January/February 2012 - Oklahoma Soccer Association

Oklahoma Soccer members willrecognize the six members of the Classof 2012 as contributors to OSA in manyways. Three were referees and threewere players and coaches, but all havecontributed to Oklahoma Soccer inmore than one area.Sol Asekun was the State RefereeAdministrator for Oklahoma during thelate 1970’s and early 80’s. He was Oklahoma’sfirst National Referee and guidedthe state’s referee corps through oneof its largest growth periods.Richard Brook is a well known refereeto nearly every soccer player andcoach in the state. The second Oklahomanto reach National Referee status,Richard has been involved in many aspectsof the game as parent, coach, referee,and administrator.Brian Elliott is one of Oklahoma’searly soccer players who has continuedto value the training and developmenthe received as a youngster bybecoming a coach and mentor to playersacross the state. Brian holds theUSSF “A” license for coaching and hasworked many years in the Olympic DevelopmentProgram and as an OSA staffcoach.Charlie Mitchell will always be associatedwith the Tulsa RoughnecksHall of Fame 2012Announced Sol Asekun,Richard Brook, Brian Elliott,Charlie Mitchell, Chuck Turciand Victor Morelandas their coach and player. A quiet supporterof Oklahoma Soccer, Charlie hasprovided leadership and developmentto many young players across the stateas well as coach at the college level. He,too, has often worked with OSA as astaff coach and with the ODP.Victor Moreland has remained oneof the fan favorites of the Tulsa Roughnecksfrom the heady days of the 1980’suntil today. Tirelessly promoting soccerdevelopment and player skills, Victorcontinues to impress young players withhis knowledge and skill.Chuck Turci is well known to theOklahoma City area for his work developingadult soccer through COASL andfor his early officiating, coaching andplaying. One of the first State refereesand instructors, he continues assessingand instructing today and sharing hispassion for the game.OSA invites everyone to attend theClass of 2012 induction ceremony to beheld Friday, January 27 at 6:30 p.m. inthe Manchester/Geneva ballroom ofTulsa’s Downtown DoubleTree Hotel.Stay for the SoccerCity after party featuringmusic by Tulsa’s Pearadocs band.CONGRATULATIONS to the Class of2012 Hall of Fame!OSA’s OKC Office at Soccer City“We at OSA are pleased to announce that beginning the 17th of October, OSAwill again have an office in the Oklahoma City area,” said OSA Youth President, TomWedding. “Our members have requested that OSA provide service to those on thewest side of the state, and we are listening to them and with the cooperation ofSoccer City we will now have an OSA office in the Soccer City facility in OklahomaCity.Working full time at the site will be Sandy Richardson who recently movedback to the Oklahoma City area. Sandy will oversee the OKC office and continue herduties with OPL, PLW, as well as contact for OSA in the OKC area. OSA’s office phonenumber: 405-286-0488.Located at 4520 Old Farm Road, the facility was the former Hat Trick venueand well known to most soccer folks in and around Oklahoma City. It is Oklahoma’slargest indoor facility. A site for youth and adult soccer for many years, the threefields were recently remodeled with clear plexiglass walls that replaced the oldwooden walls. The large field is 220 feet by 85 feet and the two smaller fields are185 ft by 85 ft.Volunteering is a family traditionwith Doug and Janet Cooper of Stillwatersince 1997. In addition to their nearlyfull time work with Stillwater SoccerClub, they are regular volunteers withthe Stillwater Humane Society, the BoysScouts, Girls Scouts, and their church.Doug is a geologist and Janet is a coordinatorwith Career Tech and they havepassed the passion for volunteer workon to son Ryan and daughter Jennifer.Ryan was the one who broughtthe Coopers into soccer when he beganplaying for the Stillwater Soccer Club.Jennifer never played, she focused ondance and gymnastics, but she wasthere to help line fields at times, accordingto Doug. Cooper children nolonger play soccer anymore, but JeremyMcReynolds says, “Doug and Janet dohave children in Stillwater soccer. Theyhave 350 children that they care aboutevery season. Everything they do is sothose 350 kids can have the best timepossible learning the greatest game onthe planet. And this award is but onesmall way for all 350 of their kids to say‘thank you’ to Doug and Janet.”The list of services the Coopershave provided Stillwater is lengthy.Janet serves as the clubs’ Vice President-Registrarand works with FrontierCountry as a liaison on registration andpolicies. Doug is a registered referee,Instructor, and Assignor with UnitedStates Soccer Federation and providestraining sessions for the referees in Stillwateras well as traveling to other clubsto instruct.SMOKE SIGNALS 3OSA InitiatesFamily of the Year AwardDoug and Janet Cooper“Because of their longevity, stability,and integrity they are able to provideinvaluable input into every area of theClub as well form friendships with Boardmembers and the parents of players,”says Dwayne Hunter who nominatedthe couple for the award. “They havebraved Oklahoma’s heat, snow-packedhighways, and other extremes with onepurpose in mind: ‘it’s for the kids.’”McReynolds also commented onhow the Coopers are always lookingto the future of Stillwater Soccer Club.“They spend countless hours planningwhat facilities the club will need in fiveor even ten years from now. They worktirelessly to make that vision a reality.”“As a referee instructor and leader,”says Dale Watts, State Director ofInstruction, “I admire Doug’s willingnessto provide direction to StillwaterSoccer Club. He has been instrumentalin getting the city of Stillwater behindthe US Youth Soccer and OSA programsso that youth soccer players in Stillwaterhave access to training and advancement.That project has been his goal forthe past 15 years or more.”The Coopers were instrumentalin creating Soccerfest, an event thatpromotes soccer in Stillwater and alsoprovides fun and games for the participants.Their willingness to continueoffering their time, energy, and involvementin the sport of soccer, expresseswhat OSA feels is the standard for Familyof the Year. Congratulations, Dougand Janet Cooper, on your selection asOSA’s Family of the Year.

