They showed up expecting a fiery coach who would shout until his throat shredded. Instead, they got a much more subdued version of Daghan Kesim.
It’s amazing what a difference an all-star game can make.
Kesim, Cascade High School’s boys soccer coach, is head coach of the Wesco North boys squad for the 2007 Sno-King All-Star Games, which take place tonight at Snohomish High School. The Wesco North girls play the Wesco South girls at 5 p.m., and the boys – also North versus South – meet at 7 p.m.
Known for his intense coaching style, Kesim said he surprised the North All-Stars when they met for practice Wednesday at Cascade High. The coach said he toned down his disciplinary approach and ran a productive but relaxed training session.
It’s all part of the All-Star vibe.
“They expected me to be mean and harsh, but they were shocked that we had a laid-back, fun practice,” said Kesim, who in May guided a surprising Cascade team to third place in the Class 4A state tournament. On Wednesday Kesim was named the school’s 2006-2007 Coach of the Year.
Kesim, who will be assisted tonight by Snohomish coach Dan Pingrey, said he’s honored to work with the North squad.
“It’s great, of course. … It’s really a big, big deal,” said Kesim.
It’s also a chance to pick up tips from Pingrey, who Kesim said he respects deeply.
“I’m probably going to still learn a lot from him,” Kesim said. “Maybe there’s a chance for him to learn something from me.”
Over the years, the Western Conference has earned a reputation for having superb soccer teams and players. Tonight, fans have a chance to watch dozens of the current standouts display their skills. The rosters consist mainly of players who received first team all-league recognition.
“It’s an opportunity for these girls to be rewarded for a great season,” said Jackson girls coach Mike Bartley, head coach of the South girls.
Although many of the girls play soccer year-round, some might be rusty since the prep season ended in November.
Beyond the considerably talented athletes, another key aspect of the games is its ultimate cause. Admission is free but all proceeds (beyond costs required to put on the event) generated from the suggested $2 donation will benefit Ronald McDonald House, which aims to improve the lives of children and their families throughout the world.
Said Bartley, “That’s the lead story on the whole thing, that it’s a fundraiser.”
Several sponsors supported the event. The primary contributor is Kirk Geiger State Farm Insurance of Mountlake Terrace, which donated $500 in addition to providing free insurance coverage. Spiro’s Pizza &Pasta of Shoreline donated $250, uniform costs were covered by Soccer West and Diadora donated game balls.
One star expected to miss the boys game is Snohomish senior Brandon Kelley, the Gatorade 2006-07 Washington State Player of the Year and The Herald’s 2007 All-Area Player of the Year. Kelley has not fully recovered from a right knee injury he suffered in the 4A state tourney. The forward scored 22 goals in his final season at Snohomish and 76 in his remarkable career.
“I think we’re actually going to do pretty well against the South,” Kesim said. “It would be better if we had (Kelley).”
Lynnwood boys coach Tim Colvin, who will assist South boys head coach Drew Thompson (Shorecrest), said the Sno-King games inspire fierce competition because bragging rights are on the line.
The boys matchup, Colvin said, might be particularly entertaining.
Said Colvin, “I think it could be a pretty powerful game.”
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