I need to apologize for the length. Needed to get that off my chest. As I sit down to write my Senior Salute, it’s hard to believe that I was once the Matt Graber or the Mark Thompson of the team, looking up at the seniors thinking, ‘well I still have four years till I’m at that point, that’s a long ways away.’ But here I am, four years later, four years older, and a lot more injury prone then in my youth collegiate soccer years. I still remember reading Jermaine’s senior salute, “This is your last chance in your life to play competitive soccer at the college level! It might not seem like it’s that big of a deal but when you’re a senior looking down the barrel of being an adult that no longer has soccer as your priority in life you will see how special your four years at Saint Mary’s University were.” It hit me hard as a sophomore, but hits me even harder sitting here as a senior graduating in May and leaving this fantasy four year life (we call college) in the rear view mirror.
When looking back as to why I chose to play soccer at SMU, it comes with the old saying, “everything always falls into place,” which my parents never let me forget. Many schools came in and out of my life and I thought I’d never find the right fit. I remember the drive up to Winona and having second thoughts about it until we actually pulled into campus; I knew right away that it was for me. Many people regret the school they chose to attend but I know deep down in my heart that I will never regret the decision to come and play soccer at SMU. I have met some of the greatest people and will never forget those that have impacted my life greatly these past four years.
Soccer has been a way of life for me ever since I was little. It’s hard to believe that I started my peewee career as a sweeper, built my way into a forward in high school which in return got me recruited by SMU. Going from forward my freshman year to midfield my sophomore and junior year and finally ending my senior year at a center back is quite the transformation. Something I’ve learned in college soccer is that when you come in as a freshman: in shape, young, and hard to bruise---Don’t expect that to last forever. Your body deteriorates and injury becomes more common. My last two weeks of senior year have proved me right by sending me to the ER twice in less than 8 days. So freshmen take note: enjoy your youthful bodies…. Wait, don’t take that the wrong way.
The first people I have to thank for everything in my entire life are my parents. Mom and Dad, you guys have given me all the opportunity in the world, and I know I haven’t always been grateful, but since going away to college and growing up (somewhat), I have seen how I blessed I’ve been. You guys have always fought for me to be a better person. I know I’ve been relentless since I was a baby, but you guys have always stayed by my side and pushed for me to do big things in life. Thank you for introducing me to soccer and always following my career. Dad- thank you for being at every single game of my career—72 collegiate soccer games, over 10,000 miles of driving and flying. I knew when the game started that I could look up and find you in the stands every time. Hopefully when I’m rich and successful someday, I’ll donate enough money to build a statue of you at the entrance of the field. Mom- I know driving four hours every other day has never been your thing but I loved walking off the field and seeing you standing there always happy, even if we lost. You always put a smile on my face no matter the situation. You guys bother me, nag me, and talk way too much, but I couldn’t ask for better parents and wouldn’t trade anything in the world for the both of you. Thank you for everything you’ve done—not only through my soccer career but through my entire life. You guys have made me the man I am today, and for that, I will be ever grateful. I love you both more than you’ll ever understand. PS- I hate Navona…..still.
Next on the list of celebrities are Kevin and Catherine. Kevin- Thanks for continually supporting my collegiate career. I know you live yours through me since I took yours away by tearing your MCL in our backyard. Thanks for making the long haul up here from Chicago and watching me play. You’ll always be my best friend and the one I look up to until the day I die. I don’t think I’ve ever told you this before but I love you, and I know you’ll probably hate me for saying that, but it’s true. Can’t forget about Nicole either! Thanks for coming those multiple times (even though those nights were foggy) and getting along so well with everyone. I. Catherine- I know we haven’t seen eye to eye ever and butt heads constantly, but in the end you are my little, and only, sister. I love you too.
To all of my extended family, thank you for always supporting my soccer career and caring about the things I do.
