Springfield MO Soccer

I took a sentimental journey Wednesday, visiting Pershing Middle School to capture the ‘changing of the guard’ as Bob Jordan officially handed off responsibility for the soccer program to Dr Jim Cook and his JV coaches. Pictured above are Frank Horton, Mark Lassman-Eul, Bob Jordan, Dr. Jim Cook & Karen Brewer. Not Pictured: Kelley Lemons. Dr. Cook is returning to his roots, having coached at Pershing in the late 80’s, and once again taking the lead of this program.

I’ve been querying Bob and his wife Sara about Springfield Soccer from the day I met them on the sidelines at a Glendale match a few years ago (after hearing about “the webmaster”). Today I got to ask Bob about Bob.

I got involved in coaching when Nathan was a U12 player. He made the switch from the YMCA to LCS and the coach of his team (MSU biomedical science faculty member Mike Hendrix) was diagnosed with prostate cancer. I couldn’t say no. I got a license and learned what I could. I got involved with middle school ball because most of the kids on the LCS team I coached were Pershing kids. I said I would help and next thing I knew, I was the JV coach. I relied on Bob Florez early in my middle school coaching days for advice because he had lots of middle school coaching experience.

While I started in Fall 2000, it has full-year commitment from Fall 2001 - Fall 2005. In Spring 2003, I coached the Girls Varsity to a championship and I also coached two JV teams. I did practices by myself. Paul Frewin was on the bench for Varsity games.

There is a lot to discuss when it comes to Bob and the parents who assisted him in that period. Several guys have helped over several years: Bryan Baltz, Steve Maddox, Frank Horton, Paul Frewin, Karen Brewer, Mark Lassman-Eul. On a shorter term basis: Kelley Lemons, Steve Olson, Frances McShane, Mike Mellinger, Alfredo Dieguez, Tony Morris. The most remarkable stat in that period? How about this one:

When I started, we had about 32 boys and 24 girls. Now we are consistently around 60 boys and 60 girls. Sixth grade eligibility helped increase the number, but we have actively recruited them and done a good job of keeping them.

Who are some of the kids that have moved through the program, feeding into Jeff Rogers at Glendale?

My first group of kids are seniors this year. These 2005-06 Glendale players played for me at Pershing:

Stephen Conner, Jared Lightner, Ryan Frewin, Steve Wilczewski, Justin Rogers, Samm Palmer, Jeffrey Lyons, Tyler McElroy, Michael Johnson, Devon Newport, Nathan Jordan, Graham Basecke, Nick Lopez, Robbie Harbach, Ryan Squires, Joseph Janick, Kyle Cline, Ryan Partch, Ian Newport, Eric Lindsey.

Girls include Ashley Meyer, Jamie Bond, Katie Bushman, Megan Garrad, Megan McElroy, Laura McElroy, Elizabeth Ciesielski, Danielle Cleghorn, Kelsey Heintz, Kathryn Bergmann, Emily Jordan, Jeni Frewin, Erica Murren, Marissa Andrews

Quite a list. There’s one more to check out as well. 5 championships in 9 varsity seasons. The Pershing Varsity teams are on a 28-0 streak (that’s the combined record for the Spring girls season and boys Fall season folks, going back to the Fall of 2004). Here are the details:

Boys

Fall 2000 - Pershing JV Boys
Paul Frewin & I coached the JV. Bryan Baltz coached the Varsity.

Fall 2001 - First Boys Varsity Season. City Champs. 8-1-1. Defeated Catholic in the final 2-0. Ben Hamilton averaged a hat trick for the season for Catholic. The team included: Steve Wilczewski, Ryan Frewin, Sam Palmer, Nathan Jordan, Jeff Lyons, Jared Lightner. Among guys who did not play this year: Cory Kaufman, Doni Dieguez, Aaron Hatfield. A bunch of the guys on this team now play lacrosse. This was Nathan’s 7th grade year.

Fall 2002 - Lost in Semifinals to Hickory Hills.

Fall 2003 - Lost in Finals to Cherokee. (Heath Melugin’s 8th grade season)

Fall 2004 - Undefeated City Champs. Defeated Cherokee. (Won on PKs)

Fall 2005 - Undefeated City Champs. Defeated Cherokee.

Update - Dr. Cook was the first coach at Pershing. He was the coach for the first three years and won the championship his first and third years.

Fall 1987 - Champs
Fall 1988
Fall 1989 - Champs

Girls

Spring 2002. Lost in Semis to Hickory.

Spring 2003. City Champs. Defeated Catholic. (Won on PKs). Emily’s 6th grade year (Bob’s daughter, now a freshman swing player at Glendale). Emily & Jen Frewin (also a freshman swing player at Glendale) both made their PKs.

Spring 2004. Lost in Semis to Cherokee.

Spring 2005. Undefeated City Champs. Defeated Catholic. (Won on PKs). Emily’s 8th grade year. Em & Jen both made their PKs.

Quite a record, especially for a guy who by capturing his photo and his story will earn me many smiles and questions of how the heck did I do it. Bob’s not one for crowds or the spotlight

Bob is my website mentor. It was his enthusiasm for posting my photos and soccer highlight videos on the Glendale soccer website that led to my ‘ah ha’ moment that led to this site. A project he would have taken on himself if it weren’t for his commitment to the Pershing and Glendale programs, and now the Glendale Lacrosse program. The first guy I go to with questions and I can always expect a direct, straightforward answer. Maybe it’s the Debate background?

I also spent last Spring assisting Bob by coaching one of the JV teams at Pershing (with Frank, Mark & Karen), reminding me of how difficult and rewarding it can be. My favorite niece Haylie played on the team, along with two of her best friends, and a crew of young ladies that I’m going to be cheering for many years from now (thanks Alex, Bailey, Claire, Dena, Erica & Jenny for that great greeting Wednesday!)

Bob is not the only parent who has gotten involved in soccer due to his children’s interest. There are many in the area as well as College players who help make the game better for all of us. Help me identify those folks so that I can recognize their effort on these pages as well. Contact me at 849-2508, ask for Ole!