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“Soccer Sweeper”
Who could have forgot the wrath of their father’s voice on the soccer field. His voice was almost gone after every practice……he was firm…..he was right most of the time……and he taught us boys to be men. Perhaps that is where it all started for his own kids, but I wasn’t around their family to really know the real story. However, I do want to talk about two of his kids if you give me 5 minutes. Do you mind…….all I need is 5 minutes and the content on this digital paper will come to life real fast.
When I was 14 I was on freshman soccer like the rest of the world, however it was always a treat to watch the varsity games as a youngster. The varsity squad at GBN was a solid program and the coach “Doc” was a legend on and off the field. In fact,”Doc” was a force and was not interested in cream puffs on the field. I think we all learned to respect and listen to him real fast. Now let’s get back to the varsity squad and talk about a few players I will never forget.
The sweeper is a position that entails the most work because “you do it all”. Very few can really play this role and nobody seems to really fulfill all that is involved in this position. The sweeper at the varsity level was a big white haired kid back in the day (Jim)……..he had that soccer hair…..horse legs…..tall……….and moved with grace all over the field. He looked like a bruit out there, but he floated on his feet…..was always in the right place…….at the right time……and giving the ball to the right person. His white hair could be seen from miles away bouncing as each foot hit each blade of freshly cut grass. The kid was a force and later became an all American.
His little brother “Brian” was not so little. He also became an all American…..he was also tall……but had a different style for the game we call soccer. He had long strides……..could push the ball up field fast……..and never looked like he was moving but ohhhh he was. He also created opportunities in the back field and in the front for those around him. What I remember most about Brian was he was thin and took no crap from anyone on the field who was bigger. No kid was too big for Brian to run right through.
Through all of this was a raspy voice in the crowd and a voice echoed coming from a tall blonde haired man….their father. Now this dude was tough……..firm……..and a damn good father. His kids today are successful……good people……and it has a ton to do with Don. Good moms and dads take their kids all kinds of places when they are out of the house. Don did a good job…….and I never forgot his firmness…..I grew up the same way. However, I am not sure I am a Brian or Jim……….but I am a Brad. Cheers to the Don’s of the world. Do you have a Don in your life…….you should?
By Bradley D. Weisman
bweisman@inthesport.net www.inthesport.net
Approved by Edison Nation www.edisonnation.com
When I was 14 I was on freshman soccer like the rest of the world, however it was always a treat to watch the varsity games as a youngster. The varsity squad at GBN was a solid program and the coach “Doc” was a legend on and off the field. In fact,”Doc” was a force and was not interested in cream puffs on the field. I think we all learned to respect and listen to him real fast. Now let’s get back to the varsity squad and talk about a few players I will never forget.
The sweeper is a position that entails the most work because “you do it all”. Very few can really play this role and nobody seems to really fulfill all that is involved in this position. The sweeper at the varsity level was a big white haired kid back in the day (Jim)……..he had that soccer hair…..horse legs…..tall……….and moved with grace all over the field. He looked like a bruit out there, but he floated on his feet…..was always in the right place…….at the right time……and giving the ball to the right person. His white hair could be seen from miles away bouncing as each foot hit each blade of freshly cut grass. The kid was a force and later became an all American.
His little brother “Brian” was not so little. He also became an all American…..he was also tall……but had a different style for the game we call soccer. He had long strides……..could push the ball up field fast……..and never looked like he was moving but ohhhh he was. He also created opportunities in the back field and in the front for those around him. What I remember most about Brian was he was thin and took no crap from anyone on the field who was bigger. No kid was too big for Brian to run right through.
Through all of this was a raspy voice in the crowd and a voice echoed coming from a tall blonde haired man….their father. Now this dude was tough……..firm……..and a damn good father. His kids today are successful……good people……and it has a ton to do with Don. Good moms and dads take their kids all kinds of places when they are out of the house. Don did a good job…….and I never forgot his firmness…..I grew up the same way. However, I am not sure I am a Brian or Jim……….but I am a Brad. Cheers to the Don’s of the world. Do you have a Don in your life…….you should?
By Bradley D. Weisman
bweisman@inthesport.net www.inthesport.net
Approved by Edison Nation www.edisonnation.com
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