It took some persuading. The first year, he talked about it. Then he decided to come out and give it a try.

Before I took the job, we talked about going younger this year. We didn't talk to what degree. But I'm still excited about this opportunity and I'll manage whatever team they give me.

I don't think he took it too well at first. But hey, he's a typical 15-, 16-year-old. I think he's fine with it.

I, not for the first time, would like to say that I never took a pro-Iraq position during the Gulf War.

Coming into this game, we talked about being more energized, more enthusiastic and have more camaraderie, and that was the most important thing. All the things we didn't see in the first game -- outside of the stats -- we just didn't have enough energy and enthusiasm. We didn't have that and that is the stuff that is going to get you out of a lot of bad situations and put you in a good one.

The first year, the team was coached by the city of Cleveland, but the YMCA took over for the next two years, and now it is back in the hands of the city. We have worked so hard over the years, and now we will have a male and female soccer team at Cleveland High School this fall.