4OKLAHOMA SOCCER ASSOCIATIONOSA CALENDARJANUARY2 Metro Tulsa, Norman, Washington County3 Youth Board Mtg, Davis4 Altus, Catoosa, Collinsville, NOKC, FCSACompetitive, GCSA Ex Bd, Ref Committee5 Midwest City, Northwest Oklahoma9 FCSA, Owasso10 Claremore, Elk City, Logan County, Mustang,Ponca City, South Lakes11 Durant, Mayes County16 Choctaw/Nicoma Park, El Reno, Shawnee,Stillwater, Westside17 Chickasha, Edmond, Harrah23 Beeline, Yukon24 Tri-Lake25 Bristow26 GCSA27-29 Score OSA Workshop in TulsaFEBRUARY1 Altus, Catoosa, Collinsville, NOKC, FCSACompetitive, GCSA Ex Bd, Ref Committee2 Midwest City, Northwest Oklahoma6 Metro Tulsa, Norman, Washington County7 Youth Board Mtg, Davis, Stilwell8 Durant, Mayes County9 Beaver River13 FCSA, Owasso14 Valentine’s Day, Claremore, Elk City, LoganCounty, Mustang, Ponca City, South Lakes20 Choctaw/Nicoma Park, El Reno, Shawnee,Stillwater, Westside21 Chickasha, Edmond, Harrah, Sapulpa22 Bristow27 Beeline, Yukon28 Tri-LakeMARCH1 Broken Arrow, Coweta, Cleveland, Midwest City,Northwest Oklahoma5 Metro Tulsa, Norman, Washington County6 Youth Board Mtg, Davis, Sand Springs7 Altus, Catoosa, Collinsville, NOKC, FCSACompetitive, GCSA Ex Bd, Ref Committee8 Beaver River12 FCSA, Owasso13 Claremore, Elk City, Logan County, Muskogee,Mustang, Ponca City, South Lakes14 Durant, Mayes County19 Choctaw/Nicoma Park, El Reno, Shawnee,Stillwater, Westside20 Chickasha, Edmond, Harrah26 Beeline, Yukon27 Tri-Lake28 BristowMonthly Club MeetingsClintonRed CarpetCOASL Feb & AugTri-CityCordellVerdigrisGreat PlainsAll other clubs meetHinton“as called.”Lawton UnitedNEOASA Jan, June, Aug, & Decteering for but it’s now a huge part ofmy life and it makes me happy to knowI’m affecting young people’s lives ina positive way,” says Lucas. When hisseven-year-old son, Dylan, signed upfor soccer, Lucas and his wife Rachelbecame volunteers with Broken ArrowSoccer Club. As with many parents, thecall for volunteers led Lucas to coachinghis son’s team and from that came theentire Johnson family’s involvement insoccer. Dylan, 12, now plays for the U12Black Cobras, sister Karys, 7, is on theU8 Renegades, and Presley, who turned3 in December, will be playing as soonas she can.Lucas played the game as a youngsterin his hometown of Randolph,Maine, but was drawn to basketballmore than soccer. Upon accepting thechallenge to coach his son, Lucas beganhis research and study of the game. “Islowly learned the fundamentals andturned to the Broken Arrow club forhelp. Corey Wilson, my assistant coach,has been a great influence on my coachingbecause he is knowledgeable and isa calm force on the touchlines for me.”Unafraid to ask questions, Lucas wouldturn to other coaches and refs for instructionon the game.It is Johnson’s hope that he cancontinue to coach the boys for as longas he can and stay with the recreationalprogram. “I believe there is a lot of talentat the recreational level of play inOklahoma and are just as successful asthose involved in competitive leagues,”says Lucas. He is concerned with thepressure placed on players to competeand how it will drive players away fromthe sport. “I think recreational soccer isa great avenue for all players and shouldbe utilized more often.”Winning is important to Lucas andhis team. “I stress that we play the waywe practice and I expect 110% out ofmy players at all times. But teamworkis essential and that’s how I base all mypractices,” says Johnson. Lucas firmlybelieves that one player doesn’t makea team and that it takes the effort of allplayers to be successful. From that conceptcomes pride in self and team.Having recently acquired his bachelor’sdegree in Criminal Justice, Lucashopes to become a police officer andpursue that as a career. But coachingCoaches of the Year, story from page 2will always be in his plans because ofthe players. Lucas shares this with othercoaches: “If you’re going to coach, giveeverything you have to it. Make lastingbonds with your players as well asthe parents and realize how importantyou can be in shaping the lives of thesekids.”Congratulations, Lucas Johnson, asOklahoma’s Boys’ Recreational Coach ofthe Year.Chris SpearsSoccer coachingmay have to takea back seat forChris Spears untilhis daughter, LylaDay (born November18th) isa little older. Hisfocus right nowis on her but the native Tulsan will beready for soccer this spring when hisTSC 98 boys’ team takes the field. Chrisand wife, Michelle who teaches danceand pom teams, have already discussedLyla’s future activities but they agree itwill be her decision.Chris began playing soccer while inelementary school and when the familymoved he joined a team in Union SoccerClub. “I vaguely remember playingfor the Tulsa Sharks and then the UnionZebras,” says Chris, “but I certainly rememberplaying for two coaches: KeithEddy and Gene Jackson.”Those club games under coachesEddy and Jackson led Chris to the Universityof Tulsa and four years of collegesoccer with Tom McIntosh. “I received acollege education thanks to soccer andmet some really good friends. But I alsolearned what it takes to be successful inthe game as well as in life.”Another coach who influencedChris was Jim Tindell. “Both Keith andJim saw something in me as a player andthat gave me the confidence to progressas a player, “says Chris who kept in mindthose coach comments when he eventuallyhung up the boots. “I turned tocoaching as a perfect option to keepinvolved in the game,” he says. And forthe players he has worked with sincethen, they agree it was a wise decision.Chris led the TSC 97 boys to a regionaltournament but will pick up the 98’s thisseason. He agreed that his new positionas father may alter his time at the practicefield and the pitch.Chris plans on attaining his USSFNational “C” license as soon as possibleand to keep learning about coachingthe