Soccer: N.J. and Rutgers style
Archived article from Feb 1, 2002
By Douglas Frank
Arguably the world's most popular sport, soccer gets much less attention on the national scale here in the United States, although it is alive and thriving in many locales including New Jersey's communities, its high schools and its state university.
Both the men's and women's soccer programs on the New Brunswick campus battled to postseason competition this fall, led by very dedicated coaches, one a longtime veteran and the other in his second year. The two head coaches credit not only fine assistant coaches and players, but also the state's soccer programs for their success.
They also praised each other's programs and pointed to an atmosphere of mutual support in creating a soccer environment that is bringing many of the state's best players to Rutgers regardless of gender.
The men's program (15-7-3), coached by Bob Reasso for the past 21 years, made its 11th NCAA postseason tournament appearance and finished up ranked ninth in the country in the National Soccer Coaches Association of America (NSCAA) poll.
The women's program was led by Glenn Crooks to a 14-8-1 mark this past fall and its first-ever trip to the NCAA Tournament "Sweet Sixteen," a feat that earned him the Mid-Atlantic Region Coach of the Year designation by Soccerbuzz.com. His team was ranked 14th in the final NSCAA Top 25 Poll and 18th in the final Soccerbuzz.com Top 25 Poll.
Reasso's record, since he took over in 1981, also includes three Final Four efforts, eight league championships and teams that have averaged 14.3 wins per season.
Perhaps the brightest spot in the men's season was Reasso's 300th career win, which came in the third meeting with Connecticut. After losing twice to the defending national champions, Rutgers beat them in a 2-1, triple-overtime postseason victory. With the win, Reasso became one of just 13 active coaches to reach the coveted milestone.
"There's been tremendous soccer in New Jersey, both in club and high school," Reasso noted. "We've been fortunate since early on to keep our share of the best players, and as long as you do that, you are going to be successful.
"This is why I'm so pleased with Glenn and his team, because in two short years they have turned it around, and they are getting the best players in New Jersey," Reasso added.
He observed that here at Rutgers there is a kindred spirit and spillover effect in soccer. "The success of both programs feed off each other. There is great cooperation and synergy, and we all have our oars in the water pulling in the same direction."
Reasso summed up the reasons for his milestone as "good kids, good coaches. When you are in a position of leadership, you have to realize that you are only as good as the people around you," a sentiment echoed by Crooks.
The women's coach added that Reasso "has done a superb job keeping the top kids for many, many years. And the men's coaching staff has been unbelievable to us in terms of support and in helping us get settled here."
Crooks arrived at Rutgers having been successful at both the high school and collegiate levels. He maintains a close relationship with the New Jersey scholastic scene and also worked extensively on the Olympic Development staffs in both Eastern New York and New Jersey.
He began his career at his alma mater, Ridge High School, Basking Ridge, where he started the women's soccer program in 1983. He went on to collegiate coaching at Long Island University and Saint Peter's College.
Crooks likewise gives credit to the youth coaches in the state who, he says, are developing very good players.
"Women's soccer is taken very seriously in New Jersey," he added. "Our job here is to develop a reputation so that everyone in New Jersey gives Rutgers at least a look."
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