buon pomeriggio, coach

It's a little after 12:30 right now and I'm sitting her at my job, doing nothing...like always. It's pretty boring but it's easy and pays well. I'm helping some guy who works for my dad manage and inspect a $1.3 million dollar road project here in Fort Wayne. Anyway, soccer is going pretty well...I have a game tonight for a 6v6 team we started. Jeff Diebel, Chris Kiester and I make up the Wabash influence, and we have some guys who we played against in high school that now play for IPFW playing with us. One of my best buddies from high school, Blake Sharpe, who plays for University of Southern Florida is playing with us too. Also, on the weekends I play with the Saint Francis team, we usually have a game on saturday and/or sunday.

I haven't had any chance to play on that right wing that you so much envision me running, haha..pretty used to the center, those out of bound lines scare me somethin terrible.. I've been running around my addition after work and doing some lifting and lotsa ball work, but I haven't received a paycheck yet so I can't join the gym until Friday.

My sister and her husband had their baby, a little girl! That makes me: CRAZY UNCLE GREG. Ha, she's awesome, her name is Grace Rose-Marie Freimuth. She was 9 lbs and 9oz when she was born. My sister had to have a C-section since she was such a plumper. Well, last Christmas I bought the baby a small foam black n white soccer ball thinking it would be a boy and I could start him out real young. But, Grace still loves the ball mainly because it has the contrasting colors and baby's are interested in that kind of stuff. So I'm kind of hypnotizing her with the ball every chance I get.

Well, it's time for me to start doing some stuff out in the sun. I'll talk to you later, all the best over the summer. Keep in touch. Cya

-Greg Ridenour

Posted by Roberto Giannini at 01:39 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Amid working every day and everything else, I've been fortunate enough to see every game of the World Cup thus far. Earlier in the spring, in anticipation up to this year's tournament, I started watching games I had taped from the Cup in 2002 (I know, it's lame). I have to say the play in this Cup has been a lot better and more exciting thus far (unless you are a U.S. or France fan). There have been only two goalless games, and if anyone saw the T&T v. Sweden game, they saw a group of players from Trinidad and Tobago become national heroes by fending off a very talented Sweden team. Shaka Hislop (who played in the F.A. Cup Final against Liverpool, losing only on penalties (I was surprised the commentators didn't mention that)) had a truly world class game. That game didn't need any goals. I'd like to see if T&T can keep it up. And what a game the Australians had! They were tremendous. Down a goal the whole game until about ten minutes to go in the second half, they put up three goals to win 3-1. You were unfortunate if you missed that one. 

I believe the quality of the teams this year is much better as well. All of the African teams, while none have won a game so far, have performed very well against some very good teams, and are making it hard for them to win. What makes them impressive is that this group does not include any of the traditional African powers like Cameroon or Nigeria. I'd like to see Holland play again. They only scored once against Serbia-Montenegro, but they could do very well if they find a good rhythym. Back to Trinidad and Tobago. I was surprised at how fit they were. Usually weaker teams get worn down by the end of the game, especially against good teams like Sweden, but they seemed to be going strong until the end. I thought Mexico played very well. Once they found their rhythym against Iran, they showed that they are a very good team (and they did it without a strong performance from their star, Jared Borgetti). Watch for them to get far in the tournament. With the way that teams like Argentina, Germany, Italy, and the Czech Republic have played thus far, though, I would not expect as many surprises as the last tournament. These teams are running on all cylinders and playing some incredible soccer. If they can stay injury free, be cautious in tabbing Brazil to repeat as champions. 

Some disappointments for me in this first round have been England and the United States. While Paraguay did not pose much of a threat to England, the English should have performed much better. They couldn't get anything going and their only goal came off of a Paraguayan player. Steven Gerrard is way too much of a talent to have playing as a holding/defensive midfielder, which is what they had him at until very late in the game. I think England could do a lot better if they had a lone striker with five midfielders, one with mainly a defensive role. This would free up Lampard and Gerrard more in the attack without losing any defensive presence.

Lampard and Gerrard are arguably to of the most talented midfielders in the tournament and freeing them up offensively would be deadly for opposing teams. If Sven has to have a 4-4-2, BENCH BECKHAM. Bring Hargreaves on, and move Gerrard out to the right. Outside of free kicks and crosses, Beckham isn't that great of a player. Gerrard is speedier, better defensively, is a great passer, and has an amazing shot. Also, both he and Lampard are great from free kicks. England wouldn't lose much by benching Beckham. If this English team can get their stuff together, I would expect to see them in the final game. If not, well, they could be sent packing early. 

