their kids some pub this spring. Just wait until the fall.
I saw where...Waubonsie Valley coach Julie Bergstrom said this after the Warriors loss to Naperville North in sectional play: "These seniors when, it is all said and done, they had an incredible run," Bergstrom said. "That is something that will always be there. That group of seniors I think put Waubonsie Valley soccer on the map." The former H-F and Northwestern standout is 100 percent correct...about the first part of her quote. But when I read the second part of the sentence, I picked up the phone, called a coach and said, "Am I reading this right?" I know Bergstrom was trying to praise this group of seniors for everything they've done - and they've accomplished a lot. But Waubonsie Valley soccer never fell off the map. Former coach Judy Keller put it on the map, and while it may have had a few bumps, it's always been known as a big-time program.
The phone rang the other day....And a coach said to me, look at their schedule. I said, "I know." Don't you wish you knew who we were referring to? Some people need to step the competition up, because they are cheating and misleading their parents and players in the big picture.
For years I've been saying...there was going to be a time when a team that wins the IHSA tournament won't be No. 1 in the final Sun-Times rankings. Coaches thought I was nuts saying this, but over the past three days I received countless calls and emails from coaches, parents and former players saying a number of things and actually agreeing. The point is this might be the year that happens. And that's not to discredit anyone, but it's just common sense. Rankings are an entire season, not just one game or one tournament.
Have you had a chance...to look at the Illinois High School Soccer Coaches Association All-State list (www.ihssca.com)? It's loaded with forwards. When I sat down to look at all the lists, I noticed the same thing - strong year for forwards. But that doesn't mean there weren't good midfielders or defenders this year. I always think it's too bad no one has come up with a stat for defenders. Sadly, we live in a stat-driven society on most days.
Pete Ternes...another coach I was wish was still around. He always had a classic line or two each season to me and countless officials.
One thing about being in this position...Is making sure you communicate and respond as quickly as possible. But on Wednesday when I responded to a parent's email at 10:55 p.m. when I was walking out of dinner at Gibson's, I said to myself, "Does anyone else respond to emails 24-7?" There are times at night when I'll wake up, check the blackberry and respond to an email at 3:07 a.m. That's when I remind myself, this is high school soccer.
More to come...
- Joe Trost
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aw, Joe - you're usually correct with your facts - but the April 2000 goal between St.Charles and LincolnWay was scored by Kristen Jedlo. Becca Toepke scored the 1st goal and Jedlo did the backwards heel flick. (so much for living in the past).
I did pull up the article and you are correct.
"Rankings are an entire season, not just one game or one tournament. "
Obviously some of your fellow sports writers in other sports don't quite agree. For example in Baseball, Brother Rice was 30-0 as late as last week and and was ranked at the top most of the season and considered one of the top teams nationally. But you lose and and you drop out of the top. It's not rocket science.
The top team in Illinois is the team that wins the state tournament. It's that simple.
Some agree, some don't. It's the way the world works. Many more agree than don't, but some are afraid to make the change. It's so much easier to do the same old thing. It's called a comfort level. Have a great weekend.
Hey Joe. A few years ago @ the Pepsi shootout I asked where Coach Brian Papa was with wins in both Boys & Girls soccer. The IHSA records page looks like it is still a few years behind in tracking his wins for both the men and the ladies. I am wondering how close he is to his 1000 (yes one-thousandth) high school soccer win and also how close he is to taking over the lead in each of the respective categories. Although I am biased, his 1993 boys team from Sandburg was the best I have ever seen. Thanks for all you do.
Thanks Joe. I miss all of you as well. What I really miss is my coaches sock-tan by the beginning of the summer. Now I have no tan spending most of my days with my 3-week old son. Yes, number 3.
See you soon and remember, I am always watching and one day, I will be back!!!