Oct. 9, 2002

Wedding Belmonts, Road Trips and Monty Python

Last week we had some great news come our way. It wasn't anything like a million dollar donation to the women's soccer team, although that would certainly be appreciated. If anyone has a spare million around, we would find a way to use it efficiently. It might even make our travel schedule a bit more workable. This news was something even better, if you can believe that. It has something to do with real life. One of our players, Sarah Baesler, was engaged to be married! Everyone was so excited for her. It brings everything into perspective when real life dares to enter the world of college students. Sarah is such a special girl, I am sure she will be happy. She has handled the situation admirably. Here is how I found out, Sarah: "Hey coach, can I speak with you for a minute." Coach: "Why certainly Sarah, I always have time for my student-athletes." Sarah: "Look at the size of the rock I got!"

I am only kidding. Sarah was very happy and shy about her news. I couldn't be happier for her family. I was the one who commented on the size of the rock. I think it could classify as a size five soccer ball. I wouldn't want to kick it however.

Back to soccer. One day you score as many goals as you wish and the next day they can be as hard to come by as the Holy Grail. We finally were able to play a home game for the first time in a month and did we ever need it. You don't realize the strain that traveling puts on a team. We opened the season at home and then traveled to FIU, Central Florida, Texas A&M, Texas Tech, Campbell and Georgia State. We finally get to play a conference game at home vs Belmont. Of course the next day we are driving to Tampa to play South Florida! Then Thursday we leave for Troy State and Mercer. I am beginning to think the road is my driveway. The kids are tired and it has taken a toll. Whoever does the scheduling needs to rethink their methods. Oh, wait a minute, that is me!

The Belmont game saw a strong offensive performance for the Owls. We scored ten goals and gave up zero. We were able to play the whole roster for the first time this year. Many of the girls were excited for the opportunity. The way we score goals, it is either feast or famine. Trina and Rhonda each scored two goals and we found a nice attacking rhythm. I hope this is a sign of things to come. The Boca United U-9 girl's team was in attendance and we signed autographs after the game. It was a great experience for all involved. The young girls really enjoyed the game and we hope to get more teams to come out to the games. Since we do not charge admission, it makes for a nice night or afternoon. I know the team appreciates the support of the community.

We drove to Tampa the next afternoon and had a team dinner at Brandi Herrmann's house in Seminole. A nice lasagna dinner went over well with the team. I personally went back two times to fill my plate. The guilt is still haunting me as I write this page. It was Brandi's 20th birthday so we even had a nice cake at the end of the dinner. I could easily put on 20 pounds at the end of the season by eating like this. Too late, already gained it.

The South Florida game was a difficult one. We fell behind 1-0 on a break away goal that included a cleverly disguised hand ball that the referee conveniently didn't see. Neither did the assistant referee. Unfortunately, I did see it and I couldn't do anything about it. We made some changes at half and then gave up a second goal a few minutes into the half. Down 2, I didn't think we would have the energy to come back. I was wrong as usual. This group fought hard and Trina scored a great goal to put us within reach. Multiple chances for both teams made the rest of the game far too exciting for me. We couldn't get the equalizer, but we certainly gave a strong effort. USF just came off a draw with Marquette, who is ranked 15 in the country, so they were playing with a good feeling. Soccer has a way of keeping you humble. Our thoughts must now turn to another road trip this Thursday. I just can't wait to get on the road again. Willy Nelson has nothing on the Owls. We have put on more miles than a South Florida ballot box. We are off to play two more conference games this weekend. It doesn't get any easier. Having said that, I can't wait for tomorrow.