I was really disappointed with the way the U.S. played against the Czechs. After Claudio Reyna's shot struck the post, they looked very unenthused and didn't get anything together. Eddie Johnson's substitute appearance gave the team a spark, but it was a bit too late. But I don't think the players are all to blame, though. I was really surprised to see the line up that Bruce Arena put out to play. He essentially had three of the same players in Beasley, Convey, and Lewis starting the game, with Beasley on the playing on the right, which is his weak side. This didn't make much sense to me when Arena could have placed Donovan or Dempsey, both very talented players on the right, with Beasley on the left. I was also surprised with his choice for twin strikers with McBride and Donovan. In my opinion, he had Donovan playing too high. Donovan is at his best making runs out of the midfield and playing off of a high target striker.

He only had one such memorable play. I think Arena would have done much better having Donovan and Beasley as attacking wingers, playing off of McBride, making runs out of the midfield, and keeping the attack wide. Beasley and Donovan are fast enough that if they get enough space, they can really open up a defense. If Arena has to have twin strikers, I think he would be better served putting Johnson or Wolff next to McBride, or playing with Donovan in between Reyna and McBride. Either way, they need to figure it out because Italy are one of the most formidable teams in the tournament, and the result could be a lot worse if the U.S. plays the same way against them. One of the reasons the U.S. did so well in the last tournament is because they had good players that other teams weren't familiar with. I'd like to see more playing time for players like Johnson, Dempsey, and Ching. 

The Bottom Line: The U.S. and England need to get their stuff together; Watch out for Australia and Mexico; Expect to see Italy, the Czechs, Germany, or Argentina in the final game(granted they don't face each other beforehand); don't expect to see Brazil in the final game (but don't hold me to that).

Posted by Roberto Giannini at 01:33 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Ben R. Esbaum

Yes, it is finally time for the World Cup. There has been much talk here about the Ecuadorian prospects for their second World Cup appearance. Although I haven't particularly bought into most of it, today was certainly impressive. Unfortunately, we were on our way to Machala from Portovelo for seventy minutes of the game. We thankfully had enough reception in the mountains to listen to the radio broadcast of the game. We arrived to our hotel in Machala to catch the last twenty minutes of the game, and were able to see the second goal for Ecuador and the two near goals by Poland, both off the posts. Following the game, we took to the streets, like the rest of those watching with us. We watched in a banquet room of the hotel, which was nice because of the enormous projection screen but a little disappointing in that it wasn't as rowdy and enthusiastic as a bar might have been. Machala is quite a bit smaller than Quito, to say the least, and this time instead of being stared at as gringos, we were assumed to be from Poland. This was an awesome experience because tons of people were yelling either in support of Ecuador or against Poland towards us. It is great to be an environment with so much enthusiasm for soccer. Even older women made comments in support of Ecuador and I can't describe in words how hilarious it is to be yelled at in another language by a guy driving a truck full of his friends with one hand out the window holding his beer.

I'm sure as the next week unfolds and more group play continues more stories will be told of watching games and the intense soccer atmosphere down here.

But there is much more to this trip than soccer. As part of the Globalization module, we have visited mines, flower plantations, and various markets, and have met several mayors. This morning we started out in Zaruma. We had breakfast at Orquidiario Galves for a typical Ecaudorian country breakfast. From there we visited a mine in town, for a brief video presentation, and then returned to Portovelo to see the processing portion of the mining industry. We were able to see the manual process of sifting through ground up ore for gold, and interestingly enough the beginning of the mercury amalgamation process. Which given the highly toxic nature of mercury, it was interesting, although not really surprising, to see one of the miners handle it without gloves. We have read a lot about environmental and worker safety issues surrounding these industries and being able to actually see them in person is pretty interesting.

At most of these visits, it is really hard to gauge the truthfulness of the information presented to us. Many of the mayors and other influential people we have met have stressed the importance of national transparency, and at these visits to mines and flower plantations, we have seen the problem firsthand. Fortunately, the presence of Ben G., "Benjamín Grande," and Adrian, we have been able to get some really candid responses to many of our most important questions. They are seriously invaluable on this trip. Although it is often funny to hear them say they are from Mexico instead of the U.S., they are able to relate to the workers on a personal level through being native speakers and are able to get real answers to our questions. Many of our most important questions would still be left unanswered if it weren't for them.

On a final note, the hospitality down here is amazing. There is no comparison to the treatment we receive while visiting many of these small towns and industrial centers. The people here greatly appreciate our group's interest in their local affairs and the beauty of their town and country. We have received countless drinks, meals, and care packages throughout our trips to various parts of the country. Some of these towns have to develop a stronger tourism market as a response to the poor performance of their other industries, so in a way we are jump starting that developing market. So visit Piñas!! But seriously, the small towns in Ecuador are amazing. Besides being much safer than the big city, the sense of community and friendliness of the people are huge pluses to the small town atmosphere.

