Diary

Jeff
Alexander

Past Entries

October 12, 2004

Last week, the Emory men's soccer team quite simply got it done. We trained hard and intelligently all week, we had a great time in St. Louis, we had an efficient game plan, and we played a total team game in a thrilling victory over Washington University (Mo.).

When Coach Marinatos met us at the track Monday afternoon we knew we had a long week ahead of us. But, we also knew that to put together 90 minutes of effective soccer we would need the extra fitness. Four laps of beautiful Lullwater Park combined with a solid workout on the track laid a firm foundation on which we would build all week.

In practice during the next few days on McDonough Field we were sharp, focused, and competitive. A video session Thursday before practice helped cement in our minds many of the points Coach Rubesch had been preaching all week.

Friday, thanks to the help of former team captain Michael Oki and the generosity of Boris Jerunika, we took a bus to practice on the field turf at Atlanta Silverbacks Park. The practice was quick and fun. But, more importantly it got both teams used to a different kind of surface. When an impromptu game of tackle football broke out, we knew it was time to leave.

Saturday afternoon we arrived in St. Louis. After Kevin McCarthy kindly pointed out to us several local areas of interest (most notably SLU High School and "The Arch") we were on our way to the hotel. It appears to this web ambassador that the quality of our accommodations has now finally met the quality of our success at a level I scarcely thought imaginable. We were taken care of first class.

From the hotel, we headed to Wash U for a quick practice. We were led in warm-ups by Andy Butler and the venerable Mark Cooke (sans wristwatch). Something about field turf forces our team to play football and again an intense battle took place.

After a "Lambeau Leap" gone very wrong we boarded our bus for the hotel. I also want to thank Andy and Mark for their help in game-planning for Wash U. Your help went a long way in preparing us for the game.
Saturday night, we carpooled to Kevin McCarthy's house for a night in Middle America. We arrived at 123 Easy Street in a fleet of minivans and were greeted by Kevin's 2.6 siblings, cat, dog, and white picket fence. Kevin's house was nothing less than we expected--perfect.

We ate pasta, watched football, went through Kevin's old stuff, and had a great time. The McCarthys were great hosts and though I have joked in this entry, as a team we are very grateful for their hospitality.

If you have made it this far in my entry (469 words), perhaps you're willing to come a little further. Keep in mind that I am building towards a game-winning goal. On the way back from Kevin's house, several of us were lucky enough to be taken home by Kevin's father.

Dr. McCarthy surprised us by pulling up in front of "The Arch" and insisting that the seven of us who had crammed into his minivan get out and touch it. We were more than happy to oblige. Several of us stretched our hamstrings against the national treasure and others simply took in the intensity of the moment.

Sunday morning we were absolutely ready to play. Jon Arost stepped up when we needed him most, the defense held firm, and after Karl Dix used the pure force of his will to put us ahead with less than four minutes remaining the celebration was on.

Last weekend we took a large step towards realizing our goals. The conference competition has heated up and so far we have been equal to the task.

This coming weekend we will try to take two more giant leaps at home on Friday and Sunday. We look forward to welcoming the parents and friends of our teammates to Emory and we will work to make sure that this weekend and every weekend from here on out is as successful as the last.

Jeff Alexander is a senior from Livingston, N.J. He would love to answer e-mail questions from Emory recruits and fans.