As we get back into the routine for our spring semester, we would like to update you one what some of our Wabash College soccer players are up to these days…

Some may think that most students are slowly being bogged down with papers, projects, and tests. While others may get excited to welcome the warm weather and prepare for our short spring season that begins in March. Yet others, three to be exact, are living this second semester in a new and exciting way through the many study abroad options that Wabash has to offer.

We, as a coaching staff, appreciate and encourage the fact that our players want to live a semester abroad during their Wabash career. Of course, as any logical coach would do, we suggest that they take advantage of this chance in the spring (for obvious reasons). We currently have three of our varsity players who are living and studying in Europe. Gary Simkus ‘08, Jon Miller ’08, and Matt Potasnik ’08 are spending this semester in Spain, Italy, and Germany, respectively. I emailed these guys to see how their experience has been so far and here’s a bit of the responses I received in return:

Gary emailed me last week and had this to say:

“I have had a wonderful time. I do think I have the best family in Salamanca. I am living with a host mom and her 11 year old son. When I arrived the first day I got to Salamanca and arrived at my host family's house, it only took 30 minutes before I was on my way to the park with my host brother, Angel, to go play soccer with his friends. A soccer ball was one thing that I knew I had to bring. When we got back, Angel told his mom and everyone in his family that I could play. I think he was surprised that a 6'6'' guy could move. Once Angel found out that I played basketball as well, he bought one the next day so I could give him lessons in both soccer and basketball. We also practice some English together and Angel has showed me a couple of songs on the piano.”

Gary is living in one of a few types of situations that are available for students. Because his knowledge of Spanish is strong, he decided to be set up with a host family for the duration of his semester. With the host family he will get to use conversational Spanish on a regular basis and really submerge himself in the culture and lifestyle of someone in the western part of Spain (near Portugal). As you can see he dove right in to that culture and showed everyone his love for their national sport. He also took part of a historic celebration in regards to their love of soccer. Here’s what he had to say…

“This past weekend I went to the 1000th game at the El Santiago Bernadeu Stadium in Madrid. I have a friend that I met on the way to Madrid. She bought the tickets for me. Salamanca is about a 2 hour drive from Madrid. I was going to take the bus with Angel but his mother's co worker wanted to take us with her boy. The whole day was great. Before the game, we went to the Real Madrid museum which was amazing. It has the team’s history and all the trophies that they had won. However, this year is probably the worst team that they have ever had. They lost to Levante 0-1, but I enjoyed the atmosphere. For example, my host mom packed up a sandwich so we could eat with everything during half time. Then as the end of the game you wave paper and throw it on the field. We got tickets for 20 euros and since we were higher up the stadium had heaters for us. All in all it was great.”

Junior Jon Miller is spending his days headquartered in Rome, Italy. Of course, Head Coach Giannini had some tips and hints for Jon to see the best soccer that he could while over there. As many of you probably know, because of the soccer riots that sparked after the Palermo versus Catania match, there was a period of suspension for all Italian teams until the situation was resolved. This, unfortunately, has put a damper on Jon’s soccer viewing plans, but has definitely not slowed him from seeing what else Europe has to offer.

In a response to my email, this is what Jon said, “I’m having the time of my life, and I will email you a little update on Monday because I’m late for my train to Vienna, Austria this weekend! I can’t wait. It’s me, my buddy from Wabash who is studying at a different program in Rome, and four of his girl friends from his program. I can’t wait!”

Because of the proximity of European countries to each other and the clean, efficient public transportation, many students will buy a Eurail pass. This train pass gives them access to many European nations and one, easy method of ticketing and booking travel reservations. Obviously, Jon is taking advantage of this train pass and heading north to ski and take in the Austrian Alps. Many times, students will get so involved in their travels that they will take the train somewhere new every weekend. Just think, a new European country every weekend, what a luxury!!

Matt is actually doing a half-semester program in Tubingen, Germany so he will not be leaving just yet…but his anticipation is growing by the day. As a fluent German speaker, he will be able to interact very well with the German people and learn a lot about their cultural background. There will be more on Matt when he gets there…

Overall, Wabash has great opportunities for study abroad candidates. Not only does this help our soccer players by living in a culture where soccer is “life” and they are surrounded by the greatest teams in the world, but it helps any student to break out of their shell and immerse themselves in a culture that is foreign to them. I know that when I was an undergrad student at Valpo, I was extremely happy I took advantage of a study abroad opportunity in Germany. Here at Wabash they make it even easier…many of the trips are financially realistic for any student and there are locations all over the world to consider. We are very happy for our players who took advantage of these programs and wish them safe and happy travels! Good luck guys, keep looking for pick-up games!

-Jeff Oleck, Assistant Soccer Coach