As I read through several of your blogs, I came across Cheek's that reminded me I haven't contributed to the site in recent past.  I now have some time to look back on my summer and look forward to the season ahead.  

My summer was much like the last one with various camps, clinics, tournaments, and overall soccer-related activities filling much of my time.  I pretty much drive all over the midwest, from Illinois (two trips to Rockford), to areas of Indiana ("The Region", Ft. Wayne, and Indianapolis), to Ohio (Columbus).  Last week I realized that I tabbed 1,000 miles on my car from Sunday, July 20 to Sunday July 27th.  One thousand miles in one week...could be a new record for me!

The good thing is, the events and activities that I am participating in hardly feel like work.  I may be collecting a pay check at the end of the week...but working with youth, up to college age soccer players, is something that makes the day enjoyable for me.  I have been blessed (or rewarded, however one wants to look at it) with great opportunities to interact with experienced and knowledgeable coaches, as well as passionate and coach-able players.  I couldn't ask for a better environment to "work" in.

I had the opportunity this summer to be on staff again at Valparaiso University's Women's VIP Camp, at Indiana Soccer Camp with Coach Freitag, and also observe a few days of our own players (Devin Moss and Pat West) at the IGA Pre-Season camp in Indianapolis.  A new experience of working the ODP Region II '96 Boys Developmental camp was added as a part of my summer as well; and I had a great time "working" with the great staff that assembled in Rockford.  Coach G. and I also hosted two weeks of camp in early June on the Wabash campus.  Again, the willingness of the players to learn, try new things, and have fun - all created a great couple weeks in Crawfordsville.  Below is a picture of the campers from our high school team camp where Western Boone and Southmont HS's were represented.

All in all, it was a very busy and productive summer for me.  But, the real excitement is what lies ahead.  In less than 3 weeks, the guys will be showing up to campus - "bright eyed and bushy tailed", as my dad would say.  We are thrilled with the great additions to the roster, not only for the quality they will contribute, but also for the character they have and the desire they possess to build a seemingly small program - into one that will turn heads.  We are also ready to see the positive leadership of our experienced upperclassmen who know what it takes to be a part of this program, this team, and therefore know how these men can (and WILL) become one unit and succeed at the highest level.

I'd be lying if I said I don't wish I was out there sweating and hurting through preseason...so I won't.  I always dreaded preseason with its fitness tests, grueling temperatures, and three-a-day practices.  But after every preseason I could look back and see where the bonds had grown between strangers, observe my teammates in their best form, and collectively feel the excitement to compete on the main-stage.  It's the greatest time that you never want to do again, but the truth is - every member of this team (and coaching staff) will get out of it what they put into it.  I know Coach Giannini, recently added Coach Pagano, and I will give all we have to prepare the team for the challenges of the season.  It's up to the rest of you to meet those expectations and carry this program under your wing.

As Coach G. has ended many emails this summer..."Let's take care of business!"  See you in 19 days!

Wabash Always Fights!

Coach O.