Saint of Old

[PaulNewman]

As I ponder whether to have any involvement this year, and if so how much, I wanted to comment on the very fine four-part series by Mani Tafari.  He obviously spent many hours putting all of that together, and each piece in the series overflows with honesty, excitement, exhilaration, disappointment, triumph, generosity towards others/teammates, and perspective.  A joy to read and extremely relatable.  I'm sure SLU fans in particular will enjoy and appreciate the memorializing of a special period in the school's long history, but the story, and the stories within the story, I'm sure resonate with all of us. 

I remain amazed that D3 soccer can be so meaningful, and I know that it is richly meaningful even just as a parent (former).  It's been a full 21 years since Mani stepped on to the Canton campus, and we can see how alive (and in some instances probably even raw) the overall SLU soccer experience is for him to today. 

What I can't figure out is whether there is something about D3 soccer that is unique.  I don't know what it's like for players and parents of major sport D1 elite teams and champions, or for that super-talented, very fortunate percentage that go on to play a sport at a professional level.  That said, it's hard for me to imagine the guys I am familiar with who played D3 having an experience more massive than what they had, and the experience at least for many seems to have a grip on them that reverberates for decades.

In any event, things like Mani's personal narration and the Tufts players' video series, really are gifts and lay bare an argument for D3 athletics that is  truly compelling.

[Mr.Right]

I just read these and completely agree with you..Well done Saint of Old and especially love the vivid memory you had of that 1998 Quarter-final match against Williams. I was shocked that you didn't play in that game as I always thought your career took off your Soph year. It sounds like it kinda did but for whatever reason Durocher was not ready to use you in that game. Very interesting and appreciate the honesty and your ability to look back and understand maybe why Durocher decided to use you the way he did. That shows great character. Very few players can or even want to do that. +k

[Saint of Old]

I dont know this speedy Jamaican you guys speak of 

But I am sure as a Saint he would appreciate those kind words from people as knowledgeable about the sport as Mr. Right and Brother Newman.

I think as a player, the only thing you can really ask is that a Coach maximize your potential.
All the Saints from the era I played can definitely say that for sure.

With experience comes wisdom and context. I think it must have been terribly difficult for Coach Durocher to manage such a talented group of players (especially strikers) at the peak of their prowess and keep them all happy, somehow he did it.
Williams boys were a bunch of Ballers, ditto for Messiah and Wheaton.
College soccer is fun because not only do you form bonds with teammates, but you learn  to hate, admire and respect some top top class programs.

[Brother Flounder]

I just read these and completely agree with you..Well done Saint of Old and especially love the vivid memory you had of that 1998 Quarter-final match against Williams. I was shocked that you didn't play in that game as I always thought your career took off your Soph year. It sounds like it kinda did but for whatever reason Durocher was not ready to use you in that game. Very interesting and appreciate the honesty and your ability to look back and understand maybe why Durocher decided to use you the way he did. That shows great character. Very few players can or even want to do that. +k

I concur with this!  +k