Kermit ready for Beijing kick off

One local man will play an essential role in the Beijing Olympics' soccer tournament, but he won't be winning any medals.

Kermit Quisenberry, 39, of Louisville will be one of six US referees officiating at the men's and women's soccer tournaments, which start today (Wednesday) ahead of Friday's opening ceremony.

Along with his referee team of Jair Maruffo and George Gansner, Kermit’s first assignment is the Group D match between Cameroon and Korea at Qinhuangdao on Thursday.


Kermit Quisenberry (far right) is pictured with Jason Cullum, Jason Anno and Jozsef Batko at a Major League Soccer game in Houston.

Now employed at Taylor Middle High School in Pierson, Florida, Kermit was directing students out of the parking lot on April 17 when he received a call from Paul Tamberino, national director of referees.

"He told me that I had been selected and that I was one of the six officials going to the Olympics. It was a huge surprise," he told The Evening News & Tribune.

Surprise to Kermit, maybe, but if you talk to his peers in Louisville and southern Indiana, the Male High School graduate's rise to the top of his profession has been well earned: A journey that has been, in his own words, a "long, tough road with a few bumps."

Kermit's start in the game came at Sawyer Youth Soccer in Louisville at the age of 10 and it wasn't long before the prospect of refereeing was put to him.

"When I was 13 or 14 years old, my coach Kent Powell, came to practice one day and said that the SYSA program needed referees and they would pay our way through the clinic,” says Kermit. “All we had to do was referee one game a day on the weekends for about six weeks. I enjoyed it and it was an easy way to make money."

He went to a United States Soccer Federation course taught by local referees Brian Darling and Bill Beatty, and from there began working many youth tournaments.

His big break came when he was invited to referee the first ever women’s league final in Cincinnati, Ohio in 1995. It was there that he was spotted by the national director of officials, Vinny Mauro, and was given the opportunity to referee at the youth national finals in Indianapolis.

After that, he was chosen to become an assistant referee in what was then the new Major League Soccer.

In 1997, Kermit moved to Florida to take a job as an assistant athletic trainer at Jacksonville University and became a national referee the following year. Attending amateur regional and youth games there helped him advance onto the USSF’s panel for FIFA, soccer’s world governing body.

"By meeting new people and proving that I had the ability to referee at the highest level, it opened the doors to being appointed to the international panel," he says.

Since hearing the news that he is Beijing bound as an assistant referee, Kermit has had a hectic schedule, comprising a lot of training and meetings.

"My referee team has worked 2010 World Cup qualifiers (including Costa Rica against Grenada, and Cayman Islands against Bermuda), as well as MLS games together in order to get better prepared on how to act and react in different situations,” he said.

They arrived in China last Thursday (July 31), and when the 16 team men’s tournament commences on Thursday - a day before the Olympic Games opening ceremony - they will have already had meetings and training sessions every day in order to prepare them for the games.

Although he hopes he won't be too much in the spotlight, Kermit will still have many supporters cheering him on, none more so than his family, who are steeped in soccer.

His mother, Estelle, has been a referee assignor since 1984, becoming a high school assignor for the Louisville area in 1998. His father, Gordon, is a referee assessor and instructor, who got involved in the game when Kermit's teams in high school didn’t have enough officials to go round. And his brother, Mark, has also attained the grade of state referee.

They -- and Kermit -- know that a good performance during the competition could see him in line to officiate at the 2010 World Cup in South Africa.

You can follow his progress on the US Olympic Referees’ blog at Olympicrefs.blogspot.com.

High school season nears

(Published Evening News & Tribune, July 29 '08)

High school soccer teams across Southern Indiana are now preparing for the fall season, which is nearly upon us.

Games will start on Aug. 18 — with most of the area's teams taking to the field on Aug. 21 — but two jamborees will be held in the area in the week leading up to the big kick-off.


The Floyd Central Jamboree, which will feature the host school, Jeffersonville and New Albany, will take place on Saturday, Aug. 16, while Providence hosts a jamboree on the same day with North Harrison and Corydon visiting. Keep it here to stay in tocuh with all the latest news.


