DEERFIELD – Rochelle Zell’s Ari Schwab received a special treat late Monday afternoon after he and four other seniors were honored on Senior Day before the game against Holy Trinity.

Schwab, who is out with a knee injury, was an honorary starter for the Tigers. He took his place on the field for the kickoff and exited after the game started and the ball was immediately kicked out of bounds.

The three-year starter has been the backbone of the backline. His toughness, soccer IQ, and enthusiasm for the game and his teammates, has played a big role in the program.

“I was out at the beginning of the season with a knee injury, was back for a couple of weeks, and then a new injury with the same knee,” Schwab said. 

“I was looking forward to playing on ‘Senior Night’ for so long. Coach (David Martinez) had me in the center midfield for a little when I was back, but my home is defense. I got to go back home for a little toward the end of my time playing recently.”

Schwab said his playing status is day-to-day, but he’s enjoyed helping his coach and team from the sidelines.

“It was great for coach to give me the ceremonial start,” Schwab said. “I’m really proud of the team. We have a lot of young kids, first-time starters. 

“I would love to be playing, but coach has me doing some coaching on the sidelines. I like it. I love playing, but it’s nice to be involved in the sidelines and see everything from a different side. I like being a leader and always appreciated having coach in my ear when I was on the field. I like to reciprocate that to my teammates, and I hope they appreciate that.”

“I’m really happy to have gotten to play at Rochelle Zell, whether last Wednesday was my last game at RZ or not. I’m proud of these kids and hope I can get back in there for a strong finish.”

A grand return

Rochelle Zell senior Guy Israel made a big statement early in Monday’s game.

After suffering a knee injury this summer, Israel was forced to watch the first month of the season on the sidelines.

He returned to the pitch at the ideal time and was celebrated with the Class of 2025.

Israel wasted little time announcing his presence, scoring the first goal of the game in the sixth minute. The midfielder, who also plays basketball, added another goal in the 69th minute to cap a two-goal day. He also drilled shots off the crossbar twice.

“I started off by fracturing three ribs in our first day of summer practice in soccer,” he said. “Ever since then, I’ve been waiting for my shot. The last few years I didn’t get to play much. We had a really strong team, and I had injuries.”

When Israel scored off a long shot for a 1-0 lead, everyone in the stands, and his teammates, erupted.

“There’s no better feeling to let it rip and see it go in,” Israel said. “My sophomore year I was on a knee scooter the whole season but still decided to come to every practice. I think this is my statement year, the last year for me to prove something.”

Israel, who also plays volleyball, said he wanted to show his talents to the younger players after spending time in a coach-like setting.

“During practices I coach-up the freshman, but I sometimes wondered ‘Why they should be listening to me, because I haven’t shown them I’m capable of doing anything?’ So, part of the motivation for this game was to show them I’m here for a reason and give them someone to look up to,” he said.

Martinez said he was thrilled to see Israel patrolling the midfield.

“Guy has been out the whole year, and he was able to score the first goal of the game,” Martinez said. “We’re happy to have him back, missing him in the midfield has been tough. We’ve had a lot of freshmen step up in that role. 

“He’s a great kid. It’s hard when you are hurt, but (he’s) still encouraging kids and taking them under his wing. Guy was able to come out today and showed everyone he can make an impact on any day. He deserves that this happened on Senior Night.”

Up next

Rochelle Zell has four games left in the regular-season. The nonconference matches feature a trip to Fasman Yeshiva on Wednesday (Sept. 25) and hosting Beacon on Sept. 30. The league portion ends with a visit from Northtown on Thursday (Sept. 26) and a trip to Holy Trinity on Oct. 1. The Chicago Prep Conference and state tournaments close the Tigers season.