Guest Post

Herkimer Win Record 10th National Championship

NJCAA Continue to Produce Talent

Ed. Note:

Travis was on the first boys team I coached for OSSC (Oneida, NY) and was one of the most improved players I've ever worked with by the time I left Central NY. His efforts led him to Tompkins-Cortland Community College from which he'll graduate this winter; he's attending the University at Albany now, pursuing a public policy degree and working with the men's soccer program as a student assistant. Travis never fails to marvel at the idea that he, of all people, became a college-level soccer player.  

After his second and final season on the team at TC3, Travis shared these thoughts with me, and in yet another effort to shatter the snobbery of college selection, I am proud to share his success and pride in his path in this space. Travis has joined the elite percentage of athletes who played at the college level, has found an affordable and effective path to a degree from a research institution.

I held back publishing this commentary until Travis got himself settled at Albany, and in touch with the head coach, Trevor Gorman, by way of blackmailing him into continuing to challenge himself as a coach. It must have worked, because not only did he do that, he's attended the NSCAA Convention this past January, and earned his GK I & II diplomas as well!

By Travis Regner (Former Odyssey Sport SC player, current OSSC Coach):

Last weekend, Herkimer Community College located in Central New York became the first of 5 collegiate teams to win a national championship this fall. Still waiting to prove their dominance are teams from NCAA DI/II/III and NJCAA DI. The NJCA is the governing body of two year sports, just as the NCAA is to four year programs. However, the fact that these are two year schools should not be overlooked as they continue to produce top talent for the next level, in this case, the NCAA.

Herkimer defeated Suffolk county 1-0 to win their record tenth national title. But they are not doing this by pure luck or decent recruiting. The same goes for many other top tier 2 year schools like my soon-to-be Alma matter Tompkins Cortland Community College (TC3). It is calculated risk that can have great reward; recruiting great talent that may just be short of excelling at the next level and need some extra coaching, and kids that are talented that just may not have the grades that allow them to play at the 4 year level yet. The opportunities that Community Colleges give kids both academically and athletically are almost immeasurable.

My time at TC3 has been a perfect example of how community colleges are producing great talent. Last year, we recruited a kid who had some difficulties with his grades. Because of this, he had to come to a two year school first. For some people, they would instantly throw in the towel. But he put in 2 hard years of work, and learned how to be a class striker and refined all of his skills. He not only led the team in scoring his second year with 22 goals, but was also second in the nation in scoring, a feat that went unnoticed by very few DIII schools. Because of his hard work at the 2 year level, most importantly with his grades, Mike Raftu now plays at the next level for Medaille College near Buffalo New York, and with impressive results. Our program not only gave him the grades he needed but also helped him refine his skill for the next level.

I’ve also had the pleasure of playing with one of the most improved players at the 2 year level during my time at TC3. Sean Streb was a player who came into our program his freshman year with great potential. He became a starter and led the team defensively and put in some goals too. However, the hands on coaching he was able to receive because it’s a 2 year program allowed him to unlock even more potential, and he even unexpectedly was named an All-American because of his hard work. He is now getting looked at by DI colleges Binghamton and Division II Le Moyne along with top DIII schools including Oneonta.  If he went to a 4 year school first, he would have surely sat the bench at least his freshman year, if not also his sophomore; now he can go right into a 4 year school and compete for a starting spot.

Two year schools haven’t just given opportunities to play at the NCAA level, but also the pro level. My favorite example is close to my heart. Roger Espinoza started his career at a 2 year school in Arizona. He then transferred to Ohio State where he entered into the MLS Super Draft after his senior year and played for Sporting Kansas City. And all of this was done by a NJCAA player! However, the best part is that last winter he got signed by Wigan Athletic of the English Premier League (who happen to be my favorite team) and went on to star in their FA Cup win over Manchester City! If all this isn't enough to show what 2 year schools can produce, Roger will be starting in the World Cup next year for Honduras as one of their top players.

Two year schools are often overlooked and stereotyped. However, not just academically, but also athletically, they can give great opportunities to many kids and help them further their careers. There is no reason that anyone should ever overlook an opportunity by any college, as you never know where it can take you. But the opportunities that the NJCAA has given to kids has helped to further careers and also further soccer in America by giving more opportunities to more people. I would never change anything, and have greatly enjoyed my time playing at the 2 year level.