game he loves. He currently holds aNational “D” license. Chris believes thatgood attitude and hard work are necessaryfor making players better and forthem to become better as a person. “Butwe as coaches need to work together toconsolidate the talent we have here inOklahoma so as to better compete forregional and national championships,”says Chris.Funding is another area that Chrisfinds limiting the development of Oklahomaplayers. “We need to find a wayto help out kids who are financially challenged,”he says, “because I know thereare youngsters out there who want toplay at a competitive level but cannotafford it.”So, just as Chris turned to his mentorsfor support and direction, he is nowproviding that for his young teams andthat is why he joins the ranks of OSA’sCoaches of the Year. Congratulations,Chris Spears, Oklahoma’s Boys’ CompetitiveCoach of the Year.Tom WeddingTom Wedding’s most recent coachingassignment came with a text messagefrom Meagan Brady. “Meaganwanted to play indoor soccer at SoccerCity and when she mentioned it to meI told her she would need 12 friends,”says Tom. “The next day I get a text messagefrom Meagan saying she had 12friends who were ready to play.” Thus,Oklahoma Soccer Association’s YouthPresident found himself again coachinga soccer team.The first team Tom coached wasthe Union Warriors and Sid Schmokerand Brad Coble were involved in coachingthe team. “Sid asked Brad and me tohelp him coach his son, Zach, and I’vebeen coaching ever since,” says Tom.Growing up in his hometown ofBixby, Tom began playing in Under 8’swhen the rules required eleven a side.His father, Dale Wedding, was his firstcoach and his biggest influence. He al-see Coaches of the Year page 5

SMOKE SIGNALS 5Coaches of the Year, story from page 4her up with no intention of coaching,”says Mike. As with most volunteer soccercoaches, he found himself helpingcoach a team during a scrimmage. “Thatwas all it took,” he says. “I was hookedon coaching after that.”In his future plans, Mike wants totake the USSF “D” license course to furtherhis knowledge of coaching. But atpresent, he continues to work closelywith Tom Wedding and Roger Bradyin the coaching of the Bombers team.“My philosophy is to make the gamefun,” says Roger. “These girls have somany options available to them for activitiesthat if they are not having a goodtime, they are not going to keep comingback.”Mike believes that skills are essentialto the development of players. “Toomany coaches focus on the short termof winning games during the season andRoger BradyFor Roger Brady the game of socceris all about having fun and beingpositive. As one of the three coachesfor the Bixby Bombers U14 girls’ squad,his concern is that the girls will be ableto look back at their soccer experienceas a positive and joyful one. “I neverplayed the game,” says Roger. I wentto Webster High School but soccer wasavailable at that time. When daughterMeagan’s coach, Tom Wedding, askedRoger to assist him in coaching the girlson an indoor team, Roger agreed.“Most of the girls had never playedindoor before but they had lots of funand improved by the end of the indoorseason,” says Roger. That spring,the team had won half of their leaguegames. In the fall of 2010, the teammerged with Mike Hodge’s squad andformed the Bombers. By spring of 2011ways told me: “Hard work and dedicationwill lead you to great things.” Tomhas followed those wise words and hisassociation with youth soccer has ledhim to the position he holds today withthe youth division of OSA. “The gamehas given me the opportunity to meetsoccer friends around the country,” saysTom.As with every good coach, thereare mentors and assistants who guideand direct them. “I am lucky that I canreach out to Kurt Luitwieler (OSA’s Directorof Coaching) or Matt Fansher, orSam Snow (US Youth Coaching Director)for assistance. These guys are greatresources for me and have allowed meto stayed focused on the important aspectof the games and teach the playersgreat things.”Tom echoes the sentiments of histwo co-coaches in that the foundationof their coaching is fun. While he wishesto stay involved in the game of socceras a coach, or referee, or administrator,Tom knows that if the players are havingfun they will stay in the sport and someday give back and share with the communitythe experiences they had.Congratulations, Tom Wedding,Girls Recreational co-Coach of the Year.Mike HodgeMike Hodge knows all about recreationalyouth soccer. He began playingwhen he was 4 years old and wascoached by his Dad. “We were theDukes, named after the Dukes of Hazzard,”says Mike in recollecting thoseearly years. “Bright orange jerseys andI still have mine to this day.” He alsocounts as friends several teammatesfrom that squad. Mike played for theNortheast Tulsa Soccer Club (N.E.T.S.)in those days and although the club nolonger exists, it was the basis for his earlysoccer experiences.Mike didn’t get involved in socceruntil daughter Mariah decided to play.“She was 10 at the time and I signedRecreational Coaches of the Year. L to R: Tom Wedding, Mike Hodge and Roger Bradypractice tactics that players may or maynot understand.” According to Mike thedifficulty is striking a balance betweenbringing up the skill level of players whoneed the development without boringthe players who have achieved that skill.For the future, Mike plans to continuecoaching because as he says: “It’sway too much fun.”Congratulations, Mike Hodge,Oklahoma Recreational Girls co-Coachof the Year.the team was in the Kohl’s GovernorsCup at Claremore and enjoying theirfirst state tournament.Roger and his wife Beth spendweekends as soccer parents as theywatch Kaileigh, who plays for the BixbyRenegades U12 team, and her sister’sBombers. Congratulations, Roger Bradyas OSA’s Recreational Girls’ co-Coach ofthe Year.

