THE DeSALES SOCCER PAGE
I was a Soccer coach at DeSales High School in Louisville Kentucky off-and-on for 30 years. I finally retired from coaching the J.V. soccer team at the end of the 2003 season. DeSales alumni, Steve Young and Mike Grosshans stepped in and did a great job with the J.V. team for the 2004 season.
I began coaching soccer in 1974. I had no experience at all with soccer, and had to learn on the job, mostly from books, my players and other helpful coaches in the area. Kevin Hickey, one of the players on my first team and a current member of the DeSales School Board likes to say that "they taught me everything I know about soccer". I'm greatful for the education Kevin.
I stepped down as Varsity coach for a time in the early 80's in order to get my Masters degree. At that time Mike Johnson coached the team and holds the distinction of coaching the most successful soccer team in the school's history, when in 1982 DeSales was runner-up in the State Tournament. I also stepped down as Varsity coach for a few years when my son Kenny began his Freshman year at DeSales (I didn't want anyone to think that he only got to play because he was the "Coach's Son"). Mike Shrecker was hired by DeSales and took over as Varsity Coach in 1989. My primary job became building a J.V. team. I was to teach freshmen and sophomores as much as I could about soccer, to prepare them to step up to the Varsity level. After the 1995 season Mike Shrecker stepped down as Varsity coach and Neil Schulten was hired to take over the program. Neil served as our Varsity coach until retiring at the end of the 2005 season.
They were incredibly successful, winning numerous district and regional titles.
In the spring of 2005 DeSales alumnus and former Bellarmine University player, Robbie Burch took the head soccer coaching job and is being assisted by DeSales alumni, Shilo Rayburn and Kevin Burch (Rob's brother).
We have a no-cut policy in soccer at DeSales, which means that anyone who is willing to practice will make the team. Playing time must be earned by a player's performance in practice. Sometimes, competition for playing time can be quite intense. Of course, we always try to be as fair as possible when choosing who gets to play.
Although I am enjoying my reitirement from soccer (it gives me more time to prepare for my classes), I also miss working with the young kids. I will continue to watch games as a spectator, but it is really hard to keep my mouth shut. Old habits die hard. I continue to coach the tennis team at DeSales, a sport I actually know how to play.
I'll always treasure my memories of the soccer teams I have coached. The relationships developed between a coach and his players is one of the greatest joys of being a teacher/coach. A part of me always wished the kids had a "real" coach so they could have been more successful, but the selfish part of me is grateful for being allowed to coach so many quality young men. My coaching carreer has been one of the highlights of my life.
Thanks guys, I truely love all of you!
CLICK ON THE SOCCER BALLS BELOW TO LINK TO OTHER SOCCER SITES.
- PILL'S DRILLS - This site is really great for coaches & players. Tons of great drills!
- SOCCER AMERICA - Soccer America Magazine.
- BIG SOCCER - Great site for Soccer Fans!
SOCCER TIP OF THE DAY - New tips each day plus an archive of past tips.
SOCCER INFORMATION SYSTEMS - Lots of Soccer stuff here!
STEVE'S SOCCER LINKS - Links to all kinds of soccer pages on the web.
- BACK TO COACH BURKE'S HOME PAGE.
US SOCCER.COM- Keep up with soccer in the United States..
Chris Cahill (DeSales Class of '03) has had a break-out year at Notre Dame in 2005. As a Junior, Chris lead the Fighting Irish defense throughout the regular season with 9 shutouts and a 0.83 Goals-against average, and shutting down the opposition in the NCAA Tournament . On Sept. 12, 2005
Chris was named the BIG EAST Goalkeeper of the Week following a weekend in which he posted shutouts over Boston University and
Saint Louis in the Mike Berticelli Memorial Tournament.
Notre Dame captured the tournament title thanks to solid
play from Cahill and the rest of the Irish defense. Chris did
not have any margin for error, as both Notre Dame wins
were 1-0 decisions.
Chris has has also helped the Irish advance to the
"Sweet 16" in the NCAA Tournament for just the 3rd time
in Notre Dame soccer history. Cahill pitched the biggest
shutout of his career in a stunning upset of two-time
defending NCAA Champion Indiana, 2-0.
If the Irish defeat Clemson, they will advance to the
"Elite Eight" for the 1st time in Notre Dame history.
Way to go Chris! Keep up the good work!