Brigid Morrissey (Floyd Central) and Sara Moore (Providence)

Locals take on nation's elite soccer players

Javanon’s U16s, featuring Jeffersonville’s Trevor Bruner and New Albany’s Keenan Sparks, took on best teams in the country last week and proved it was not out of place at the U.S. Youth Soccer National Championships in Little Rock, Ark.

The journey may have started with two consecutive losses for the defensive duo and their teammates, but it ended with a victory —and the realization that the area’s players can compete with youth soccer’s elite.

The tournament at Burns Park Soccer Complex saw 56 boys’ and girls’ clubs from U14 through U19 battle to become best in the nation. They had risen above 10,000 teams and more than 185,000 players from 55 state associations.

Javanon got off to an immediate flyer. In the first game against Real So Cal of California, a goal from Tyler Riggs in the 23rd minute — on a blistering shot from 25 yards out — and a follow-up goal by Jack Goblirsch in the 35th minute put the Louisville side ahead 2-0 at the break.

However, Real So Cal produced an impressive second-half rally, as Javanon struggled collectively to deal with the heat. Goals in the 43rd and 54th minutes saw the Californians knot the score, and it used its new-found energy and skill to finish off the job with goals in the 71st and 79th minutes.

Somewhat deflated, Javanon put up a brave showing against YMS Explosion of eastern Pennsylvania — which also lost its first game — the following morning. An unfortunate own goal in the 18th minute put YMS ahead and it held on for a 1-0 victory, with Javanon failing to capitalize on its scoring opportunities.

Javanon coach Tim Chastonay told The Evening News & Tribune, “The boys were definitely down after losing the 2-0 lead (against Real So Cal) and ultimately losing the game, but came back strong the next day (against YMS). They played a more complete game on the second day, but just could not find the net.”

Knowing that it would not be progressing to the final, the boys were determined not to return home without a win, and made sure that would not be the case with a battling 2-1 victory against Lower Marion Velez, also from Eastern Pennsylvania.

It didn’t start all that well for Javanon, which fell behind behind after only two minutes. But goals from Will Vitalis in the 26th minute and Brycen Howard in the 71st ensured that the team returned home with three points from three games.

“I think they definitely learned a bit individually what they need to work on and then what we needed to do better as a team," said Chastonay. “They left in high spirits after the third game and looked as if they really wanted to get back to this position.”

Mike Sparks, father of Keenan, a student at Providence, said it was an amazing achievement that his son even appeared at the tournament, given what he had to overcome as a young child.

“To think 16 years ago, that my little baby boy, born with club feet (both feet were turned 90 degrees inward and 90 degrees upward toward the shins) would take the pitch for a national championship someday is just awesome,” he said. “Keenan didn't even walk until he was about 18 months. He wore casts, braces, open-toed corrective shoes, and had two surgeries on his tendons just so he could walk.”

Terri Bruner, manager of Javanon and parent of Trinity student Trevor, described the tournament as “a great experience.”

“The boys did realize that they can compete with the best and are already setting goals for next year,” she said.

Dallas Texans, a team Javanon didn't take on in pool play, went on to win the tournament, beating Real So Cal 2-0 in the final.

The U.S. Youth Soccer National Championships two-hour highlight show will air on the Fox Soccer Channel on Aug. 9 at 1 p.m.

A Straight win!

Vincent Straight (left) and Jordan Vejar

We reported a couple of weeks ago that Indiana's 1995 Olympic Development Program, featuring New Albany High School coach Dutch Vigar and Jeffersonville midfielder Pierce Crawley, came out on top at a regional soccer camp in Rockford, Ill.

Since then, there's been more success for the state and the area as Vincent Straight — bound for Jeffersonville High School this fall — was part of the Indiana ODP '93 team which beat Ohio North 1-0 in the regional final.

In the group stages, Indiana tied with Kentucky 2-2, beat Missouri 1-0 and then disposed of Ohio South 3-0. A 2-0 victory against Kansas in the semi-final set them up for the final.

Mike Vejar, Indiana Youth Soccer's district commissioner for the area, said that he is proud of Straight, who he has mentored for seven years.

“It is a very talented group and for Vincent to have made it was a huge accomplishment for this young man,” he said.

