It's a Boy!

Please humor me and allow me to post a few non-soccer photos. Elijah (because we like the name) Ronald (after one of the best grandfathers a person could have) was born around 2:45 on Thursday, March 29th. He was 20" long and 7 pounds 8 ounces. On my dad's side of the family, he joins nine great grand daughters, 5 grand daughters and, of course, he is the first boy in our family. I would like to type more about Elijah, his sisters and his hot mamma, but I'm tired and I will just post a few pictures.I married "up".

Poor kid, he has no idea what he is getting into...
Of course I was certain that I wore a Maranatha Soccer t-shirt for this occasion... - C

Spring Soccer

Our first training sessions on Monday and Tuesday were fun. We spent a lot of time on the "rivelino" during Monday's session and Tuesday we emphasized the "scissors" move. We also played some 5v5. There are some small goals at Brandt Quirk that are perfect for 5 players sides. Our next practices are next week and we have our spring scrimmages during the week of April 8th. I had hoped to post a couple of pictures, but forgot to bring my camera...probably better this way because I'm sure I would have left it at the field... It was great to get back outside.

If there are any recruits out there who haven't heard from me in a while, it is because I have been a little preoccupied lately - Lord willing, our third child will be born tomorrow.:)

I will post a picture as soon as I am able - if the kid is cute.-C

Maranatha's Name in "Lights"

Okay, do you every do a Google search with your own name? Maybe none of you are that narcissistic. I do it about twice a year and I was stunned to find myself quoted in a recent article on the ussoccer.com website. They edited my comments slightly, but you can read it for yourself.-C

Spring Practices Start Today!

It is 74 degrees and sunny. We'll be at Brandt Quirk Park at 4:00 pm! - C

Congratulations Susie!

Many of you know that Susie Ferris has been teaching in Phoenix, AZ for the past year. In early September she called to let me know that she had been "hanging out" with a guy from the church there. Last week, James and Susie visited here at MBBC and this week, they became engaged. I am impressed with James and very happy for Susie. I had the privilege of coaching Susie for two years in high school and then four years in college where she became our all-time leader in games played with 80! She also spent a year as an assistant coach while finishing up her major in Music Education. All of you who played with her, are aware of her disciplined lifestyle, upbeat personality, and commitment to Christ.

The wedding date is August 4 in Phoenix. I wish I could figure out a way to go. Maybe I can do a soccer camp down there that week. . . hmm. . . soccer camp in Phoenix in August. . . If any of you would like her email address, send me an email and I will send it to you.-C

Soccer Jersey

The US Men's National team unveiled their new jersey today. Definitely has a very "Yankee" look. You don't see many pinstriped jerseys on too many other high level soccer teams. I like it. I think US soccer tries to copy foreign teams too much (see: Real Salt Lake - Real is the Spanish word for royal. It works for a team in Madrid, Spain, but a soccer team in Utah!??). The Maranatha men's and women's teams are both getting new away soccer jerseys next year. I will release a picture when they get here. - C

College Investment is Longterm

Here is an interesting link related to the earning power of college grads vs those who do not earn a college degree. The thing to remember is that many times recent college grads will be surpassed in earning power by those who did not go to college, however the advantage does not last very long. By age 30, college grads are well in front - unless you work in ministry... but then the rewards are eternal.

By the way, I have had several alumni who have come to visit me in my office over the last month. Those visits are a great blessing. I might blog about it sometime.

The Spring season starts in seven days!-C

Mike Knepp

Anyone who came to a men's match during our last season always noticed one player: Mike Knepp. Recently, an article about him was published in his local paper in Pennsylvania. I especially like the picture that is with the article. I think it is one of the best pictures taken during the season and it probably summarizes Mike's style of play better than any other picture.

Mike also had a great year for our basketball team and I am confident that both teams can build around him in the coming years. We have several strong recruits on the way and our team is going to get better simply through experience. We had one of our most talented freshman classes in some time - they just need experience.
If you are a strong soccer player who wants a quality education at a place that values ministry, Maranatha might be the place for you. - C

My Other Job

I have a great deal more to say on the subject of recruiting at Maranatha, but I am going to give the subject a rest for the moment.
Most people who know me are aware that I wish I were a full-time soccer coach. Some say that I practically am a full-time coach given the amount of time I spend in that area. . . However, the reality is, the majority of my families' income is generated by my real job.
A major emphasis of the Development Office at Maranatha deals with Stewardship. Personal finance, family finance, church finance and of course giving people the opportunity to invest in the ministry of Maranatha. Recently, an article was posted on our website about the Phone-A-Thon for the Annual Fund. Jessica, Karyn and Axel are a fun group of young ladies to work with.

