Season recap: Marmion
By Steve Nemeth
STERLING – Marmion’s magical run came to a definitive end in the Class AA Sterling Supersectional courtesy of the juggernaut offense of Notre Dame (Peoria).
The question now becomes how much fuel does that add to the Cadets’ fire for 2019?
It was over a year ago when a Marmion season recap began with Albert Einstein’s quote “To look to the future, we must first look back upon the past. That is where the seeds of the future were planted.”
Then first-year coach Jimmy Romano and several players reflected on a 1-9-1 start citing a turnaround in game 12 despite a 4-3 setback. There would be four wins in the seven-match span that then culminated in a one-goal regional championship loss.
Romano and the Cadets vowed that 2018 would be different.
That appeared debatable after a series of ups and downs led to a late September 3-3 draw with Huntley and an unremarkable 8-5-1 record.
Team veterans gathered the squad and made that another turning point. What followed was the fruition of the culture change Romano envisioned for his alma mater’s soccer program.
Yes, there was a shootout loss at Fenwick, and a 4-2 setback against Chicago Catholic League Blue Division foe St. Laurence. But those were two losses in a six-match stretch that suddenly encompassed a regional plaque, a sectional trophy, and the Cinderella-like presence of Marmion against the Notre Dame scoring machine.
So what should be said after the 5-1 loss?
Perhaps Billie Jean King’s “Champions keep playing until they get it right.”
Maybe Vince Lombardi’s “The harder you work, the harder it is to surrender.”
Or the gems of some less-heralded folks. “All progress takes place outside the comfort zone.” “Memory feeds imagination”
How about “Change is hard at first, messy in the middle, and gorgeous at the end.”
“I’m not big on motivational sayings or posters. To me it’s all about having the right mindset, focus, fundamentals and developing a culture of winning,” Romano explained.
‘Whereas some, maybe even a few on the team, were surprised we reached the supersectional, it was what I wanted. I went into this year wanting to reach state which is exactly what I want us to do next year, the year after, and all the ones that follow.”
Based on the progress made by the 2018 Cadets, it appears they’ve bought into Romano’s philosophy.
“This year’s results are a real confidence boost. I feel we’ve put Marmion back on the map,” insisted C.J. Sowers. “That Notre Dame match was clearly not indicative of what we’re capable of, but it will push us in the offseason and summer workouts. Exceeding expectations as we did shows we are contenders. Now that we made it this far, let’s win next year’s super and make it to state.”
Consider that music to Romano’s ears.
“The attitude shift that took place between 2017 and 2018 was about changing the mindset and establishing a culture of believing in your teammate and playing in a way they would have faith in you. Getting to the supersectional helped spread it to everyone,” Romano explained. “They got to experience it, see it succeed, and believe in it.
“The next thing they learned is how tough teams will be in the playoffs, and what type of hard work and dedication has to take place to take the next steps.”
Immediately after the stalemate with Huntley, senior standout James Serrano and Sowers conducted a team meeting to not only commit to, but fulfill some core principles.
“We were up 3-1 (vs. Huntley) and no disrespect to them, letting that slip into a tie was on us. It was an ego check for sure,” Sowers explained. “From that point on our attitudes got better, and we clearly began to believe in the guys on the field, much more so than the year before.”
Suddenly Marmion was scoring quickly at the start of a match and early in second halves. More notable, expanding on those leads became another characteristic. It was a winning formula that appeared all too familiar even in the school’s first supersectional showing in seven years – dating back to 2011 when the Cadets took fourth in state. Ironically losing 1-0 to Notre Dame, of Peoria
“As proud as I am of bringing back regional and sectional trophies, I’m more pleased with how we challenged each other,” Serrano explained. “There were no cliques inside the team, it was about a group effort and taking a serious approach to practices and games. You could see it paying off as the season went on.”
Serrano had a textbook-perfect cross to the right enabling Drew Noecker to blast home a 14-yarder 10:11 into the contest. That dampened a notable Notre Dame contingent’s hopes more so that the relentless rain on that Oct. 30 evening in Sterling.
“Seeing the chance I just made sure to put it away," Noecker said. "I saw the keeper coming out and starting to go to the ground, so I went up and placed it to the right."
