AYSO 428: News: RL EXP Wins... BIG

That's right, Region 428 is home to BOTH EXP CHAMPIONSHIP TEAMS!!! This was a very exciting day for all the kids, coaches & parents in attendance. The sidelines were completely full for both Championship Games. I have never heard such a loud and excited crowd.The girls did it with an undefeated season ending 8 and 0 and having outscored their opponents 33 to 5 during the season. I am very proud to have been able to coach such a GREAT group of girls and work with such a dedicated group of parents. I appreciate all their hard work and dedication to the team and the program more than I will ever be able to tell them!!

Also, a special and personal thank you to my Assistant Coach Tim Smith. Tim and I have been coaching together for a few years now and if it wasn't for my knowing I could rely on him to be there for me I probably wouldn't be coaching. Thanks Tim!!

The boys got off to a rocky start losing 2 of their first 4 games but turned around at the half way point reenergized and the dominate force in the division. This was apparent with their big wins on Sunday (5-0 win in the championship over a solid Lake Forest team).

I would like to give a big congratulations to the Smashing Pumpkins and personal thanks to the boys coach Rick Veenstra for all his hard work and help with making this EXP program a wild success in the Round Lake Region. Without his work and effort recruiting and filling his team, RL might not have been able to field a boys team. Also, a very special thank you to all the parents that helped out Sundaywith the mobile concession stand, field clean up, ref'ing, field monitoringand every other little thing that needed to get done and got done.

I know itwas a long day, but it is that dedication that made RL EXP the BEST thisseason. Remember that next season. Especially Karen Besaw & Celeste Melesio and her family for taking theirSunday to help make it all work. It wouldn't have happened without yourhelp. Also, John & Greg Szekeres, Kevin & Betsy Thomas & Jerry & KathyMurray for being around all day to help with the set up and tear down.

This program is proof positive that when we all do a little (or a lot) tohelp it DOES make a better program for our kids. Our teams of kids, coaches,volunteers and parents was great. I have the first place trophies to prove it.