Coaches Corner
"Brandon Gish "
As many of you are aware, Brandon Gish (Owensboro, Ky.) hit the game-winner Saturday night against the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater. It was an important Central Region result for Centre. I was happy to see Gish have the opportunity to score in this game.
During the 2005 season, we traveled up to the University of Wisconsin- Whitewater. In that game, nothing seemed to go Centre’s way. We experienced two questionable red cards, saw one of the nation’s top assists leader go down injured, and icing on the cake was Brandon Gish’s season-ending injury. The 1-0 loss at UW-Whitewater in 2005 was never forgotten.
Derek Robert’s made it happen for Brandon last Saturday night. Derek was seemingly inches away from setting up a goal going down the left side about five minutes earlier. The second time went Derek’s way. He beat two UW-Whitewater players and with little room to work on the baseline he was able to put a ball on the PK spot. Gish could not have timed his run any better and his one time strike rattled the right side netting.
We all knew immediately the meaning of the goal. Goals are hard to come by in big games like the one with UW-Whitewater. But that is not what made Gish’s goal special. It put closure on what is never an easy process, coming back from a knee injury.
I always pull for our players to succeed. But in soccer, you never know who is going to get the opportunity. How ironic that Gish got the chance?
I felt it was very fitting to hear from several of last year’s seniors after the game. My cell phone was filled with messages of support for Brandon. I know Pete Millon called Gish Saturday night.
Another unexpected side story to this involves alum, LTCol Gregg L. Moore, Class of 84. Gregg happened to be in Danville two year’s ago. He saw our camp in progress and walked down to introduce himself. We must have spoken for two hours. Gregg and his family live in Whitewater, Wisconsin. So, he and his wife came to the game last year at UWW.
I was not surprised to get a few emails after the UW-Whitewater victory at this year’s 17th Annual Bob Allen Nissan Classic from Gregg. I don’t think Gregg would mind me including one of his notes.
“Coach – I am glad the young man had a great recovery. As for me, I am far from home. I’m presently hanging in Fallujah, Iraq, overseeing the combat logistics patrols in my area of responsibility. The Marines and Sailors in my battalion are fantastic young men and women. I’ve got approximately 800 hard – charging and incredibly motivated boys and girls that I am extremely proud of as you could guess. We fly the flag and lead from the front. Right now I am can think of no other place I’d rather be. Though a reservist, the Marine Corps has always been good to me.
The best on the rest of the season! Drive it home. As I said, I’ll be following along on the net. Perhaps I’ll be able to make a game next season.”
Semper Fidelis,
LTCol Gregg L. Moore
Commanding Officer
In the same vein, I felt fortunate to see Josh Will take time out to speak with the group on Friday. His ideas on game preparation helped the team out. We are lucky to have a unique and loyal alumni group. Their interest and support creates a family environment within our men’s program and reminds our current team that they are part of something much bigger.
Coach's Corner archives
Monday, Aug 28, 2006
|