It was the eighth assist for Serrano, who either set up or scored a goal in all but one of Marmion’s 14 victories. Out of 23 matches, there would be only four occasions when Serrano didn’t earn at least a point.
However, instead of adding to the lead, a seemingly lucky head flick by McKay Lahood pulled Notre Dame even nine minutes later. The Cadets didn’t get back on the scoreboard prior to intermission and came close, but didn’t find the back of the net early in the second half either.
Instead a Marmion miscue led to an Irish goal at 49:59. A second under five minutes elapsed when Notre Dame got a highlight-worthy cracker by Noah Madrigal and the 2-1 disadvantage that became 3-1 was described by both coaches as “taking the wind out of the sails.” When a knee injury forced Serrano to the sideline with 23 minutes left in regulation, the only suspense left in the match seemed to be over the final score.
The Irish – who entered the supersectional averaging 4.9 goals per match -- added their third and fourth goals of the second half for the 5-1 victory. That advanced them to what appeared to have been one of the most evenly matched AA Final Fours in IHSA history. At least from a scoring standpoint since both semifinals, the third place and championship matches all required shootouts to decide the outcomes. Notre Dame ultimately finished as the Class AA runnerup.
“We got off to a great start, and I thought we were still doing pretty well in the second half until a little mistake," Romano said. "It came down to chances and when they got the second and third, it took everything out of us.”
But Romano was quick to note that Marmion’s postseason run was no fluke.
“I’m so proud of these guys, and it started with remembering some frustration at the end of last year. I know our seniors definitely deserved this (season),” Romano said. “We’re relatively young, so those (young) guys need to remember tonight going into next season.”
However, 2018 will clearly remain a year that will be remembered by many associated with the Cadets program.
“I wanted to play for Marmion since the sixth grade when I first attended coach Kevin O'Connor's summer camps,” Serrano said. “He watched and guided my development along the way, and I am thankful for his friendship. Coach Romano and his assistants have pushed me to achieve new levels of performance this year.
“The (Marmion) administration and staff have supported the soccer program to new levels this year, and speaking for myself and my teammates, we are extremely thankful,” Serrano continued. “Finally, soccer is a team sport made up of many talented individuals, I’m only one of the individuals that contributed to such a successful season. I am so thankful for my teammates, the years we have played together and the friendships that have developed.”
Sowers echoed many of those sentiments.
“This wasn’t just a team, you could tell from our attitudes toward each other and the way we played, that this was a family,” Sowers said. “Our bond is what led to us to successes we could have never anticipated. Each player competed with so much heart this year; we all fought hard every game for each other and had Serrano’s scoring to lead us.
“Another player I feel should be highlighted is Aidan (Reynolds). He was our best defender, and we would not have been half the team without him. He has incredible athletic ability, heading skills, and leadership he showed game in and game out,” Sowers said. “We do have a bright future, and we see the program continuing the winning ways from this year.”
Without question Serrano was a mainstay with team-bests for goals (32), game-winners (nine) and points (72), to go with eight assists. But 13 other players had goals and seven of the next 11 point-producers will return, starting with T.J. Laurich (6 goals, 8 assists, 22 points), Sowers (3g/9a /15 pts), and James Lawinger (4g/5a/13 pts).
“Obviously we’re losing some key guys. Serrano’s scoring, Michael (Murray) and Aidan (Reynolds) as center backs, plus Jack (Kavanaugh), who scored some important goals,” Romano acknowledged. “Their experience alone as two-year varsity starters will need to be replaced.”
Romano anticipates Laurich, Sowers, Lawinger and Ian Swindle to assume leadership roles; most will be third-year varsity members.
“With T.J. and C.J. back in midfield, they’ll be looked to show the young guys the way. Ian started the playoffs hot and can create more chances and be a better finisher,” Romano noted. “Adrian (Ruiz) is smart and skilled, and can only get better. His passion and maturity as a freshman earned the respect of the guys, and I know he’ll become more dangerous.”
Romano figures Noecker can earn more playing time while Christian Cardnenas step into the backline and bid to be a starter depending upon the off-season work he puts in. Goalies Jason Baker and Nathaniel Gelsomino should push each other and grow based on the experiences they gained this season.
Marmion program architect O’Connor was on the sideline and summed up 2018 while he bear-hugged Romano.
“Helluva run, really proud of you guys,” he said.
