IHSSCA salutes cream of the crop
at 46th annual boys banquet
By Ken Keenan
ELMHURST -- Celebrating accomplishments made on the field, in the classroom and behind the bench, the Illinois High School Soccer Coaches Association (IHSSCA) held its 46th annual Boys Soccer Honors Banquet at Diplomat West on Nov. 17.
With an audience of roughly 800 cheerfully looking on, the IHSSCA recognized scores of 2016 All-State, All-Section and Honorable Mention All-Section players, added a member to its Hall of Fame, and presented awards for Player of the Year, Coach of the Year, Assistant Coach of the Year and Soccer Person of the Year. Coaches setting win milestones were recognized, as was the winner of the Myro Rys Sportsmanship Award.
In addition, the Chicago Fire honored members of its 2016 Boys All-State All-Academic Team.
Former Sandburg High School head coach Jack Ferraro was this year's recipient of the IHSSCA Hall of Fame Award. Ferraro, currently the freshman boys team coach at Hinsdale Central, compiled an overall mark of 312-102-19 at the Sandburg helm (1994-2011), and led the Eagles to consecutive IHSA state championships, in 2000 and '01.
"This is such a great honor," said Ferraro, who coached at St. Rita prior to joining Sandburg as an assistant under Brian Papa, who now serves as IHSSCA President. "I feel very humbled. To be associated with the other members of the Hall of Fame ... to be in that group, it's a big thrill for me."
Ferraro was quick to note that the Hall of Fame award represents more than merely a personal achievement.
"It sounds cliché, but it's true -- the sense of being part of something bigger than yourself," he said. "A lot of people helped me get where I am -- parents, coaches, players, school administrators, and my wife, Kathy, plus my son Tony and my daughter, Megan. I couldn't have done it without their support. You've got to have people like that behind you."
Nick Kolliniatis, a class of 1995 Sandburg graduate and a high school All-America player under Ferraro's tutelage, introduced his former coach.
"I'm extremely excited for him," said Kolliniatis, now a science teacher at Sandburg and a U11-U14 girls coordinator with the Chicago Fire Juniors Youth soccer program. "It's a great honor for him, and he definitely deserves it. He taught a lot of players life lessons, on and off the field."
Ferraro added: "It's about the team, and the players -- and seeing them learn about life and become men. You see that in kids, the enthusiasm to be a positive person -- the process -- that's what it's all about."
Earning Player of the Year honors was Barrington senior defender Nash Pirie, who helped the Broncos finish second in the IHSA Class 3A state tournament this season. Pirie totaled 4 goals and 13 assists in 2016, concluding his Barrington career with 6 goals and 26 assists overall.
"It's fantastic," Pirie said. "Going into my freshman year, I never would have thought this would happen. All the hard work, and the result is this amazing gift. But it wouldn't be possible without the team, and (head) coach (Scott) Steib. I wish I could play with him and my team forever. This year was fantastic. We had a great group of seniors, great depth and great character. And we never gave up. I think that drove us all the way to the championship game."
Steib, whose squad finished 23-4-1 overall after falling to Naperville North by a 3-1 count in the state title match on Nov. 5, said, "Two years ago, Nash was just a kid showing up to work hard. He's made such great strides in the physical part of the game, and the understanding of the game. You don't usually see defenders winning Player of the Year, but there was no solution to defending Nash. He's too fast, too athletic.
"The coolest part -- what a great kid he is. It's one thing to be a great player, it's another to be a credit to our program, and the game."
Coach of the Year honors went to Glenbrook North head coach Paul Vignocchi, who guided the Spartans to a 22-2-1 record this season, setting a school record for wins in the process. The team's season ended with a loss to Evanston on penalty kicks (4-2) to snap a 1-1 tie in the Maine East Sectional final.
"It's nice to be recognized by your peers," Vignocchi said. "It was also nice to be nominated by (Deerfield coach) Elliott Hurtig. To be recognized by someone in your own conference (Central Suburban League) ... by an opponent, that's a good feeling.
"A lot of (the award) is due to the team's success, but the coaching staff put in a lot of work, too. My assistant coaches -- Rob DeMano and Yianny Caparos -- they make it fun, and make it easier for me. We definitely collaborated through the season, sending each other texts, working on tactical things. It's nice to have two good assistants on your side.
"We challenged the kids to play at a high level, and the kids responded. We played good soccer ... competed in every game. It's unfortunate the way things ended, but it doesn't take way from the success."
St. Charles East's Bernie Kehoe was named Assistant Coach of the Year. The Saints finished 18-3-2 overall after closing the campaign with a 1-0 loss to Addison Trail in the Glenbard East Sectional semifinals.
