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

But one of the greatest things in life is the chance to meet new people, build new friendships and memories that will last a lifetime. Whether it's on the field or off, I'm sure everyone can relate to that thought.

Last week, seven of us traveled to Playa, Mexico for an eight-day trip. But when it was all said and done, that number grew to 20 people who will be connected for the rest of their lives.

Coming from a family whose father created and has owned a home health care agency since 1984, I always hope that would never be the case. When it comes to soccer or any sport for that matter, the main focus should be helping the athlete recover as quickly and safely as possible so they can get back to what they love doing the most - playing.

On Thursday night, I was a guest of AthletiCo at the Bears-Saints game. I've used AthletiCo before when I've been hurt, and at times, I felt like the place was my second home earlier this year.

As I was walking out of Solider Field, I turned to my buddy, who played and coaches soccer, and said, "You can tell everyone at AthletiCo loves their job. From the top down, those people make the company and it's easy to see why every major sports organization in Chicago uses them."

Keep that in mind the next time you select a physical therapist.

As I was working out at XSport this past Saturday morning, I was flipping through the Chicago Sun-Times and there was another perfectly placed story with the CPS Sports Administration Office talking about another embarrassment.

Great job CPS communications department.

You released the news on Friday to make sure it got in Saturday's news. No one really pays attention to the news between Friday night and Sunday morning, so another CPS humiliation was buried.

But hey - that's what I'm here for. I don't want you to miss a CPS story and neither does the CPS communications department:

http://www.suntimes.com/news/education/1317294,CST-NWS-paddle06.article

http://sports.espn.go.com/highschool/rise/soccer/news/story?id=3744467

More to come Friday when I finally get to the week-long point.

Before I give you my thoughts, I want yours regarding this - how involved should parents be in the college recruiting process?

It shouldn't take a so-called special day on the calendar for people to be thankful. Holidays are great, but at times people forget there are hundreds of days throughout the year when you can be just as thankful or celebrate. Each time a soccer player goes to practice and steps on a field, he or she should be thankful. Every coach and parent should be just as thankful to be there for that moment.

Christ, I'm thankful to be here writing this at this moment.

Enjoy the holiday, but remember the feeling on Friday, in January and next summer.

Tomorrow, as they say, is never promised.

Meet two junior players from Lyons - Hope Spangler and Billy McGuinness. These are just two players that will be showcased on Friday at the Sports Zone in Melrose Park.

But, I will admit, putting together the Pepsi Showdown College Showcase has opened my eyes to a lot things. The amount of emails and calls I've taken over the past week makes me wonder if people read basic directions anymore.

One interesting email I received came from Marlene Bjornsrud, CEO and Co-Founder of the Bay Area Women's Sports Initiative and Julie Foudy Sports Leadership Academy based in Santa Clara, Calif.

He will be in attendance for the Pepsi Showdown College Showcase on Friday at the Sports Zone in Melrose Park.

Meet Wheaton North's Amy Larque and Carmel's Jessica Gilstrap, who are just two junior defenders that will be showcased on Nov. 28 at the Sports Zone in Melrose Park.