Posted by Roberto Giannini at 06:30 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

The World Cup has started and some possible verdicts are already in the making. Unfortunately, the U.S. lost against the Czech Republic and that means that the game against my beloved Italy, this coming Saturday, is a "do-or-die" situation for the stars and stripes team.

I am cheering for the U.S. and I wish the best for my adopted nation. After all, I am an American citizen by naturalization, I live here, my wife is American  and I have always taken the side of the United States, no matter what. This time though, the team of my native country will be the opposition, the team to beat for any hope of advancing in the competition, which means that I won't be able to cheer for the old USA.

At the beginning of the competition and before the first game results, I was wishing for both Italy and the U.S. to advance to the next round of games, but in light of the recent results, it looks like that only one team, between Italy and the US, will have good chances to advance. A predicament that leaves me with no choice but to wish for an American defeat. I know that it will leave a bad taste in my mouth and sorrow for the excluded nation,  nevertheless, I can't even conceive an early departure for the AZZURRI at the World Cup and therefore Saturday it's a must win for Italy.

I hope you understand...

Posted by Roberto Giannini at 06:41 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Exactly one day, 17 hours and 20 minutes until the first match of the World Cup will start in Munich, Germany. The most watched sport event in the world is less than two days†away and I already can feel the adrenaline rushing through my veins as it always does every time the greatest sport on the planet gets together, every four years, for its biggest and†most celebrated party!

This will be the 11th World Cup that I watch. When I started, the cup name and its design were even different. Its name was Jules Rimet, named after the first FIFA (Federation Internationel du Football Association) president.†Brazil was finally awarded the cup permanently†in 1970, after winning it three times.

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My first TV journey with the World Cup (the one I vividly remember) started in 1966. A long time, about forty years. Every four years I would sit in front of the television to watch great players enchanting fans with great skills and unbelievable talent. All their names and moves are still fresh in my memory. Moore, Charlton, Hurst and Owen from England; Eusebio and Torres from Purtugal; Pele', Rivelino, Jairsinho, Tolstao, Gerson, Ronaldo and Romario from Brazil; Muller, Beckenbauer, Overmat, and Braitner from Germany; Cruijff, Neeskens, Rep, Suurbier, Krol, Van Basten, Gullit and Berkamp from Holland; Maradona, Kempes, Rocke, Passarella and Caniggia from Argentina; Rossi, Bettega, Tardelli, Cabrini, Causio, Conti, Zoff and Baggio from Italy, Platini, Giresse, Tigana, Zidane, Deschamps and Thuram from France, and many, many more.

Of course, the sweetest memory belongs to 1982, when Italy won its 3rd World Cup in Spain. I remember walking the streets of my home town, Bologna, in a trans the evening of the final. Hundreds of thousands of people dancing, diving into fountains, blowing their car horns, and a vivid memory of a soccer ball going up and down, launched up in the air and caught countless times by the two hundred thousand fans celebrating in the major square of the city. My heart was at peace. I was completely content. I touched the heavens and I will never forget it.

And you know what? Nobody got hurt. Nobody broke anything. No cars burned or shattered shop windows nor looting. Just a bunch of strangers hugging each other and crying together for something that an entire nation had waited for for more than 44 years!

For a person like me who gives most of his awaken moments (as well as some sleeping ones) to the sport that loves so much, that day meant the world to me. A feeling of accomplishment that it's impossible to describe unless you have felt it, in your heart, for anything in life.

My wish for the soccer World Cup this summer is to be played fairly, watched passionately, and celebrated peacefully. The most celebrated sport in the world can and must do this, as it did for me more than two decades ago.

 It's now only one day, 16 hours and 35 minutes away........

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Posted by Roberto Giannini at 06:36 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Gary Simkus

Ecuador is an amazing place with something new to learn about the culture, politics, community or language around every corner. Lets take language for example. Last week, I was talked with my host mother about the children that I have seen at night on every street corner doing jumping jacks and cart-wheels as they ask for money from the cars(the poverty of Ecuador is a story for another blog). When I was referring to the children, I had my palm parallel to the ground. Right away, my mother said, "No,No, No..." She explained to me that I only hold my palm parallel to the ground when I am talking about an animal. She said that I must hold my palm so that it is facing outward (like in karate, when you are getting ready to cut a piece of wood in half with your hand)when I am referring to a human. When I was talking about the children on the corner, I was calling them little animals which is an insult to any human being. I still catch myself using the wrong hand gesture sometimes.