By Steve Nemeth
STERLING – Marmion’s magical run came to a definitive end in the Class AA Sterling Supersectional courtesy of the juggernaut offense of Notre Dame (Peoria).
The question now becomes how much fuel does that add to the Cadets’ fire for 2019?
It was over a year ago when a Marmion season recap began with Albert Einstein’s quote “To look to the future, we must first look back upon the past. That is where the seeds of the future were planted.”
Then first-year coach Jimmy Romano and several players reflected on a 1-9-1 start citing a turnaround in game 12 despite a 4-3 setback. There would be four wins in the seven-match span that then culminated in a one-goal regional championship loss.
Romano and the Cadets vowed that 2018 would be different.
That appeared debatable after a series of ups and downs led to a late September 3-3 draw with Huntley and an unremarkable 8-5-1 record.
Team veterans gathered the squad and made that another turning point. What followed was the fruition of the culture change Romano envisioned for his alma mater’s soccer program.
Yes, there was a shootout loss at Fenwick, and a 4-2 setback against Chicago Catholic League Blue Division foe St. Laurence. But those were two losses in a six-match stretch that suddenly encompassed a regional plaque, a sectional trophy, and the Cinderella-like presence of Marmion against the Notre Dame scoring machine.
So what should be said after the 5-1 loss?
Perhaps Billie Jean King’s “Champions keep playing until they get it right.”
Maybe Vince Lombardi’s “The harder you work, the harder it is to surrender.”
Or the gems of some less-heralded folks. “All progress takes place outside the comfort zone.” “Memory feeds imagination”
How about “Change is hard at first, messy in the middle, and gorgeous at the end.”
“I’m not big on motivational sayings or posters. To me it’s all about having the right mindset, focus, fundamentals and developing a culture of winning,” Romano explained.
‘Whereas some, maybe even a few on the team, were surprised we reached the supersectional, it was what I wanted. I went into this year wanting to reach state which is exactly what I want us to do next year, the year after, and all the ones that follow.”
Based on the progress made by the 2018 Cadets, it appears they’ve bought into Romano’s philosophy.
“This year’s results are a real confidence boost. I feel we’ve put Marmion back on the map,” insisted C.J. Sowers. “That Notre Dame match was clearly not indicative of what we’re capable of, but it will push us in the offseason and summer workouts. Exceeding expectations as we did shows we are contenders. Now that we made it this far, let’s win next year’s super and make it to state.”
Consider that music to Romano’s ears.
“The attitude shift that took place between 2017 and 2018 was about changing the mindset and establishing a culture of believing in your teammate and playing in a way they would have faith in you. Getting to the supersectional helped spread it to everyone,” Romano explained. “They got to experience it, see it succeed, and believe in it.
“The next thing they learned is how tough teams will be in the playoffs, and what type of hard work and dedication has to take place to take the next steps.”
Immediately after the stalemate with Huntley, senior standout James Serrano and Sowers conducted a team meeting to not only commit to, but fulfill some core principles.
“We were up 3-1 (vs. Huntley) and no disrespect to them, letting that slip into a tie was on us. It was an ego check for sure,” Sowers explained. “From that point on our attitudes got better, and we clearly began to believe in the guys on the field, much more so than the year before.”
Suddenly Marmion was scoring quickly at the start of a match and early in second halves. More notable, expanding on those leads became another characteristic. It was a winning formula that appeared all too familiar even in the school’s first supersectional showing in seven years – dating back to 2011 when the Cadets took fourth in state. Ironically losing 1-0 to Notre Dame, of Peoria
“As proud as I am of bringing back regional and sectional trophies, I’m more pleased with how we challenged each other,” Serrano explained. “There were no cliques inside the team, it was about a group effort and taking a serious approach to practices and games. You could see it paying off as the season went on.”
Serrano had a textbook-perfect cross to the right enabling Drew Noecker to blast home a 14-yarder 10:11 into the contest. That dampened a notable Notre Dame contingent’s hopes more so that the relentless rain on that Oct. 30 evening in Sterling.
“Seeing the chance I just made sure to put it away," Noecker said. "I saw the keeper coming out and starting to go to the ground, so I went up and placed it to the right."