SMOKE SIGNALS 9SCORE OSA WORKSHOPCOACHING • SPORTS MEDICINE • REFEREE • ADMINISTRATIONREFEREETopic: Welcome to the ArbiterAssignor ProgramThe State Referee Committee has designatedthe Arbiter Assignor Programthe official program to assign refereesthroughout the state. It is available freeof charge to clubs who wish to utilize theprogram. The session will provide trainingand tips on the use of Arbiter at the cluband/or league level.Presenter: Clark Evans, Arbiter SportsLocation: DoverADMINISTRATIONTopic: Registrar & Risk Management II -Certification 2012Club registrars will be given first handinformation on how to properly registerplayers for the 2012 year using the GotSoccer program.Presenter: Sandy Richardson, OSA StaffLocation: Council Oak BallroomAdult Soccer Programs and EventsAs our youth players age and mature,most wish to continue playing the sportthey love. Discuss ways in which OSA andthe Adult Division can provide growth forthe Adult programs in Oklahoma.Presenter: Reza Namavar,Adult Division PresidentLocation: Gilcrease12:00 p.m. – 1:45 p.m.SCORE OSA AWARDS LUNCHEONWelcome- Scott Hughes, Chairman, OSAInvocationIntroductions - Scott Hughes2011 Elite Players – ODP RecognitionOSA Youth Board 1st VPKeynote SpeakerAlfred Kleinaitis, FIFA Referee, formerUSSF Manager of Referee DevelopmentReferees of the YearRon Poulsen, State Referee AdministratorVolunteer of the YearFamily of the YearTom Wedding, OSA Youth Board PresidentYouth Presentation to HFC 95 and TSC 94Tom Wedding, OSA Youth Board PresidentSession Information and Luncheon Program for Awards LuncheonAll rooms and sessions are subject to change.Coaches of the Year RecognitionTom Wedding, OSA Youth Board PresidentHall of Fame Inductees RecognitionScott Hughes, Chairman, OSAScore $250 Grants - 4 AwardsTom Wedding, OSA Youth Board PresidentDoor Prize DrawingsScott Hughes, Chairman, OSA2:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.COACHINGTopic: The SoccerCity Little KickersProgramGames, activities, and demonstrations ofwhat SoccerCity provides to the youngest ofour soccer players.Presenter: Kerry Shubert, owner SoccerCityLocation: Tulsa Convention Center2:00 p.m. – 2:50 p.m.GENERAL PUBLICTopic: College session – NCSAJuniors and seniors in high school are invitedto attend this special session designedfor them and their parents on how to findscholarships and other ways to use yoursoccer skills to pay for college.Presenter: Je’Mone Smith, NCSALocation: RemingtonADMINISTRATIONTopic: Social Media II – Reaching Currentand New MembersUsing the various social media programsavailable, clubs and leagues can reachmany of their members and gain new members.Learn how to use these programs toincrease your communication with yourmembers.Presenter: Jennifer Luitwieler, Social MediaConsultantLocation: GilcreaseTopic: GotSoccer – Tools for the Basic Userof a Club/Country/LeagueLearn how to use GotSoccer’s program toease your scheduling and registration frustrations.Using online presentation, GotSoccerwill demonstrate the multiple functionsof their program for use at the basic level.Presenter: Bill Cameron, GotSoccerLocation: Council Oak BallroomREFEREETopic: Advanced Referee Training,continuedUnited States Soccer Federation instructionon the latest techniques and policiesregarding officiating in the United States.Class is geared to upper level referees whohave attained a minimum of Grade 08. Eachsession is a separate presentation.Presenter: Alfred Kleinaitis, USSF NationalInstructor, FIFA RefereeLocation: WestminsterTopic: Advanced Arbiter trainingFor Assignors who have used the Arbiterprogram for a period of time, this sessionwill offer training on many uses of Arbiter toimprove assigning methods and communicationwith your officials.Presenter: Clark Evans, Arbiter SportsLocation: Dover3:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.COACHINGTopic: The NSCAA ProfessionalDevelopment CertificateThis year’s Professional Development Certificateis designed to meet the needs ofcoaches of players in the high school agebracket. Sessions – some on the field andsome in the classroom – will be designatedas the content of this learning experience.Coaches attending all the sessions will theNSCAA certificate.Presenter: John Pendleton, NSCAA StaffLocation: Tulsa Convention Center3:00 p.m. – 3:50 p.m.ADMINISTRATIONTopic: Presidents’ Roundtable – OpenDiscussion on Youth ProgramsThis session will provide the club and countrypresidents the ability to share with theYouth Division concerns and concepts onhow to best serve the youth soccer in Okla.Presenter: Tom Wedding, OSA YouthDivision President. Location: GilcreaseTopic: College session – College CoachesA panel of several local and/or state universityhead soccer coaches will host a questionand answer session with players andparents on how to prepare for college andwhat is expected of the student athlete in ahigher education setting.Moderator: Je’Mone Smith, NCSALocation: RemingtonREFEREETopic: Advanced Referee Training,continuedUnited States Soccer Federation instructionon the latest techniques and policiesregarding officiating in the United States.Class is geared to upper level referees whohave attained a minimum of Grade 08.Each session is a separate presentation.Presenter: Alfred Kleinaitis, USSF NationalInstructor, FIFA RefereeLocation: WestminsterTopic: Referee Assignor RecertificationAssignors who did not attend the annualrecertification course in July