“It's also a huge deal to win this tournament, given the level of talent from all other states. Vincent's team has a number of national team-level players on it already.”

It looks good for Jeff High's future in the next few years as Vejar's son, Jordan -- headed for the school in 2009 — was chosen as an alternate for the '94 regional pool team. This means he could be called up to join the team over the next 12 months when they participate in national and international tournaments.

At the camp, Vejar scored for Indiana against the Kentucky ODP team in a 1-1 draw.

“This is a big deal for him to fit in at this level of play, so we're very proud of him,” said father Mike.

Sparks, bruner headed to big stage

(Published in the Evening News & Tribune, July 22 2008)

They're part of one of the meanest defenses in the country and this week they're out to prove it.

Jeffersonville's Trevor Bruner and New Albany's Keenan Sparks will take to the field at Burns Park Soccer Complex in Little Rock, Arkansas with their Javanon U16 team mates gunning for glory at the US Youth Soccer National Championships.

The southern Indiana pair, who attend Trinity and Providence High Schools respectively, bolster a back four that went through the Kentucky State Cup conceding just one goal and posted four straight shutouts.

They then went the region II championships in Rockford, Ill. and subdued the best attacks around, including Vardar of Michigan and powerhouse Eclipse Select of Illinois.

Its attack scores for fun too, racking up 29 at the Kentucky State Cup, and 17 at the regionals, more than any other team in the nation.

Coach Tim Chastonay is proud of all 18 of his squad, but says, "Trevor and Keenan both are part of a solid back four that has been stingy all season and does not give up many goals."

Today, the pair will be part of a player luncheon at the Statehouse Convention Center, which will be attended by the 56 best boys’ and girls’ teams in the nation from U14 through U19.


Keenan Sparks (New Albany, left) and Trevor Bruner (Jeffersonville) of Javanon '92, pictured preparing for the US Youth Soccer National Championships, which open today and run until July 27. Javanon plays its first game against Real So Cal Blues Wednesday.

The week leading up to the tournament has been a busy one. Detailed preparation aside, the team was paraded in front of well attended media day last Wednesday, while nine of the team, including Bruner, were in Rockford this weekend with the Kentucky '92 Olympic Development Squad. After it, they traveled in the lap of luxury when flown to Little Rock on Sunday afternoon.

It is the fourth time that Javanon will be represented at the national championships, having won it twice - - in 1997 (U16 boys) and 2006 (U19 boys). In fact, it has quite a good record at U16 level, as it was also national semi-finalist at that age level in 2003.

This time round, there are six U16 boys’ teams at the finals, comprising the four regional winners and best two performers in the new US Youth Soccer National League. Each team will have three games, with the top two points getters going on to the final.

First up for Javanon is a game against Region IV victors Real So Cal Blues of California Wednesday (10.30 a.m. EDT), followed by an even earlier game against YMS Explosion of eastern Pennsylvania on Thursday (8.30 a.m.).

It will complete round robin play Friday with a game against Region I winners Lower Merion Velez, also of eastern Pennsylvania (12.30 p.m.).

The other two participating teams, which Javanon don’t play in the early stages, are Triangle United Gold of North Carolina (Region III champions) and Dallas Texans. The U16 boys’ final will take place on Sunday July 27 (11.15 a.m.).

There is real belief in the camp that the team can put up a strong showing. According to coach Chastonay and his assistant Derek Willis, the four time state champions are peaking at the right time, having played their best soccer at midwest regionals.

And team manager Terri Bruner, parent of Trevor, believes this is due in no small part to the loyalty and hard work ethic built up over a long time - qualities that will stand to them this week.
“This is the eighth year this team has been together,” he said. “Several have been together from season one and that’s half of their lives.”

If you want to keep abreast of how Javanon fair at the nations, check out the team's blog daily at: 92javanonboys.blogspot.com. A wrap up of the national championships will also be televised on Fox Soccer Channel on August 9 (1 p.m.)