This past weekend, the Politics and Globalization module and I visited the Otavalo market place, which is the most famous market in Ecuador. Unfortunately, we went on Sunday so the textile market was the only one out of five markets that were open. But I think we all spent plenty of money there anyway. After Otavalo, we went to Cayembe to stay at Hacienda Guachala which is the oldest hacienda in Ecuador and built around 1560.There we met with Ing. Diego Bonif‡z the City Mayor of Cayambe, and the owner of the hacienda. Bonif‡z was very interesting and intelligent man the hear speak. He even stayed to talk after the meeting while everyone was enjoying playing cards and swimming in his pool.

Monday, we went to Catacachi for a meeting with Mayor Auki TituaÒa. As we were coming in to town, we saw how the Mayor has had a huge impact on the the people taking pride in their town. It was by far one of the cleanest towns I have seen. The store owners were sweeping the street in front of their businesses before the customers started shopping. TituaÒa was another great speaker who has a chance at representing the indÏgenas people as a candidate for the next presidential elections in Ecuador. Before heading home we hiked up to Lake Cuichocha which was a beautiful lake to see. In spanish we would say the lake was "muy lindo y muy hermoso." After a busy two days, I slept for the 2 hours back to Quito.

ciao

Posted by Roberto Giannini at 08:49 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Plans to celebrate 40 years of soccer at Wabash are definitely under way. Thanks to the enthusiastic contribution of our own Tom Runge and Brent Harris, the day has been picked, September 2, and the participation of Dr. John Fisher, the "father" of Wabash soccer, promptly secured.

Last January, a few days on the job, as I was searching our soccer web site for statistics, lettermen, award winners, and soccer alumni, I then realized that the first official soccer game schedule started in the fall of 1966. What a great opportunity, and for me a lucky coincidence, to bringing back our soccer alumni and celebrating the tradition together!

Timidly (well, not really, if you got to know me there is very little shyness about me and how I do things!) I approached our AD, Vernon Mummert, and our Dean of Students, Tom Bambrey, to propose a celebration. They readily gave me the OK and when Brent Harris received confirmation from Dr. Fisher about his availability for the Labor Day weekend, we knew we definitely had something going on.

Honestly though, I didn't expect to have so much support from the Wabash community (yes, I am sorry, I was, still am, a new kid on the block), particularly our fantastic alumni connection and, of course, Tom Runge and his staff.

Tom surveyed the soccer alumni for the best date and number of participants. They all picked Saturday, September 2, and based on the preliminary assents, we should have between 50 to 75 soccer alumni on campus for the celebrations.

Roughly, the day schedule will have the alumni register in the Student Lounge at the Allen Center between 9 and 10:30 am, Saturday, September 2. We will have a "welcome-care- package" for each alumnus, which will most likely contain a special custom made hat, pin and a celebrating T-shirt.

At 11:00 am, the Varsity team will play its first season game against Alma College. During halftime, Dr. Fisher and some of the '66 team members will be recognized with a brief walk to center field. I am sure Brent Harris will have some nice (and funny) things to say over the PA system!

At the end of the game, and concurrently with the Sphinx Club tailgate party for the football scrimmage versus Wheaton College, a BBQ lunch will be †served to our soccer alumni and their families.

The glorious, and much awaited, alumni soccer match will start at 3:00 pm, with one team coached by Dr. Fisher and the other by yours truly. Two halves of 30 minutes (or at least until the players have any gas left in their tank!) with a ten minute break, or fifteen, or twenty, or... whatever. I am still accepting submissions for the referee and assistant referee positions. Any takes?

After the game and a short walk (for some, it may feel like a long way) to the locker rooms for showers, massages, physical therapy, visits to the trainers room, ice bags, tapes, and band aids, we will all head upstairs for the evening celebrations.

The reception will start at 5:30 pm inside Chadwick Court with a buffet dinner scheduled for 6:15 pm. We are planning to have Dr. Fisher and the members of the '66 team recognized and awarded a token of our appreciation for their milestone contribution to the soccer program at Wabash. We will have many speakers, including Dr. Fisher, Tom Runge, our AD Vernon Mummert, possibly Dean Bambrey and hopefully our new president, Dr. White. Of course, I won't be able to keep my mouth shut and I'll give a little speech myself about the "State of the soccer program."

All in all, I am sure it's going to be a great day, full of memories, friends, love, and most important, the pride that keeps floating†in the air here at Wabash, year after year.

I am so grateful to have found a place where if you ask for help, many hands raise up and you find yourself surrounded by people who care as much, or even more, about what you are most passionate about, the human connection.

It's going to be good. I can't wait!

Posted by Roberto Giannini at 09:05 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Posted by Roberto Giannini at 02:21 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)