MEN'S SOCCER DAILY UPDATE

November 15, 2008

Thank You

Having lost the America East title game, Binghamton will wait until the NCAA selection show on Monday to see if their season will continue. If it does not, then this will be the final post for the Men's Soccer Daily Update. For the past three months, it has been my pleasure covering, in greater detail, this outstanding program. Indeed, it would have not been possible to keep generating new ideas had it not been for the success of the program, both on and off the field.

Since the Men's Soccer Daily Update went live on August 11, it has averaged between 70-100 hits per day. It has definitely lived up to any expectations when we discussed this idea with head coach Paul Marco during the summer.

The players and coaches have been fantastic in giving all of the additional interviews needed to make this feature work. I thought I knew everything there was about the people within this program. Through this feature, I realize now that I didn't and my respect for the players and coaches has grown even more having done these updates. I also want to thank all of the alumni who took the time to share their stories.

It would be impossible to thank everyone by name, but in particular, these people and stories have been the most meaningful to cover:

1. Justin Leskow--Not only was he a great person to interview, but his one-liners were always entertaining. On a personal note, Justin coached my 15-year old stepson at the Bearcats High School Camp this summer. My stepson learned a lot and helped lead his team (Ross Corners Christian Academy) to the NYPENN conference championship. Not only was Justin a good leader for the Bearcats but for that one week, he was just as much for my stepson.

2. Pablo Trillo--The first senior I spotlighted was one of the more inspirational for me. At the time back in August, he was not sure if he was going to be able to play due to an injury. You would have never guessed it based on his demeanor. Fortunately, Pablo did come back and play this season. Everytime he checked into the game, I was always reminded of how classy he was when I talk to him.

3. Brendan McGovern and Family--The story we wrote on his off-the-field accomplishments was appropriately picked up by the America East Conference. After the story came out, Brendan went around the athletic department to thank everyone who was quoted in it. The following week, I was in the press box of the Bearcats Sports Complex wrapping up work after the Oct. 25 New Hampshire game. Brendan's parents walked in to give my a homemade loaf of Irish Soda Bread, as a way of thanking me for the story. Now I know two of the reasons Brendan is as well-grounded as he is.

4. Ryan Tomko--One of head coach Paul Marco's most memorable quotes came when I asked him how versatile Tomko was. Marco quipped that "He can challenge anyone for playing time except Stenta." Tomko was truly a team player who filled in wherever he was asked. Twice this season, he scored either a game-winning or game-clinching goal.

5. Darren McAllister--On the day Darren and three other players spoke to the students at Robert F. Johnson Elementary School, he was asked by one of the kids what he wanted to do when he graduated from Binghamton. He said that he wanted to be a teacher back in Scotland so he could work with young people like them. He then went on to tell them to always respect their teacher because they care about them very much. The teacher in the room had a big smile on her face after that.

6. Erwin Seguia--The President of the BU Soccer Hooligans was not only instrumental in leading the student support but a class act both in the stands and away from the field. The number of opposing coaches and adminstrators who commended his group is a testament to both his leadership and personality. He will definitely be missed and hopefully, the rest of the Hooligans can follow his lead.

Finally, a thank you to all of you readers. I hope you have learned as much about the men's soccer program through this season as I have.

Sincerely,

David O'Brian
Assistant Sports Information Director/Men's Soccer Contact
Binghamton University

Posted November 15, 2008.
Feedback should be sent to dobrian@binghamton.edu.