December 20, 2007

Dear Friends & Alumni,

I'm off to Toronto tomorrow morning (7:00 am!) for a showcase this weekend and don't return until the 23rd. So, I wanted to drop you a quick note wishing you and yours a Happy Holiday and a wonderful New Year!

It has been quite a busy place around here with the hiring of our new football coach Darren Rizzi '92 (former Rhody football player) as well as watching the UMass soccer team make its run at the NCAA Championship. Although we are jealous that UMass was there and we weren't, it is great for the Atlantic 10 Conference and we are happy for our good friend Sam Koch and his squad. It goes to show you the potential we had but the Minuteman peaked at the right time, got some great performances and had a little luck on their side - which you always need in a special season.

I remember back in 1996 when I took my University of Chicago team to the NCAA Division III Final Four, where along the way we beat the #1 team in the country Wheaton (IL) in a PK shoot-out, #6 Trinity (TX) 1-0 - after being out cornered 19-1 and came from behind to beat the #8 Greensboro to get to there. Only a 3-2 loss to Kenyon in the semifinals stood in our way of our ultimate goal.

URI soccer always has that potential to do the same. So, we will get back to work after the holidays preparing for our spring non-traditional season and of course the 2008 campaign. It will be an exciting ride with all the new faces and energy this young team brings. Stay tuned...

I would be remiss if, before I sign off, I didn't send some special holiday wishes to the 2007 squad for their hard work and unrelenting spirit; to my assistants Gareth Elliott and Mitch Stone for keeping me sane; to our volunteers Ben Smith and Frank Bergren who continually amaze me with how they can juggle their full time jobs and families with helping the boys; to Doug Stone for believing in us and keeping us strong in mind and body; to Lauren Goley for keeping us healthy and for the care and compassion she shows for the squad; and of course to all our parents and alums for their continued and undying support of URI soccer. I'm confident that the new year will bring us an exciting time here in the soccer office and hope that you will continue to be a part of it.

All the best for healthy and happy holiday season from our family to yours,

Coach O'C