Section B · Page 4
The University Daily Kansan
Wednesday, October 21, 1998
Commentary
Pro soccer and college can mix
Last week's column obviously touched some sort of nerve. Of the mail I received, the following best crystallized public opinion:
"Now I agree there may be a problem in the 'American system,' but skipping college is nowhere close to an answer. Nino (DaSilva, member of the Kansas City Wizards who passed up college to go MLS) expressed to me several times he would have loved to go to college. However, as you pointed out, the little practice the NCAA allows, along with almost no national exposure, players like Nino feel as though they have nothing to gain from college. That is where the problem is, the way the NCAA runs their soccer programs. You do give credit to the benefits of an education, however, American kids do not need to pass up college to keep up with the world." — Adam Shainberg, Chicago freshman
I'll tell you the same thing that I told Mr. Shainberg: "You're right."
Allow me to preface the rest of this with an important point: I'm not making these arguments in a vacuum. For the past six months, I've been in close contact with people around the country who are dedicated to changing the way that soccer players are developed in the United States. For a good look at what they are trying to accomplish, check out fans Dan Barnes and Dan Roudebush's Web site at http://www.visi.com/~dpbarnes/Commentary/Index.html.
There are several schools of thought on development reform right now. One is to leave everything as it is. This view is often held by those with a stake in the current system: namely, colleges, youth directors and the like. The opposite, which is to encourage professionals to run player-development schemes, is generally supported by immigrant communities or soccer traditionalists.
I think I have a solution that could make everyone happy.
Academics and professional athletic training are not mutually exclusive. For example, Ajax of Amsterdam, which is renowned for the astonishing number of world-class players that it produces, focuses strongly on education of the mind as well as the body
Sam Pierron
John O'Brien, a Californian who left the States to train with Ajax when he was 16, has earned close to a university degree in his studies there, all paid by Ajax.
There is no reason that MLS couldn't pursue something along these lines. MLS could work with colleges in MLS cities, forming reserve/youth teams with the college's name. These players would train with the pros and be eligible to play with the pros, but they would get education and some games out of it.
Undoubtedly, some players would be drawn to a program that allowed them to develop more as a soccer player while getting an education. Even so, a lot of good players would still flock to the traditional college programs, as there is a certain level of tradition in the NCAA system.
Why don't I particularly care about college soccer? I didn't grow up with it. Why didn't I grow up with it? Find out in my next column, as I investigate why there isn't men's varsity soccer at the University.
Please send responses and questions to sniiron@ukans.edu.
Falcon defies odds with chance to start game
The Associated Press
SUWANEE, Ga. — Hey, Steve, how do you feel?
With Steve DeBerg, the conversation always seems to start with that harmless query, one that takes on significance when chatting with a 44-year-old quarterback.
"I'm fine," DeBerg replied Monday when the inevitable question came his way in the Atlanta Falcons locker room. "I don't have any problems."
DeBerg already has defied staggering odds by making it back to the NFL after a four-season retirement. On Sunday, he
proved he could hold up for two quarters and lead a team to victory. Now, he might get a chance to show if he is ready for his first start in 1.777 days.
Chris Chandler's left shoulder is ailing, making him doubtful for this weekend's game against the New York Jets. So the Falcons (5-1), seeking the best start in franchise history, are prepared to give the ball to DeBerg, not having any idea if a 44-year player can handle the job.
"We're dealing with the unknown," coach Dan Reeves said. "Until he plays a full game, no one is really going to know for sure."
Already, DeBerg has played a key role
in the Falcons equaling the best start in team history.
On Sunday, after Chandler hobbled off the field in excruciating pain late in the first half, DeBerg slipped on his helmet and made sure Atlanta remained tied for first in the National Football Conference West with a 31-23 victory against the New Orleans Saints.
DeBerg certainly has not taken the easy way out. He retired after the '93 season, a 16-year career seemingly prepared to retire at age 40, but he maintained his physical condition, kept throwing a football in his spare time and finally talked himself into trying a comeback.
When family illnesses forced Mark Rypien to sit out the season, the Falcons were left with no choice for an experienced backup other than DeBerg, a former assistant to Reeves with the New York Giants.
If Chandler can't play against the Jets, DeBerg will make his first start since Dec. 13, 1993, when he subbed for the injured Dan Marino in Miami.
"You really don't have time during the season to reflect on things," DeBerg said. "Everything happens so fast. Everything is so intense, you have to be so focused on the preparation. Really, you don't have much time to reflect on the game you just played. Everything just moves on."
'The Catch' lives in hearts, minds of 'Huskers fans
The Associated Press
LINCOLN, Neb. — It has been called the "Flea Kicker" and "The Line-Drive Hall Mary." In the Nebraska play book, it is "99 Double Slant." To many Cornhuskers fans, it is simply the "Catch."
And now, it is back.
With No. 7 Nebraska meeting No. 19 Missouri on Saturday, the miracle finish to last year's game between the schools is back on television sportscasts.
They want to talk about what happened Nov. 8 in Columbia, Mo
"I don't know why you guys want to talk to me this week." he ioked.
The players involved in the play still cannot seem to escape it. Matt Davison, the freshman receiver who made the magic catch, said it changed his life.
Now a sophomore, Davison had 10 catches for a school-record 167 yards in Nebraska's 28-21 loss at Texas A&M two weeks ago. But that is not why people stop him on campus or in supermarkets.
happened Nov. 8 in Columbia, Mo.
"I don't mind people asking me about it," Davison said. "I just try to stay humble. I know I didn't do anything great. I was just the guy who was at the right place at the right time."
What a finish it was.
Top-ranked Nebraska trailed 83-31 when quarterback Scott Frost led the Huskers 67 yards in the final 1:02. With seven seconds to play at Missouri's 12 yard line, Frost threw a pass.
His target, Shevin Wiggins, bobbled the football near the goal line as two Missouri defenders converged on him. As Wiggins tumbled, the ball bounced out of his reach and the clock expired.
But before the ball reached the turf, Wiggins kicked it about two yards past his head and into the end zone. Davison came from nowhere to scoop the ball.
Game finished. Nebraska 45. Missouri 38.
Kris Brown kicked the extra point to force overtime. Three plays later, Frost scored on a 6-yard run. Four plays after that, Mike Rucker sacked Missouri quarterback Corv Jones.
The narrow win preserved what would become a 13-0 season and gave them a national title they shared with Michigan.
"It has just set in to me over time that it (the catch) was bigger than I thought at the time." Davison said.
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