"It's a great honor," Kehoe said. "But I've got to talk about (head coach) Paul Jennison. We've worked together for 10 years, and it's been fabulous. It's a great honor to be with him, and to be involved with the kids. The kids keep you going."
Hononegah High School, located in Rockton, was the recipient of the Myros Sportsmanship Award.
Hononegah was allowed to insert Chase Quentin, an 11-year-old boy from nearby Roscoe who's battling brain cancer, into a game with Auburn this season. Quentin scored a goal to knot the match at 1-1. Hononegah went on to post a 7-1 victory after the youngster left the pitch, but that was secondary to the experience.
"We wanted to do something special for Chase," Indians head coach Vee Jevremovic said. "We got him his own uniform, and after allowing Auburn to score on us, he scored the tying goal. I'm very proud of the program and the community. Everyone was compliant -- referees, Auburn, administrators, cheer teams -- everyone. It was above us. It was a great evening for Chase. I accept this award on behalf of him."
Quincy boys assistant coach Eric Stratman was named Soccer Person of the Year. Stratman, who organizes numerous boys and girls soccer events in the Quincy area, was unable to attend the honors banquet due to a family commitment.
"It is a great honor to be recognized with the Soccer Person of the Year award from the IHSSCA," said Stratman via a Twitter message. "It is an award I will cherish forever. Thank you to Paul Vignocchi for nominating me."
Included among coaches honored for reaching win milestones were Wheaton Warrenville South's Guy Callipari (300), Downers Grove South's Jon Stapleton (200), Naperville North's Jim Konrad (200), Naperville Central's Troy Adams (100) and Benet Academy's Sean Wesley (100).
Chris Sullivan, a senior midfielder for Class 3A state champion Naperville North, was among dozens of players selected to the 2016 All-State team.
"It feels great to be part of this group of great players at this awesome banquet," said Sullivan, who tallied 19 goals and 13 assists this season. "My brother, Joe, got (All-State recognition) his senior year, too. It's something that happens when you're surrounded by a good team.
"But first, I have to thank my parents for always pushing me, and (head) coach (Jim) Konrad, and (assistant) coach (Steve) Goletz for always helping me with soccer and with life. They helped me through ups and downs, and I couldn't be more thankful."
The Chicago Fire's All-State All-Academic First Team included Warren senior defender Thomas Macheras and Batavia senior midfielder Erik Faessler. Macheras was an IHSSCA All-Section selection as well.
"This award means so much to me," said Macheras, who serves as an after-school tutor. "My parents were happy I made All-Sectional, but they're more proud of me for this. It means more. I want to succeed on the soccer field, but also in the classroom."
Faessler said, "It's very important to me ... something I worked for. To me, it embodies everything about high school. It's nice to have success in soccer, but it's important to have balance. This award reflects that I was able to do it. It shows academics are as important as soccer. If you can do both, it's really great. It shows that motivation does pay off in the end."
Chicago Fire Group Sales Senior Account Executive David Quinn said the type of student-athletes selected All-State All-Academic honors represent a rare breed.
"With these awards, the focus is on what should be the most important thing: achievements in the classroom," Quinn said. "We've got 23 kids on the First Team, and I know at least a handful of them will go on to do great things. How many of them will go pro (in soccer)? You have to achieve in the classroom to find your place in the world."
Notebook
IHSSCA president Brian Papa, who served as a boys and girls soccer head coach for 35 seasons, officially retired from teaching and coaching following the conclusion of the 2016 girls season.
In his final campaign, Papa led Lincoln-Way East to a 16-7-0 mark, adding to a career victory total that included more than 800 wins combined as a boys and girls skipper, and a state championship with the Sandburg boys squad in 1993. Papa began his coaching career at Bloom in 1982, and followed on the sidelines at Sandburg, Lincoln-Way and Lincoln-Way East.
"My goal after retiring was to be an assistant boys coach at Lincoln-Way East," Papa said. "Then I got a phone call."
The call came from Downers Grove North, inquiring to see if Papa was interested in becoming the girls soccer head coach.
So much for retirement.
"I told (Downers Grove North) I was retired, but they said no one was interested (in the vacancy), so I went through the interview process," Papa said. "It's an honor that someone still thinks I can do it. The position, head coach, it's what I do ... what I've done my whole life. And now, I can just go and coach -- no teaching involved.
