Boston College Athletics
BC Weekly Diary With Bobby Thompson
August 24, 2001 | Men's Soccer
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| Bobby Thompson M/F * 5-10 * 165 Framingham, Mass. Biography |
| Diary Entries * Oct. 24 * Oct. 18 * Oct. 2 * Sept. 25 * Sept. 6 * Aug. 28
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November 13, 2001
It is very difficult to put disappointment into words. That is the reason that this is my first diary entry in three weeks. With so much talent and such high expectations, everyone associated with this year's team is more than let down by how the season ended. Our winning record could never be enough to satisfy the players on this team. We should have done so much better. I could probably come up with a million reasons why we were not successful this year, but none of them would explain it because I really don't know. It just wasn't our year.
Following our 1-0 loss to St. John's yesterday, I sat on the bench in tears wishing I were somewhere else. I cried not for myself, but for the incredible group of guys that surrounded me. I cried for a passionate coaching staff who want nothing more than to see us succeed. I cried for our seniors who might not ever get to play at this level again. Finally, I cried for all of my teammates because they are my friends and they were hurting too. I suddenly wanted every moment of the season back feeling that there must have been something more or different that I could have done. I felt immense self-defeat and wondered if there was anything good that came out of the season. After showering, dressing, and returning to the bus, I realized what had.
I don't believe that I have ever learned so much from so many different people as I did in this one season at Boston College. Naturally, I am a very quiet, soft-spoken person, and I often keep very much to myself. However, I have learned this year how to be much more lively and passionate about life as well as many other important things.
My coach Ed Kelly has taught me the importance of every moment in a game and as such of every moment in life. Use you heart and your mind to its full capacity all of the time. If you quit for even a minute, you can miss out on great success.
My assistant coach Zach Samol has taught me to listen rather than argue. No matter how smart I am, I can always learn tremendously from others.
My fifth year seniors Martin Cantillo and Paul Bourke have taught me to love the game. They don't have to be here, but they want to be. They choose to play every day and choose to be a part of our team.
Chris Cleary has taught me to hold nothing back. Be yourself at all times and your friends will love you for the good and the bad.
Casey Schmidt has taught me how to see the light in the dark. If things are not got going well, there is always something good to think about.
Senior Eyvind Aasen has taught me to help those around you even if it is little benefit to you other than the fulfillment in doing so.
Guy Melamed has taught me that being the nicest guy in the world off the field doesn't mean that you can't be a little vicious on the field.
Paul Chase has taught me to always help one another. If you don't give up on your friends, then they won't give up on you, and you will both prosper.
Billy Arnault has shown me what is possible. There is so much more that I can accomplish in life, but sometimes somebody has to show you how.
Danny Caruso has shown me how to be mentally tough. Even through unbearable pressure, one can still keep their heads.
Pat Haggerty has taught me how to make the most of every opportunity. If somebody gives you a chance to prove yourself, give it everything you've got.
Jon Munko has shown me how much your actions in the present can effect your future, so work hard every day.
Greg Bertleff has taught me the importance of socializing. It takes great effort to find great friends, but it is always worth it in the end.
Kirt Dorsett has taught me the value of a sense of humor, and also how to "stay beneath the ocean."
Adam Pfiefer has shown me the value of good nutrition ? and the difference keeping healthy can make.
Kenny Adams and Martin Cantillo taught me the importance of patience when dealt a nagging problem such as an injury.
Neil Krause showed me how much a good friend can help you enjoy yourself.
Ramon Smith showed me how to color coordinate my wardrobe. It never hurts to be in style.
Joe Roos showed me how quickly you can make yourself at ease in a situation if you have the confidence to do so.
Brendan Burke showed me the many and incredible uses of sarcasm.
Gabe Margolis taught me the beauty of enjoying yourself. You can always have a good time if you let yourself.
Mike Cardenas taught me that "Nothing can be a real cool hand."
Junior Desrosiers taught me to never feel sorry for myself. When you think that you've had it rough, there is always someone out there who has had it worse and they are doing just fine.
Finally, my brother John Thompson who trained with the team this year showed me that the impossible is possible. Thrown into a situation with no experience and nobody thinking that you're capable of surviving, you can hold your own if you work hard enough.
Oh yeah, coach Kelly and coach Z. taught me how to play hearts. Boy was that a mistake!
Final Note: there is a small chance of an NCAA bid. If we make it, we will win.