Becca- It’s been over a year now since you’ve been in my life. You’ve seen me through two soccer seasons which I know is stressful especially with my injuries (ankle, shoulder, head). Sorry for worrying you constantly. Thank you for taking care of me throughout the injuries. I have to thank you especially big for pushing me to play soccer my senior year. You know I wanted to quit and take the easy way out but you never let me. You pushed me to tough it out and I will be forever grateful. You’re my best friend (second to Kevin though, haha) and I know I can go to you with whatever I need. You’re one of the smartest people I know and one of the hardest workers, hands down. Everything is stressful but you will succeed and go places. I believe in you like you’ve always believed in me. You’ve never let me down and I know you never will. You got me the greatest birthday gift I’ve ever received, our dog, Vera. I can’t wait to see where life takes us but thank you for everything you’ve done so far. I love you. PS- sorry I’m a jerk ;)
To the three clowns that have been in the real world for some time now and are close to retiring- Jon, Lucas, and Jermaine. You guys were the big guys on campus when I came to SMU and you three took me (as a little freshman) under your wing and showed me the ropes. You guys made my first two years here great. Jermaine- I’m excited to see where you end up in life. You have so much drive and a great personality I love you like a brother even though you have the worst touch in the MIAC still on record. LUO LUO, MI-YOT, JOCK-RASTA-FA. PS- I will forever hate England’s airport security for you. Jon- I never thought I would miss your Family Guy one-liners. You look like you’re a 55 year old cue ball but I love you like a brother. I’ll never forget those trips home with you, Lucas, Neu, and Boussie. I’m glad we’ve stayed close since you graduated and hope our friendship only builds stronger. I know I’ll never forget you because my first tattoo came from your birthday. Sick goals in England too, and you were an okay goalie in the MIAC. “If loving you is wrong, I ain’t never wanna be right.” Lucas- Legitimately, I’m not even sure if you’ve graduated yet because you linger around Neu and me so much still in Winona. You could be one of the most brilliant people I have ever met and it is truly a pleasure to talk to you….on Saturday nights….Sunday mornings…at 3 am thru 7 am. I’d rather be sleeping but you fill that time pretty well. I’m glad you’ve stayed strong with coming back to Winona to hang out. I’ve always looked up to you since freshman year---not with looks or body type, just your smarts and drive to succeed. I can’t believe we got henna tattoos in England either (but seriously I’m glad I was with you for your first and that we got the exact same thing). I can’t believe you threw a full (root) beer at me in England. MY DAD WENT TO COLLEGE. I’m sure Coach Halberg will never forget trying to break up our pathetic fight outside of the Manchester hostile.
To The Volini’s- even though Lucas graduated, you guys have continually supported us and come to many of our games. You are some of the greatest parents and have raised a great son! To The Neu’s- you guys have been like a second family to me since freshman year. Thank you for always remembering my birthday and treating me like the son you’ve always wanted (sorry about Bryan and Kevin). I’m glad that you guys will always be a part of my life as soccer leaves the picture.
MARY!- There are few words to describe the type of woman you are Mary. You are the reason that I have been able to play soccer for the past two years. You have been able to keep my body intact. I don’t know how you did it sometimes but you did it. I’m glad I got to know you on a more personal note since I had to spend so much time with you every day. Even if something didn’t have to do with soccer or injuries, you were always there to listen and respond. You literally worked magic with my injuries and always knew exactly what to do to make sure I came back sooner than later. 5-7 weeks the doctor said for my shoulder—I was back in 6 days. Thanks for putting up with my injuries and always taking care of me. I hope we continue to talk once soccer is done and our lives move on.
To the one and only, famous, Steven Boussie. You are one crazy man. The epic stories of you will go down in SMU soccer history and never be forgotten. You have and always will be my daddy who I will hide behind supposedly, haha. Living with you last year brought me closer to you then I thought I would ever get the chance to. You literally were like blood. I could never say a single bad thing about a guy like you. I’ll never forget all those nights of us pulling all nighters, barely getting stuff done but having heart to heart talks while drinking chocolate milk and watching Sportscenter on repeat. I know you “NEEDED IT-AAAAAA.” You, Spinach, and I became the three best friends that anyone could have, haha. You became like a big brother to Becca. She misses you dearly and your dirty talks that you had behind my back. I hate you for hitting on her. We used to do work in that old house man… 329 RIP. I’ll never forget you brother. Stay strong with that Pink Floyd guy and whoever that Led Zeppelin guy was that you always mentioned. I cannot wait to see where you take your life. Hope I never see you on Lock Up: Troy- Extended Stay on TV. I know you’ll be successful because of the person you are that not many people got to see. LOOOOOVEEEE YOUUUUU. GOOD NIGHT! SPINACHHHHHHH for life. Chiefs ALWAYSSS WINNING
From one blood brother to another, my boy B. Neu. As we sit here writing our senior salute and I’m three pages ahead of you, I can’t help but think…this is what our whole college career has been like… HEAA. I don’t even know where to start with you. We got recruited together, started every game together, had classes together, and lived together. What else could I ask for with a guy like you… I hope you take that the wrong way. We’ve been through it all. Four years and more memories than could fit into a 500 page book (that we probably wouldn’t read). I’m glad you made it our senior year without any serious injuries, you’re lucky I took them for you. I’m lucky to have you at my side all the time because half the time people wouldn’t understand me but you’re always there to be “Bobby’s Translator,” so that people know what I’m talking about. You’ve been there for the good, the bad, and the ugly. There have been multiple occasions we both probably wish we could take back, haha. One thing that has always stayed true with us is that we have never fought. I sat here trying to think of one instant that we fought and I could not come up with one. That’s pretty rare especially with both of our personalities. Like freshman year when your aunt asked your mom at the Christmas party about me, and your mom responded with, “Bobby are Bryan are the exact same person, I’ve never said that before until I met Bobby.” I think that’s pretty true brother. Even though you got married last year and this year to Na’alie, you’ve been the same Neu. DONDE ESTA BRYAAAN? It’s been an honor wearing that ‘C’ on our arms for two years straight. I think we were lucky that our hometowns were so close to one another, it only built our friendship closer. Go Chiefs. Don’t worry once I get my career I’ll hook you up with one too. I love you like family, Neu.