may recertifyfor 2012 by attending this course.Presenter: Bill Harn, State RefereeInstructor and AssignorLocation: Ballroom DTopic: GotSoccer – Advanced Informationon Registration and TournamentsLearn how to use GotSoccer for setting upyour tournaments and for registering yourplayers. This advanced class is designed forthose clubs/leagues who have experiencewith the GotSoccer format.Presenter:Bill Cameron, GotSoccer CouncilLocation: Oak Ballroom4:00 p.m. – 4:50 p.m.REFEREETopic: Advanced Referee Training,continuedUnited States Soccer Federation instructionon the latest techniques and policiesregarding officiating in the United States.Class is geared to upper level referees whohave attained a minimum of Grade 08.Each session is a separate presentation.Presenter: Alfred Kleinaitis, USSF NationalInstructor, FIFA RefereeLocation: Westminster

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SMOKE SIGNALS 11YOUR GAME, YOUR FIELDSTULSA5817 S. 118th East Ave.Tulsa, OK 74146918.249.0044SOCCERCITYTULSA.COMOKLAHOMA CITY4520 Old Farm RoadOklahoma City, OK405.748.3888SOCCERCITYOKCITY.COMTwo adult referees of the year andone Youth Referee of the Year will behonored at the Score OSA Workshopon January 27-28 at Tulsa’s DoubleTreeHotel. The three referees are all experiencedofficials within the state and allhave traveled outside the state to showcaseto others the skill and capabilitiesof Oklahoma soccer referees.Youth Referee of theYear – Brandon NerisSoccerhas been apart of theNeris familyand Brandonever sincehis olderbrother, Julian,beganplaying andrefereeing.“My Momand Dad (Rafael and Jocelyn) traveledall over the world while dad served inthe military, but I was lucky to live inLawton all my life,” says Brandon. Rafaeland Julian often played with theTHREE REFEREES OF THE YEAR SELECTEDsoldiers stationed on the base and Brandonjoined in. The traveling is hereditary;it appears, because he does enjoytraveling to other states and locationsto meet people and referee games.“I’ve attended all the Oklahomastate tournaments and traveled toWichita, Kansas for a tournament aswell as Dallas for the Plano tournament.The opportunity to attend RegionalODP camp in Tuscaloosa, Alabama wasthe most fun I’ve had as a referee,” saysBrandon. Being around referees of alllevels who love the game and considerthemselves as part of a “team” made alarge impact on him.Although Brandon started playingsoccer in first grade, the thrill of refereeingcaught him during 7th grade andhe’s been behind the whistle ever since.Currently a grade 07 referee, Brandonhopes to upgrade this year and attainthe State badge.In addition to officiating, Brandonis a photographer for the Lawton Constitutionand has won an AP contestfor sports photography. He’s won severalOklahoma Press Association Contestsand was 5th in the nation for highschool sports photography as a senior.Congratulations, Brandon Neris,OSA’s Youth Referee of the Year.Adult Referee ofthe Year (Female)Susanne ForlerSueZ (as shespells her namefor friends) Forlerbegan playing soccerin her hometownof Verdigrisand at age 12decided that shewould becomea referee. Her older brother, Joe, hadbeen refereeing since 1994 and wasalready an 08 grade when Susannestarted. “At the time both of my brothers(Joe and Mike) were referees and Istarted refereeing too. But I wouldn’tdo centers. It wasn’t until 2004 that Itook my first assignment as a center.”Ron Poulsen, OSA’s current SRA, washer AR on that match and Joe was theother. In 2003 she took the upgrade to08 class and became a fixture at localtournaments and leagues. In 2008 sheattained her 07 grade and maintained itfor two years before hip pain forced herto step back and forego the annual fitnessexam required of 07 referees. Butwithin a year she was back to her 07 statusand working toward achieving theState badge. That appears to be withinher grasp as she has completed all therequirements of the badge except forthe classroom work this spring.After her final assessment for theupgrade, SueZ commented: “I’m stillso pumped, excited, and relieved…I’msmiling on the outside and ecstatic onthe inside!!! One step closer to FIVEmore letters!!!” The five letters are theletters in STATE and her hard work anddetermination have paid off. She attendedthe Southern Regionals this yearin Murfreesboro, TN and was observedby many top referees there and wasgiven high assessments and encouragement.“It’s my brother, Joe, to whom Igo to with questions, concerns, and advice,”says Susanne. “He knows how totalk to his sister and can make me understand.”The Rogers State University graduate(she has a BS in medical/molecularsee REFEREES OF THE YEAR page 12

