This year was different. I was unaware of this, but over the off-season, a bit of a feud developed between the McKenzie Sports Club, and the McKenzie Community Association. I won't get into the details, but, in the end, the Sports Club decided to hold their own league: Titan Soccer Association. So, McKenzie Lake parents were faced with a choice: register your kids in the McKenzie Lake League, or the Titan Soccer League. Huh? I have to pick? How can I pick when I don't know the difference! We chose the McKenzie League because... um... well... I sort of don't know why.
When May rolled around and soccer season began, I was disappointed to find out that the Titan Soccer League really had its act together. They had the authentic uniforms, played on fields with chalk lines, got medals, had a website, they were ultra-organized. The McKenzie League kids played in like coloured t-shirts, on a big school field, no pre-ordained coaches, just a thrown together mess. As each game came and went, I was thinking to myself "this sucks! If I could only go back and choose that other league".
Then I notice this guy. Here's a guy that looks like a soccer player, super fit, wore soccer shoes, wore a soccer jersey of a different team each week, the whole bit. I see him working with the "Green Team" (we were the "Grey Team"), and you could just tell that this guy was into it. He would coach each kid as if he were the only kid on the team. If a kid booted the ball out, this guy would scoot out after it and tutor the kid some more. When the games began, he was the only coach to run from end to end with his eyes fixated on the kids, giving on-off advice with a comfortable grin.
At first, I thought this guy was way too gung-ho. Running around, bending over to talk eye-level with each kid, what the heck is this? But as each game went by, he sort of rubbed off on me. It was sort of infectious. Who the hell cares what kind of league this is! The kids are outside playing a great game, learning about teamwork, running their little legs off. Then afterwards, running to the sidelines looking for medals? No, they're looking for a popsicle, or a juice box. They're having a blast. Not sure I would have seen this, if not for that energetic soccer dude running around.
The guy's name was Hector Mellino. Unfortunately for our community, he tragically passed away while swimming in Lake McKenzie. We exchanged glances and the odd comment during games, but I don't think I conveyed my gratitude. You were nuts about (1) kids and (2) soccer, and will be sorely missed.
Especially next May.
Hector Mellino Jr.
1969 - 2006
1 comment:
He was crazy about hockey too and his smile would light up the rink....I miss him so much! We were lucky enough to be on the same team and Hector was truly as great a guy as he seemed. It will never be the same without him, but I know he would be so proud of his wife Gladys and his boys, Adrian and Hector Jr., as they forge ahead through life without him...we so look forward to seeing them at the rink, I just wish 3 were 4.
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