3 Decades of Blue Devil Soccer

In the fall of 1974, Blue Devil soccer began under the leadership of Mario Camacho. Mario coached for 4 years and I can only imagine as he watches his grandson Blake play as a current Blue Devil, the pride he must feel inside knowing he was the person who started this successful program.

35 years later, I find myself looking at this years coaching staff and one thing jumps out at me. Head coach Matt Longo has coached in 3 different decades (80's, 90's, 00's) and not only is that interesting, but what I think is even more interesting is that 5 of the coaches in the program also played for coach Longo. Even more interesting to me is that there is a coach that represents each decade as well. I, coach Eric Stratman, played for Coach Longo in his first 2 years (87 & 88) and right out of the shoot we were successful. In 1987, we advanced to the state tournament losing in the Elite 8 in PK's to Naperville North.

Coach Travis Dinkheller and Coach Ron Bridal both played in the early 90's and were both part of the best season by the Blue Devils. In their senior year, they were 20-1-2 and only gave up 7 goals all year. That is a great stat for both of them since Coach Dink was a defender and Coach Bridal the goalkeeper.

Coach Andy Hoskins played for the Blue Devils in 1996 and was part of what many thought might be the last ever for Coach Longo as he resigned after that season. In 10 seasons at the helm, the Blue Devils were 163-39-33 and had three elite 8 appearances.

However, in 2004 Coach Longo returned to lead the Blue Devils and coach Ryne Schrage was part of the first two seasons and played a major part in rebuilding a program that had struggled in recent years. Prior to coach Longo returning in 2004, the Blue Devils had won just 8 games combind in the previous two seasons

In 2004, the Blue Devils doubled that total with 16 wins and order was restored in Blue Devil soccer nation. Since returning, QHS is 81-29-9.

It may seem strange to some, but as players for Coach Longo, never in our wildest dreams would we have thought that one day we would coach with him. It is so funny to watch the expressions and comments of current players and we all remember the times when we too made those same expressions and comments. Not a week goes by where a Longoism (an expression only Matt Longo would use) fly's out and the coaches look at each other and just laugh, remembering a day when we likely heard that as a player.

Coach Longo will always be Coach Longo to every one of us that played for him. However, every one of guys who now coach with him can also call him a very close friend. Just don't expect us Coach Longo, to tell everything we did and said when we played for you. Those stories are best left for your retirement years when you can't fire us!