12 OKLAHOMA SOCCER ASSOCIATIONReferees of the Year, from page 11biology) was the outstanding graduatein the chemistry department. She’s currentlypursuing advanced degrees whilecontinuing to officiate. In her spare timeshe’s helping coach a U6 team and encouragesher niece and nephew to playsoccer.But the exciting news for SueZ isher engagement to Mark Moskal andtheir future together. Congratulations,Susanne (SueZ) on being named AdultReferee of the Year.Adult Referee ofthe Year (Male)Travis HaightIt’s not oftenthat Oklahomanshave a Sioux Falls,South Dakota nativejoin the refereecorps, but inthe case of Travishe was welcomedwith openarms and perhapstreated with greatjoy by certain adult referees. The reasonfor that will appear later in the story.In 2008, Travis became an 08 refereewhile living and working in the Joplin,Missouri area. He previously officiatedsoccer matches in South Dakota whilein middle school and high school butstopped while attending college. Afterstudying business at Missouri SouthernState University and marrying Katelyn,the couple stayed in Missouri and Travisbegan doing games in Joplin. However,by 2009 the Haights were in Oklahomaand Travis was officiating soccer matcheswith Oklahoma referees.“My parents were the ones who introducedme to soccer and they hauledme across the country to play the sportI loved,” says Travis. After years of clubsoccer, his efforts paid off with a soccerscholarship to Missouri Southern asa goalkeeper. “I was able to go to collegeand get my school paid for thanksto soccer. And now I’m able to ref thegame I love and get paid for it.”In 2011 Travis upgraded to 07 leveland quickly became noticed by Assignorsaround the state. He was utilizedby many of those Assignors on difficultmatches at all levels. In the past year,Travis attended the many State Tournamentsin Oklahoma and was selectedto attend Southern Regionals in Murfreesboro,TN. At the conclusion of theRegional competition Travis was askedto officiate at the US Youth NationalChampionships in Phoenix, Arizona andhe agreed to do so.Many people are unaware that refereesgoing to National and Regionalcompetitions must use their vacationtime to participate in these tournaments.For Travis, this summer wastypical of many Oklahoma referees withfew weekends off as they attend fiveweekends of state tournaments andthen perhaps travel to Regionals. Afterregionals, the schedule requires the selectfew to go on to the National Championships.Such was Travis’ life the summerof 2011.Travis plans on attaining his Statebadge this spring and continuing his officiatingcareer. And as for why the olderreferees welcomed Travis? Perhaps thename of his employer will give you aclue: Anheuser-Busch. Congratulations,Travis Haight, OSA’ Adult Referee of theYear.Pearadocswill play atthe OSASoccerCityAfter Party –Friday,Jan. 29 -9:00 p.m.to 12:00 p.m.Score OSAWorkshop.TSC ‘94 Plays in National LeagueThe US Youth Soccer NationalLeague will begin for boys and girlsteams in the Under-15, Under-16, Under-17and, new this year, Under-18 agegroups the first two weekends in December.First up in 2011-2012, the NationalLeague Girls teams will open thefifth season of league play December1-4 in Atlanta at Fowler Park and MuddCreek Soccer Complex. The NationalLeague Boys teams will follow suit December9-11 in Birmingham, Ala., atSicard Hollow Athletic Complex, LibertyPark Soccer Complex, Sports Blast andHeardmont Park. OSA’s TSC 94 will playin the U18 boys division.Under-18 Boys: TSC 94 vs. Texas FC 94Possibly the most entertaining game ofthe day was featured in the U-18 groupas a wild, back and forth, last minutegame saw defending division championTulsa SCH 94 Earle (OK) come out ontop 4-3 over Texas FC 94 (N-TX). Tulsawent ahead in the 40th on EmmanuelRaranje’s goal, only to have JordanStiner level a minute later. Texas FCgrabbed the lead in the 60th from MichaelMatthews, but Tulsa Universitycommit Christian Mata equalized in the77th. Matthews again gave Texas thelead, and seemingly the victory, with an89th minute goal, but Memphis commitJordan Cuckler evened the score in the90th before Mata netted an improbablewinner in stoppage time to put Tulsaback on track for another league title.The opening weekends for boys andgirls will be played in conjunction withthe NCAA Division I Men’s and Women’sCollege Cup championships, creatinganother significant opportunity forthe nation’s collegiate, professional andnational team coaches to see NationalLeague players in an environment ofmeaningful play.With the addition of the Under-18age group, 120 boys and girls teamsfrom 32 of the 55 US Youth Soccer StateAssociations have each earned theirplace in the league based on success inUS Youth Soccer regional and nationalcompetitions.“Once again, the US Youth SoccerNational League has expanded this seasonto now include U-18 boys and girlsteams. This league continues to growto accommodate the demand for mostcompetitive and meaningful competitionand to give teams an opportunityto qualify for the prestigious US YouthSoccer National Championships,” saidPaul Luchowski, National League commissioner.The league is an extension of thehighly successful US Youth Soccer RegionalLeagues (US Youth Soccer RegionI Premier League, Midwest RegionalLeague, Region III Premier League andFar West Regional League). The NationalLeague provides an avenue for teamsto play in meaningful matches againsttop competition from across the countryfor continued development and opportunitiesfor exposure at the nationalteam, collegiate and professional levels.In addition to recruiting opportunities,National League teams in the U-15,U-16 and U-17 age groups compete forthe league title and two slots per genderage group to the annual US YouthSoccer National Championships.The National League Boys will continuethe 2011-2012 season in Februaryalongside the Weston Cup in Weston, Fla.(Feb. 18-20) and will join the Girls at thePlayer’s College Showcase in Las Vegas.SCOREUniformGiveawayEnter the monthlyScore Uniform giveawaycontest TODAY. Eachmonth Score and OSAgive away a set of uniformsto recreationalteams in the U6 throughU10 age divisions. Visitwww.oksoccer.com andenter the contest so yourteam can be eligible fora free set of Score uniforms!

