For many organizations, being ranked seventh in the nation for anything would be quite an accomplishment. For the Baltimore Bays soccer club, it is simply a stepping stone to the ultimate goal ? No. 1.
“I think we?re a year away maybe from being right there,” said Bays coaching director Steve Nichols. “I?m excited with seven, but Iwon?t be happy until we?re No. 1.”
The Bays, a local soccer club that includes girls teams from under-8 to U-18 and boys teams from U-8 to U-23, were recognized by Soccer America as the No. 7 boys club in the nation in its rankings, which are published in February.
It is a testament to the club?s talent and to its coaching staff, which, unlike many of the other top-ranked teams, is run by volunteers only.
“We?re doing things right here in Baltimore,” said club president Kevin Healey, who noted that club members pay less to play here than elsewhere in the nation. “This is the path we?re following, and I feel good about it.”
The U-17 squad, which this season becomes the Bays? U-19 club, is the defending national champion. The club has sent a number of players to the professional ranks, including Major League Soccer stars Santino Quaranta and Zach Thornton, and Baltimore Blast standouts P.J. Wakefield, Billy Nelson, Giuliano Celenza and Mike Lookingland. By sending 15 current club members to the Atlantic Coast Conference, college coaches are relying upon the Bays, too.
“I think it?s one of the most outstanding clubs in the entire area,” said Towson University coach Frank Olszewski, who has six former Bays players on his roster.
UMBC coach Pete Caringi has “easily 10” former Bays on his roster.
“Baltimore has always been a hotbed for soccer, and I think that club has really organized those kids in this area,” Caringi said.
After merging the former Soccer Club of Baltimore and Baltimore Football Club in the past five years, the Bays have become a virtual pipeline to future success. While winning is a product of talent and hard work, the club prides itself on developing young athletes.
AMAZIN? BAYS
» In hopes of keeping a Baltimore-centric core, the Bays? more competitive squads have had to turn down top talent from up and down the East Coast.
» Bays U-18 goalkeeper Dan Louisignau recently attended a U.S. national team camp at the Home Depot Center in California.