It was the eighth assist for Serrano, who either set up or scored a goal in all but one of Marmion’s 14 victories. Out of 23 matches, there would be only four occasions when Serrano didn’t earn at least a point.
However, instead of adding to the lead, a seemingly lucky head flick by McKay Lahood pulled Notre Dame even nine minutes later. The Cadets didn’t get back on the scoreboard prior to intermission and came close, but didn’t find the back of the net early in the second half either.
Instead a Marmion miscue led to an Irish goal at 49:59. A second under five minutes elapsed when Notre Dame got a highlight-worthy cracker by Noah Madrigal and the 2-1 disadvantage that became 3-1 was described by both coaches as “taking the wind out of the sails.” When a knee injury forced Serrano to the sideline with 23 minutes left in regulation, the only suspense left in the match seemed to be over the final score.
The Irish – who entered the supersectional averaging 4.9 goals per match -- added their third and fourth goals of the second half for the 5-1 victory. That advanced them to what appeared to have been one of the most evenly matched AA Final Fours in IHSA history. At least from a scoring standpoint since both semifinals, the third place and championship matches all required shootouts to decide the outcomes. Notre Dame ultimately finished as the Class AA runnerup.
“We got off to a great start, and I thought we were still doing pretty well in the second half until a little mistake," Romano said. "It came down to chances and when they got the second and third, it took everything out of us.”
But Romano was quick to note that Marmion’s postseason run was no fluke.
“I’m so proud of these guys, and it started with remembering some frustration at the end of last year. I know our seniors definitely deserved this (season),” Romano said. “We’re relatively young, so those (young) guys need to remember tonight going into next season.”
However, 2018 will clearly remain a year that will be remembered by many associated with the Cadets program.
“I wanted to play for Marmion since the sixth grade when I first attended coach Kevin O'Connor's summer camps,” Serrano said. “He watched and guided my development along the way, and I am thankful for his friendship. Coach Romano and his assistants have pushed me to achieve new levels of performance this year.
“The (Marmion) administration and staff have supported the soccer program to new levels this year, and speaking for myself and my teammates, we are extremely thankful,” Serrano continued. “Finally, soccer is a team sport made up of many talented individuals, I’m only one of the individuals that contributed to such a successful season. I am so thankful for my teammates, the years we have played together and the friendships that have developed.”
Sowers echoed many of those sentiments.
“This wasn’t just a team, you could tell from our attitudes toward each other and the way we played, that this was a family,” Sowers said. “Our bond is what led to us to successes we could have never anticipated. Each player competed with so much heart this year; we all fought hard every game for each other and had Serrano’s scoring to lead us.
“Another player I feel should be highlighted is Aidan (Reynolds). He was our best defender, and we would not have been half the team without him. He has incredible athletic ability, heading skills, and leadership he showed game in and game out,” Sowers said. “We do have a bright future, and we see the program continuing the winning ways from this year.”
Without question Serrano was a mainstay with team-bests for goals (32), game-winners (nine) and points (72), to go with eight assists. But 13 other players had goals and seven of the next 11 point-producers will return, starting with T.J. Laurich (6 goals, 8 assists, 22 points), Sowers (3g/9a /15 pts), and James Lawinger (4g/5a/13 pts).
“Obviously we’re losing some key guys. Serrano’s scoring, Michael (Murray) and Aidan (Reynolds) as center backs, plus Jack (Kavanaugh), who scored some important goals,” Romano acknowledged. “Their experience alone as two-year varsity starters will need to be replaced.”
Romano anticipates Laurich, Sowers, Lawinger and Ian Swindle to assume leadership roles; most will be third-year varsity members.
“With T.J. and C.J. back in midfield, they’ll be looked to show the young guys the way. Ian started the playoffs hot and can create more chances and be a better finisher,” Romano noted. “Adrian (Ruiz) is smart and skilled, and can only get better. His passion and maturity as a freshman earned the respect of the guys, and I know he’ll become more dangerous.”
Romano figures Noecker can earn more playing time while Christian Cardnenas step into the backline and bid to be a starter depending upon the off-season work he puts in. Goalies Jason Baker and Nathaniel Gelsomino should push each other and grow based on the experiences they gained this season.
Marmion program architect O’Connor was on the sideline and summed up 2018 while he bear-hugged Romano.
“Helluva run, really proud of you guys,” he said.