Facebook App
Some people may not like his style, saying it's outdated. But when it comes to soccer, there is no bigger personality in the game today than Brother Rice's Nick Markulin.
The old-school coach barks more than any other on the sidelines, but he's the type of coach I would've loved to play for. Brother Rice takes on Sandburg Tuesday night in Flossmoor, and it will be interesting to see two of the most competitive coaches in the South Suburbs - Sandburg's Jack Ferraro and Markulin - go at it.
I can already see it now, the comments from no-namers saying coaches don't need to yell.
I'm not saying that.
What I'm saying is that the styles Markulin and Ferraro use have helped secure a combined 40 sectional appearances. Brother Rice will make its state record 23rd sectional appearance, while Sandburg is making its17th.
There's no doubt, the region the programs have gone through over the years have inflatted those numbers, but still - that's impressive.
"Some people may say the South Side is down, but you can't take away tradition," Markulin said. "Brother Rice and Sandburg have been around a long time, and I'm sure it will be a good game again on Tuesday."
The showdown will mark the first time the perennial powerhouses have met since they squared off three consecutive times in the postseason between 2001-2003.
- Joe Trost
Cell Phone Alerts
I love these two coaches. I can handle the yelling. Some referees can't though.
"The old-school coach barks more than any other on the sidelines, but he's the type of coach I would've loved to play for".
Joe - talk to some of his former players - my husband played for him in the 70's - went on to be named to the all catholic team and earned a scholarhip for soccer to college and played on a semi pro team for years - however TO THIS DAY - he talks about how ABUSIVE this guy was - and my husband is now over 50 - so sorry - TOTALLY disagree with you on this
Not everyone is going to like every coach they play for. It's like the real world, you may not like every teacher or boss you have. I've talked to hundreds of players who can't say enough about coaches, and some that can't say anything nice. To each their own.
I was close to that guy during the Br.Rice-Neuqua game.We could hear him at the sophomore field as he screamed and yelled abuse at his varsity players who gave their all.Several NV sophomore parent were laughing at this guys hystryonics.The contrast between Tony Kees and Markulin could not have been greater. He is verbally abusive and immediately struck me as a bully. His tactical sense of the game seemed very poor and his mentality seems rooted in the 70's version of the game. I think Br.Rice need to think about replacing this guy.
Every style is different. Markulin is one of the all-time winningest coaches in Illinois.
A monkey can coach Tony Kees team.
Not true BR.....there was possibly more talent on last years NV team
*I too played for Markulin and he can be quit abrasive but he pushed me to be a much better player. I compare him to Bobby Knight you love him or hate him.
*Neuqua could beat quit a few college programs with their talent level this season. Hom many high school programs do you know have 5 legit Div I recruits on their roster? Only answer I could come up with was an elite club team. I coached against Neuqua this season and they are the best high school team I have ever seen. I have coached in the area for 10 years and they are by far the best all around team during that time.