Path to the Nationals
Kentucky State Open Cup
Beat LSA 5-0
Beat United 1996 Premier 8-0
Beat LFC Classic 9-0
Beat LFC Premier 5-0 (semi-final)
Beat United 1996 Intl 2-1 (final)

Region II Championship (Rockford, Illinois)
Beat Vardar West (Michigan) 5-1
Lost to KCFC Striker (Kansas) 1-2
Beat PSA Ohio North 5-2
Beat Vardar Red (Michigan) 3-1 (semi-final)
Beat Eclipse Select (Illinois) 3-1 (final)



Keenan Sparks (New Albany, left) and Trevor Bruner (Jeffersonville) of Javanon '92, pictured preparing for the US Youth Soccer National Championships, which open today and run until July 27. Javanon plays its first game against Real So Cal Blues tomorrow.

Indiana ODP tops

Indiana's 1995 Olympic Development Program came out on top at the weekend's regional soccer camp in Rockford, Illinois.

And helping them succeed were New Albany High School coach Dutch Vigar and Jeffersonville midfielder Pierce Crawley.

Indiana got off to a flying start, beating Kentucky 6-2, before disposing of Minnesota by a whopping 10-0.

It lost 1-0 to a very strong Illinois team in the third of its pool games but had done enough to reach the semi final stage, where it proved too good for Iowa when prevailing by a 7-3 scoreline, with Crawley pitching in with a goal and an assist.
In the final on Saturday, it met Illinois once again but overcame the underdog tag and gained revenge with a 1-0 win.

Crawley, who will be an 8th grader at Providence Junior High this fall and plays for Javanon U13s, said it was a pleasure to play against good players from other states in the Midwest and get to know new people.

“The best part, however, was beating Illinois in the finals of the state team tournament,” he said. “I look forward to going back to the camp next year and competing to make the regional team again."



This was Crawley's second year at the camp, but was coach Dutch Vigar's first time to participate on the ODP staff. As one of three assistant coaches, the journey began for him and Crawley in October with a training session in New Albany in an effort to identify those from this area who had potential to make the state pool.

Training sessions were then held, mostly in the Indianapolis area, at least once every month - and sometimes twice a month - between November and June. Many of the 60 plus players who participated in this endeavor were from Indianapolis and northern Indiana, but Vigar said the number of players from this area that are participating annually is on the increase.

After the March training sessions, the state player pool was narrowed down to 36 players.

"The selection process was a bit difficult and a challenge for me," said Vigar. "The task was probably less difficult for the head coach and other assistants because they were with many of the players from last year. Given that we had four coaches assessing the players did make the task a little easier.

There was much discussion and interaction among the coaching staff about players in making the decisions for final selection."

Once this weekend's camp was over, a 36 player "callback" pool - including four from Indiana - was named, from which a regional team will be chosen. Some of these will also have a chance to play on the ‘95 national team.

Vigar said it has been a very educational, rewarding and positive experience for him.

"It is great having the opportunity to work with so many young talented players," he said. "Having the opportunity to work with the regional coaches was a great and valuable experience. Working with coaches from other parts of the state was equaling rewarding.

"This experience will definitely help in my leadership role as the director of coaching for SIU. The first time players can participate in the ODP program is when they become U10 players. I would recommend any player who wishes to play at higher levels in soccer to get involved with ODP.”

Javanon ready for the big one

The US Youth Soccer National Championships are now just days, and the excitement is mounting at Javanon, whose U16 team is preparing for battle against the best teams in the US.

The event, the opening ceremony of which takes place at Little Rock, Ark. next Tuesday, comprises 56 boys’ and girls’ teams in the U14 through U19 age groups.

There are six U16 boys’ teams at the finals, comprising the four regional winners and best two performers in the new US Youth Soccer National League. Each team will have three games, with the top two points getters going on to the final.



First up for Javanon is a game against Region IV victors Real South California Blues next Wednesday (July 23), followed by an early morning game against YMS Explosion of eastern Pennsylvania on Thursday.

It will complete round robin play Friday with a game against Region I winners Lower Merion Velez, also of eastern Pennsylvania.

The other two participating teams, which Javanon don’t play in the early stages, are Triangle United Gold of North Carolina (Region III champions) and Dallas Texans. The U16 boys’ final will take place on Sunday July 27.