Sorry that I have had so few posts lately. . .the pace around our house is quickening as we anticipate the soon arrival of a baby.-C

Recruiting

This was a great class of recruits:I get a lot of questions this time of year that go along the lines of "How's recruiting?" The questions come from alumni, administrators at the college, friends, family, current players and even parents of players. The answer is always a little difficult to pin down for many reasons. I haven't seen all of the new recruits play. I've seen some play at camp, on film or in person, but I don't know how well they will do at the college level. Sometimes recruits who have applied and been accepted, change their mind at the last moment. Sometimes strong recruits who I believed were going to attend elsewhere, change their mind at the last moment and come to Maranatha. I have had players whose credentials look awesome on paper and then they show up and are a bust. Every year we see players who were completely discounted by me and they end up playing a central role in our season. The bottom line is that I don't really know until I see the "whites of their eyes". I always pray that God will bring the right student-athletes to this school.

That said, I love to recruit. I love to get to know a new players and discuss the pros and cons of attending Maranatha and playing soccer. I believe in this school and I love to "sell" it to prospective players and their parents. Maranatha is not for everyone - obviously - but for students and parents who share our values, it can be a tool to mold you into an outstanding individual who places a high priority on the local church and strives for excellence in his profession.

Understand, the process of "molding" is not always pretty and it is not always a good time, but it is always worth it. As we talked in one of my recent coaching soccer classes: success is fun. I believe that learning to do something well provides satisfaction. We live in a culture that promotes passive entertainment. "Fun" that does not require participation. I believe that this type of "fun" is empty and hollow. Kind of like eating a jelly-filled donut: I love it while I am biting into it, but I always regret it later. I appreciate and admire individuals who get up and participate in life. They are the ones who find joy. I don't want tickets for the 50 yard line - I came to play! A favorite saying of mine (actually I probably got it from my dad...) is "What doesn't kill you, will make you stronger" - and I believe it. Maranatha is not always fun - it's college. However, with the right attitude, you can have the time of your life.-C

Preseason Camp

Tonight is the first night of the pre-season girls soccer camp at Watertown High School. There will be ladies from several schools and right now it looks like we may have over 30 players. The camp is capped at 40, so if you are in the area and are interested in attending, you might still be able to get a spot. The schedule is Tuesday through Friday, 7:30 pm to 9:00 pm. WHS has a huge gym and provides a great spot to start preparing for the girls spring soccer season.

Another player from DIII has gotten chance to play professionally. North Park is located in Chicago and we have played them with both the men and the women over the last six years.-C

National Runner-Up!

Our women's basketball team made a great run at the NCCAA II Women's National tournament last week. Despite a 6-0 regular season and winning the NCCAA Midwest Region tournament, the Lady Crusaders were still only awarded a 7 seed at the national tournament. That meant that they had to play four games in five days. A grueling task. The ladies worked very hard and made it to the final game before loosing to a tough Kentucky Christian squad that featured a great bench. The real commentary is about the difficulty of the Northern Athletics Conference and the NCAA III when compared to NCCAA competition. The NAC is great preparation for the NCCAA tournament. There were two ladies from our women's soccer team who also played on the basketball team and made the trip to Florida: Melissa Nichols from Leesburg, VA and Emily Kutz from Utica, WI. Soccer alum, Jen Adam got to drive one of the vans on the trip and met up with fellow Maranatha soccer alum, Regina C., who lives in Florida. This post still gets a soccer picture.-C

New Soccer Store

One of the best soccer stores in southern Wisconsin has just opened a new location in Madison. I have often visited the Stefan's Soccer location in Brookfield and I look forward to checking out their new Madison store. Sarah might have a better chance to drag me to West Towne Mall or Greatland Target now that there is also a Stefan's on the west side of Madison. Sounds like tomorrow could be a date night. . . hmmm. . .

The obligatory soccer picture.- C