"I'm definitely excited about it. I already met my staff, and I'm excited to meet the girls. From what I hear, the girls seem optimistic. I know we're gonna work our butts off."
at 46th annual boys banquet
By Ken Keenan
ELMHURST -- Celebrating accomplishments made on the field, in the classroom and behind the bench, the Illinois High School Soccer Coaches Association (IHSSCA) held its 46th annual Boys Soccer Honors Banquet at Diplomat West on Nov. 17.
With an audience of roughly 800 cheerfully looking on, the IHSSCA recognized scores of 2016 All-State, All-Section and Honorable Mention All-Section players, added a member to its Hall of Fame, and presented awards for Player of the Year, Coach of the Year, Assistant Coach of the Year and Soccer Person of the Year. Coaches setting win milestones were recognized, as was the winner of the Myro Rys Sportsmanship Award.
In addition, the Chicago Fire honored members of its 2016 Boys All-State All-Academic Team.
Former Sandburg High School head coach Jack Ferraro was this year's recipient of the IHSSCA Hall of Fame Award. Ferraro, currently the freshman boys team coach at Hinsdale Central, compiled an overall mark of 312-102-19 at the Sandburg helm (1994-2011), and led the Eagles to consecutive IHSA state championships, in 2000 and '01.
"This is such a great honor," said Ferraro, who coached at St. Rita prior to joining Sandburg as an assistant under Brian Papa, who now serves as IHSSCA President. "I feel very humbled. To be associated with the other members of the Hall of Fame ... to be in that group, it's a big thrill for me."
Ferraro was quick to note that the Hall of Fame award represents more than merely a personal achievement.
"It sounds cliché, but it's true -- the sense of being part of something bigger than yourself," he said. "A lot of people helped me get where I am -- parents, coaches, players, school administrators, and my wife, Kathy, plus my son Tony and my daughter, Megan. I couldn't have done it without their support. You've got to have people like that behind you."
Nick Kolliniatis, a class of 1995 Sandburg graduate and a high school All-America player under Ferraro's tutelage, introduced his former coach.
"I'm extremely excited for him," said Kolliniatis, now a science teacher at Sandburg and a U11-U14 girls coordinator with the Chicago Fire Juniors Youth soccer program. "It's a great honor for him, and he definitely deserves it. He taught a lot of players life lessons, on and off the field."
Ferraro added: "It's about the team, and the players -- and seeing them learn about life and become men. You see that in kids, the enthusiasm to be a positive person -- the process -- that's what it's all about."
Earning Player of the Year honors was Barrington senior defender Nash Pirie, who helped the Broncos finish second in the IHSA Class 3A state tournament this season. Pirie totaled 4 goals and 13 assists in 2016, concluding his Barrington career with 6 goals and 26 assists overall.
"It's fantastic," Pirie said. "Going into my freshman year, I never would have thought this would happen. All the hard work, and the result is this amazing gift. But it wouldn't be possible without the team, and (head) coach (Scott) Steib. I wish I could play with him and my team forever. This year was fantastic. We had a great group of seniors, great depth and great character. And we never gave up. I think that drove us all the way to the championship game."
Steib, whose squad finished 23-4-1 overall after falling to Naperville North by a 3-1 count in the state title match on Nov. 5, said, "Two years ago, Nash was just a kid showing up to work hard. He's made such great strides in the physical part of the game, and the understanding of the game. You don't usually see defenders winning Player of the Year, but there was no solution to defending Nash. He's too fast, too athletic.
"The coolest part -- what a great kid he is. It's one thing to be a great player, it's another to be a credit to our program, and the game."
Coach of the Year honors went to Glenbrook North head coach Paul Vignocchi, who guided the Spartans to a 22-2-1 record this season, setting a school record for wins in the process. The team's season ended with a loss to Evanston on penalty kicks (4-2) to snap a 1-1 tie in the Maine East Sectional final.
"It's nice to be recognized by your peers," Vignocchi said. "It was also nice to be nominated by (Deerfield coach) Elliott Hurtig. To be recognized by someone in your own conference (Central Suburban League) ... by an opponent, that's a good feeling.
"A lot of (the award) is due to the team's success, but the coaching staff put in a lot of work, too. My assistant coaches -- Rob DeMano and Yianny Caparos -- they make it fun, and make it easier for me. We definitely collaborated through the season, sending each other texts, working on tactical things. It's nice to have two good assistants on your side.
"We challenged the kids to play at a high level, and the kids responded. We played good soccer ... competed in every game. It's unfortunate the way things ended, but it doesn't take way from the success."
St. Charles East's Bernie Kehoe was named Assistant Coach of the Year. The Saints finished 18-3-2 overall after closing the campaign with a 1-0 loss to Addison Trail in the Glenbard East Sectional semifinals.
