What's up Cougar Fans!?!?

I just wanted to take a moment to thank all of you for reading these posts - not only for men's soccer, but for all the other sports as well. Coach Furey is always talking about Cougar soccer being a family experience, and we definitely count all of our supporters in the family. It's not nearly as much fun to play if no one is watching or cheering. So, thank you for all your support in whatever way you choose to give it!

It's been a good week in the world of Cougar soccer. Since I last wrote, we managed to pull off important wins against Ohio Dominican University and Ashland University. Both teams are highly skilled and really enjoyable to play against. The games were physical and saw a lot of action, and both ended in 1-0 wins for us with goals being scored by my favorite Jamaicans (Chris Allen against ODU and Kemar Jackson against AU).

Also, in exciting Cougar soccer news, Coach Furey made his official return to the pitch yesterday for practice. He is officially in rehab and on the road to full recovery from the heart attack he suffered a few weeks ago. It was great to have him back on the field with us yesterday for sure, but I would be amiss not to give a lot of props to assistant coaches Steve Lesmes and Dave Stelzer, who have been captaining the ship for the last 2 weeks. They did an awesome job and currently hold a 3-0 record as head coaches! They stepped into leadership and prepared us for two of the biggest games we've played all year. It goes along with that whole family we're apart of and that I mentioned earlier. When times get tough or things don't go according to plan, we rally together and fill in the areas that need filled and continue pressing on towards our goals.

This week, I want to introduce you to the rest of our back line, which has continued to get recognition after recognition over the last few years. New to the starting backfield this year is Steve Wilging (or Wilgs when you want the ball from him on the field). Wilgs is a sophomore from Mansfield, Ohio, and I had the privilege of playing against him for three years in high school prior to us becoming teammates last year. Wilgs has done a great job of filling in some big shoes this year and has really turned the center back position into his own territory now. No longer do we ask him to do what other players have done for us in the past. Now, we ask him to keep elevating his game and setting the standard for other backs to come. Off the field, Steve enjoys working out (have you seen the kid?!? He was born into a weight room), eating A LOT of incredibly healthy food, and spending time with his closest friends. I got to know Steve really well last year serving as his Resident Assistant for J-term as well his small group leader. He's a great guy with lots of energy and funny comments and a quiet drive that fuels him on in all of his endeavors.

Also new to the starting backline this year is Steve Armstrong. Steve also graduated from Mansfield Christian School with Wilging, and consequently served as my opponent for four years before becoming a teammate. Steve is a hilarious guy who does not stop....EVER. As soon as classes are over, you can find him playing tennis, golf, or soccer with his apartment mates, working out, running, doing homework, working, and somehow still finding time to play soccer with us. Steve and I got to know each other pretty well last year as we were both playing the same position, so we were always paired up for practices and off the field we enjoyed talking about ways to make ourselves better. But that was last year, this year we needed a new outside defender and Steve stepped up and has played the position wonderfully. He was elected Tournament MVP of the First-Knox Cougar Invitational as well as AMC and NCCAA Player of the Week. Not too bad for a rookie on the back line! Steve is one of the hardest workers I know. You can always find him out before or after practice working on whatever he feels needs improvement - and obviously it's paid off! I'm so glad I have one more year to play with this guy. He's truly become a great friend off the field and a player I always want on my team.

Finally, in the team that is our family I am going to introduce you to my twin (or closest brother), Kemar Jackson. Kemar is a junior from Jamaica. When I first met him my freshmen year, I could not believe that anyone could be so quiet as Kemar and still enjoy playing sports. But, I very quickly realized that Kemar is anything but quiet. He will argue with you until he's blue in the face that Kobe Bryant is the best point guard ever, sing any song to you at the top of his lungs (but rarely on key), or call out commands on the field picking out passes and marks. Kemar plays left back for us, but that doesn't keep him from making 90 yard runs down the field to score goals. He is a player I have played almost every minute with on the same side and it's scary how we think with one brain now on the field.

Before every game, we call to each other "LEFT SIDE" just to let everyone know that whichever opponent is on our side is in for a long game with two players who will do anything to cover for each other and get down the field and score. Probably my favorite part about knowing Kemar these last three years has been watching him grow spiritually. I do not know if he came to our school with a saving knowledge of Jesus Christ, but it is an undeniable part of his life now. We enjoy talking about "the good stuff in life" (faith, love, and

soccer) on any occasion, and it has been amazing to see Kemar grow in Christ. He's truly one of my best friends and the highlight of soccer for me here at MVNU.

Thanks for reading! Tune in next week for an update on the Daemen game (to be played this Saturday at 4:00 p.m.) and for an introduction to our midfielders!

Keep it inside the post y'all!