Jimbo- My man! I cannot believe how close we got this summer, I’m glad you stayed down here and that we lived together. You love to party and sometimes it’s too much but hey sorry for partying. You pushed me this summer to work out and look good for soccer season, you literally got me into soccer shape. Cancun is about to be nutty with Derrek and the rest of the gang. A GEE GEE GEE. There’s too much to say about you but you’re a math nerd and I still love you.
Derrek- St. CLEE. That explains it all. I know you don’t want to be 21 anymore either.
Steve and Chonzo- You guys pushed me last school year to lift and get stronger. You were always there for me when I needed you guys. Bobby’s College. Lifting. Lax. Duh. Rude.
Spencer and Austin- You are two intimidating guys but Austin has a baby face. I’m glad you guys accepted me into your family and allowed me to date your cousin. You two are always down for a good time and this summer only brought us closer. Go Bears. Country till I die. Can’t wait to grow old with you boys.
To my back line: Gunnar, Kam, Puff- It’s been great playing with you guys especially for my first year playing center back. Although the defense gets no credit in any of the articles or from anyone, if we lost or won (hard to come by though these days), I respect you guys more than any one on the field. You guys play your butts off day in and day out and get no recognition for it and it is ridiculous. We all know it, yet everyday we’re out there busting hard and doing our thing. Don’t ever put your heads down. Have a good senior year next year and keep working hard, I’ll miss you guys. Kam- Someday I’ll take you to the local deli for lunch meat and I’ll never forget you sleeping on my futon for an entire year and coming home with me for breaks. Puff- You’ve worked so hard and have come so far since your freshman year to finally getting that starting spot. Thata’ boy! Gunnar- God where to start with you, ALL AMERICAN. You’ve been the same great guy since freshman year man, don’t ever change. You’re a phenomenal player and a great guy to be working next to in the back. Be careful of Toby next year. HEAAAA. OWW…OWW…OWWW. When it was you, Neu, and I talking, people probably thought we had no dialogue but we always understood each other. I’ll miss you kid. Chiefs always winning!
To Chris and Jua- It’s been a great four years playing with you guys. You both will do big things in the world. Jua- get out of here already you super-senior. It was great living with you and playing with you quarterback. Everything I want to say to you, I can’t because this is public, but you know what it issssss. Go Chiefs. Chris- cut your hair or I’ll do it for you.
Rest of you:
Lusch & Meyer- LEAGUE. That’s all I need to say.
Bina- you were the mom of the team and always will be.
Highlighter- You are the craziest kid I have ever met. Don’t change. Make good decisions.
Loren- So good to see you. Keep working hard, your time will come.
Gabe- *gulp* Seniors?
Graber- Keep working hard. You remind me of myself as a freshman. The wins will come and they will be worth it. Keep party rock anthem strong in the locker room. And always call me Bob Daddy.
The Spanish Guys- ahhh I’ve got nothing. Haha. Stick together. I’ll miss you guys.
Tall- MAKE GOOD DECISIONS. You have a good head on your shoulders and are a good player. Don’t screw it up.
Van Dam- You’re still Chris’ slave. Work hard though and things will get better. BKD.
Petrich- Stop talking. And move your locker away from mine. Thanks. I’ll miss ya though.
To all the other soccer guys that I may have missed- keep working hard and listen to Coach, he knows his stuff and will lead you in the right direction. I never gave up and you guys better never give up or I will come back and find you. I’ll miss you guys but don’t worry I’ll be back every so often to check up on you guys. The MIAC is a tough conference with good players but Saint Mary’s deserves to be there and I’d put our players up against theirs any day.
Coach Watkins and Drew- Thanks for making my senior year extremely competitive which was a first for SMU soccer. The ideas you guys have brought in will lead the soccer program in the right direction. You guys recruited the right way and through your first year you learned what SMU, the MIAC, and current players are like. The wins will come eventually. The players are always behind you guys and trust you entirely. I look forward to watching games next year online and hearing how SMU soccer is in the top 5 of the MIAC. Let me know if you ever need help from Alum. Thanks for not only helping with turning this program around but for giving me real life help that I can use later in my life.
Four seems to be a common theme in my salute because I’m at a little over four pages now. Thanks for reading my short novel. To anyone that I have forgotten to mention, you guys have all played a key role in my life…for the most part. The end of my soccer career is bitter sweet. I’ve met some great people, played some great matches, and lost a few…..80 or so. It comes with the gig I guess. Boys- As I step into the locker room for my last time, it’ll be hard to hold back the tears as I look at my number six jersey that I’ve worn for four years doing what I love, playing soccer. Never take anything for granted boys. It may be the last time for some of you this season but remember it’s over sooner then it started. As you walk off that field, your 2012 season starts and my real life starts. Next year I don’t get to walk into the locker room and find that number six hanging up, music playing, that Captain band starring me in the face, or getting those pre-game jitters. But you guys do. Remember what I’ve told all of you guys: this soccer team is your family. Trust them and never give up on them. Everything happens for a reason and growing up is a part of life. I’m always here for you guys.
Announcers: “From Lake Zurich, IL, #6, Your Captain …….. Bobby Gas”
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