SMOKE SIGNALS 13

14 OKLAHOMA SOCCER ASSOCIATIONOSA APPROVED TOURNAMENTSThis is not a final listing. Some applications are still pending.Country Tournament Level Date Contact Name E-Mail AddressFCSA MWC Patriot Cup ...................Comp ..........March 2-4, 2012 ........... Donnie Hughes ........ dhughes@richlandresources.comGCSA Broken Spring Rec Tournament ........Rec. ...........March 23-25, 2012 ......... Greg Moreton ......... fistvp@brokenarrowsoccerclub.comFCSA NYSA Academy Invitational ...........Academy .......March 30-April 1, 2012 ...... Dustin Hooker ......... nysatournaments@yahoo.comFCSA SLSC Spring Twister ................Rec. ...........March 31-April 2, 2012 ...... Brandon Lawless ...... brandonslsc@yahoo.comRed River Lawton Spring Fling .................Rec. ...........March 30-April 1, 2012 ...... Steve McNeil ......... Steve@lawtonsoccer.comGCSA OK Texans Friendship Cup ...........Comp ..........April 6-8, 2012 ............ Michael Nsien Jr ....... tournament@oktexans.comFCSA MWC Spring Spectacular .............Rec. ...........April 13-15, 2012 .......... Donnie Hughes ........ dhughes@richlandresources.comFCSA Red Earth Invitational ................Comp ..........April 13-15, 2012 .......... Gary Boreham ........ borehamsoccer@cox.netGCSA WSA Cup .........................Comp ..........April 20-22, 2012 .......... Roger Bush ........... rogerwsa@aol.comOSA Kohl’s Festival/Governors cup .........Rec. ...........April 28-29, 2012 .......... Sandy Richardson ..... sandy@oksoccer.comOSA Presidents Cup Prelims ..............Comp ..........May 5-6, 2012 ............ Sandy Richardson ..... sandy@oksoccer.comOSA Presidents Cup Championships ........Comp ..........May 12, 2012 ............. Sandy Richardson ..... sandy@oksoccer.comFCSA FCSA Day of Champions .............Rec. ...........May 11-13, 2012 ........... Pauletta Price ......... administrator@okfcsoccer.comGCSA Green Country Scholarship Tournament .Rec. ...........May 11-13, 2012 ........... Robert Allen .......... rda89@cox.netOSA State Cup Prelims. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Comp ..........May 19-20, 2012 .......... Sandy Richardson ..... sandy@oksoccer.comOSA State Cup Championships ............Comp ..........May 26-27, 2012 ........... Sandy Richardson ..... sandy@oksoccer.comGCSA Union Kick-it 3v3 ...................Rec/Comp ......June 2-3, 2012 ............ David Dexter .......... dexterb@aol.comGCSA Heartland Cup .....................Comp ..........June 1-2, 2012 ............ Alex Alston ........... alexalston@tulsasports.orgGCSA Hayley Palrmer Kick’n CF ............Rec/Comp ......July 7-8, 2012 ............. Peter Koskovich ....... peterjk@peoplepc.comFCSA Beat the Heat Boys. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Comp ..........Aug. 10-12, 2012 .......... James Soesbee ....... soccer999999@sbcglobal.netFCSA Beat the Heat Girls ..................Comp ..........Aug. 17-19, 2012. . . . . . . . . . . James Soesbee ....... soccer999999@sbcglobal.netGCSA TSC Hurricane Juniors Friendlies ......Comp ..........Aug. 13-14, 2012 .......... Jeff Tissue ........... jefftissue@cox.netGCSA BASC Labor Day Tournament .........Rec/Comp ......Aug.31-Sept. 3, 2012 ....... Greg Moreton ......... firstvp@brokenarrowsoccerclub.orgFCSA Southlakes Cosmos Cup .............Comp ..........Sept. 21-23, 2012 .......... Brandon Lawless ...... brandonslsc@yahoo.comFCSA Festival de Futball ..................Rec. ...........Sept. 30-Oct. 2, 2012 ....... Gary Boreham ........ borehamsoccer@cox.netGCSA TUSC Chillfest .....................Rec. ...........Oct. 12-14, 2012 ........... Mike Hazel ........... tusc@tulsaunitedsoccerclub.comFCSA NYSA Sooner Soccerfest .............Rec. ...........Oct. 19-21, 2012 ........... Dustin Hooker ......... nysatournaments@yahoo.comGCSA Blitz United Under Armour Invitational ...Comp ..........Oct. 26-28, 2012 .......... John Redmond ........ tournament@blitzunited.orgFCSA Turkey Shootout ....................Rec. ...........Nov. 2-4, 2012 ............ James Soesbee ....... soccer999999@sbcglobal.netRed River Halloween Bash ....................Rec. ...........Oct. 27-28, 2012 ........... Steve McNeil ......... steve@lawtonsoccer.comGCSA Sand Springs Fall Rec Tournament .....Rec. ...........Nov. 9-11, 2012 ........... David Crutchfield ...... david4ou@cox.netFCSA NYSA Classic Cup ..................Comp ..........Nov. 9-11, 2012 ........... Dustin Hooker ......... nysatournaments@yahoo.comGCSA BASC Fall Rec Tournament ...........Rec. ...........Nov. 16-18, 2012 .......... Greg Moreton ......... firstvp@brokenarrowsoccerclub.orgGCSA Sam Shannon Cup and Showcase .....Comp ..........Nov. 17-18, 2012 ........... Jim Tindell ........... jimtindell@me.comTournament ScoresThe scores below are those submitted through the Tournament Evaluation Form. If a tournament is not shown, the evaluation formmay not have been received at the deadline date for publication of this issue.Sand Springs FallRecreational TournamentBOYS U141st – Ft Gibson Barcelona - 52nd – Metro Tulsa Force – 1BOYS U121st – Ft Gibson United FC – 42nd – Ft Gibson Raiders – 2BOYS U101st – Tahlequah Orange Bulls – 32nd – Muskogee United FC – 2BOYS U9 Academy1st – WSA 03 – 12nd – WCSC Bartlesville United – 0BOYS U81st – Broken Arrow ManchesterUnited – 32nd – WSA 05 – 2GIRLS U141st – Broken Arrow Renegades – 62nd – Owasso Impact – 0GIRLS U121st – NWAL Flash – 42nd – Porter Second Wave 2 – 0GIRLS U10 Academy1st – NWAL Lightning 02 Blue – 32nd – WCSC FCB 02 – 2GIRLS U101st – Ft Gibson Futbal Vipers – 22nd – Union Funky Monkeys - 0GIRLS U9 Academy1st – Ft Gibson 03 – 32nd – NWAL Lightning 03 Blue – 1GIRLS U81st – Edmond Soccer Rockers – 52nd – Ft Gibson Finesse – 2

SMOKE SIGNALS 15KIDS’ PAGEJOKESWhy did the teacher get lockedin his classroom?A: His keys were inside the piano!Why was the teacher crosseyed?A: Because she couldn’t control herpupils.Why did Tigger look inside thetoilet?A: He was looking for Pooh!Where do penguins keep theirmoney?A: In a snow bank.RIDDLESWhat seven letters didOld Mother Hubbard saywhen she opened hercupboard?A: O I C U R M TWhat do you call your father-in-law’s onlychild’s mother-in-law?A: MomWhat has 3 heads, is ugly, and smells bad?A: Oops, my mistake. You don’t have three heads.KNOCK KNOCK JOKESWho’s there? CatsupCatsup who?Your cat’s up a treeand won’t come down.Who’s there? Bug sprayBug spray who?Bugs pray a spider won’teat them.PUNsThis guy goes into a restaurant for a Christmas breakfastwhile in his home town for the holidays. After looking over themenu he says, “I’ll just have the Eggs Benedict.” His order comesa while later and it’s served on a big, shiny hubcap. He asks thewaiter, “What’s with the hubcap?” The waiter sings, “There’s noplate like chrome for the hollandaise!”A group of chess enthusiasts checked into a hotel and werestanding in the lobby discussing their recent tournament victories.After about an hour, the manager came out of the office andasked them to disperse. “But why?,” they asked, as they movedoff. “Because,” he said, “I can’t stand chess nuts boasting in anopen foyer.”January/February PuzzleQUESTIONS TO ASKYOUR COACH:Why can’t donuts be square?Why are all of the Harry Potter spellsin Latin if they’re English?What do Greeks say when they don’tunderstand something?It’s back to the Word Search for the first puzzle of 2012! Look at the word list which contains wordswe’ll be using during January and February. Solve the puzzle the cut it out and mail to me at OSA, c/oSmoke Signals, PO Box 35174, Tulsa, OK 74153. Good luck and remember to PRINT your name, address,and zip code on the form below, please. I’ll publish your name in the next issue if you solve the puzzleand you’ll get prizes from Mazzio’s Italian Eatery as well! Deadline for this entry: February 15, 2012.Name: __________________________________________________________________Address: _________________________________________________________________City: _____________________________________ State: _____________ Zip: __________WORDS TO USEH I W Y N L J D E R Y Y M N M Y Q TJ Y Y I R G E O R G E F U N P I T NS V I D A R V A Q I L E T O O Q G HS U N R O B E Y R A U N A J H E C SB A P J K U R H E G T Q H M S H N EB H A E M Q B A C E H L D E K M Z NQ A E L R B T L H D E V O L R A J IU N B A I B S K E A R F C L O R Q TY T W H R Z O J K T M M W I W D D NG N I K O T Y W T G R A N N M I Y EY R A U R B E F L O S E H C D G Z LN C W D T R D Q D H E E E O W R L AI F O K Q C W E I D G X F L O A M VT H R D F X L N D N W E M N N S M BR O R L N S G Z V U R J A M S U Z VA R A K Q T P V D O Y J R H H S A XM A Z Y O M W T V R V X C C U P I DU N I N S F B R J G S O H Z E P A FAbraham Groundhog MardiGras Arrow Heart MartinAsh January Red Cherry King SnowCupid Lincoln SuperBowl Doubletree Love ValentineFebruary Luther Washington George March Workshop