"It's a great honor," Kehoe said. "But I've got to talk about (head coach) Paul Jennison. We've worked together for 10 years, and it's been fabulous. It's a great honor to be with him, and to be involved with the kids. The kids keep you going."
Hononegah High School, located in Rockton, was the recipient of the Myros Sportsmanship Award.
Hononegah was allowed to insert Chase Quentin, an 11-year-old boy from nearby Roscoe who's battling brain cancer, into a game with Auburn this season. Quentin scored a goal to knot the match at 1-1. Hononegah went on to post a 7-1 victory after the youngster left the pitch, but that was secondary to the experience.
"We wanted to do something special for Chase," Indians head coach Vee Jevremovic said. "We got him his own uniform, and after allowing Auburn to score on us, he scored the tying goal. I'm very proud of the program and the community. Everyone was compliant -- referees, Auburn, administrators, cheer teams -- everyone. It was above us. It was a great evening for Chase. I accept this award on behalf of him."
Quincy boys assistant coach Eric Stratman was named Soccer Person of the Year. Stratman, who organizes numerous boys and girls soccer events in the Quincy area, was unable to attend the honors banquet due to a family commitment.
"It is a great honor to be recognized with the Soccer Person of the Year award from the IHSSCA," said Stratman via a Twitter message. "It is an award I will cherish forever. Thank you to Paul Vignocchi for nominating me."
Included among coaches honored for reaching win milestones were Wheaton Warrenville South's Guy Callipari (300), Downers Grove South's Jon Stapleton (200), Naperville North's Jim Konrad (200), Naperville Central's Troy Adams (100) and Benet Academy's Sean Wesley (100).
Chris Sullivan, a senior midfielder for Class 3A state champion Naperville North, was among dozens of players selected to the 2016 All-State team.
"It feels great to be part of this group of great players at this awesome banquet," said Sullivan, who tallied 19 goals and 13 assists this season. "My brother, Joe, got (All-State recognition) his senior year, too. It's something that happens when you're surrounded by a good team.
"But first, I have to thank my parents for always pushing me, and (head) coach (Jim) Konrad, and (assistant) coach (Steve) Goletz for always helping me with soccer and with life. They helped me through ups and downs, and I couldn't be more thankful."
The Chicago Fire's All-State All-Academic First Team included Warren senior defender Thomas Macheras and Batavia senior midfielder Erik Faessler. Macheras was an IHSSCA All-Section selection as well.
"This award means so much to me," said Macheras, who serves as an after-school tutor. "My parents were happy I made All-Sectional, but they're more proud of me for this. It means more. I want to succeed on the soccer field, but also in the classroom."
Faessler said, "It's very important to me ... something I worked for. To me, it embodies everything about high school. It's nice to have success in soccer, but it's important to have balance. This award reflects that I was able to do it. It shows academics are as important as soccer. If you can do both, it's really great. It shows that motivation does pay off in the end."
Chicago Fire Group Sales Senior Account Executive David Quinn said the type of student-athletes selected All-State All-Academic honors represent a rare breed.
"With these awards, the focus is on what should be the most important thing: achievements in the classroom," Quinn said. "We've got 23 kids on the First Team, and I know at least a handful of them will go on to do great things. How many of them will go pro (in soccer)? You have to achieve in the classroom to find your place in the world."
Notebook
IHSSCA president Brian Papa, who served as a boys and girls soccer head coach for 35 seasons, officially retired from teaching and coaching following the conclusion of the 2016 girls season.
In his final campaign, Papa led Lincoln-Way East to a 16-7-0 mark, adding to a career victory total that included more than 800 wins combined as a boys and girls skipper, and a state championship with the Sandburg boys squad in 1993. Papa began his coaching career at Bloom in 1982, and followed on the sidelines at Sandburg, Lincoln-Way and Lincoln-Way East.
"My goal after retiring was to be an assistant boys coach at Lincoln-Way East," Papa said. "Then I got a phone call."
The call came from Downers Grove North, inquiring to see if Papa was interested in becoming the girls soccer head coach.
So much for retirement.
"I told (Downers Grove North) I was retired, but they said no one was interested (in the vacancy), so I went through the interview process," Papa said. "It's an honor that someone still thinks I can do it. The position, head coach, it's what I do ... what I've done my whole life. And now, I can just go and coach -- no teaching involved.
"I'm definitely excited about it. I already met my staff, and I'm excited to meet the girls. From what I hear, the girls seem optimistic. I know we're gonna work our butts off."