Shearer -
I agree with you that there are some committed coaches in the Columbia area. Some of the committed coaches also happen to be excellent trainers, but some are not. Part of the committed part I was talking about was taking soccer in the Columbia area to a higher level. As long as the individual club's DOC's performance (and ultimately pay) is judged by only that clubs performance, then there will always be the determination to hold onto any good player.
Another aspect of committment by the DOC's is the education of the coaches and the training/evaluation of all of the players in their club that should be done. I realize that these people have families, but to be a DOC at a club takes a lot of time. Being a DOC is at a minimum a time consuming part time job. The DOC should be involved with the training of all of the teams. Over the years, I haven't seen alot of the DOC's of the local clubs out watching the teams that they don't actually coach in their club at games. A true DOC should be visible and available to the members of their club. Everytime I attend GFC games, I see Chris Barrett, Andrew Hyslop, Brian Mills, Russell Shelley or Jim Rinker also there in support (unless they are coaching somewhere else). When I watch St. Giles games, I almost always see Pearse Tormey, Carlos Osario or David Minihan there also supporting the teams. When I watch GFC vs. St. Giles games, it is unusual if all of the club's coaches (sometimes a dozen or more)aren't there in support if available. This is because they care about all of the teams in the club, not just the one(s) that they coach.
I do believe that Eddie Crosby at CSC will bring a new outlook to soccer in this area. With his youth, training ability and love for the game, I see big things ahead for him. Unfortunately, as he shows people outside the Columbia area these assets, don't be surprised that other clubs come calling. Charleston, Greenville, Augusta, Aiken, etc..... are always looking for qualified people to add to their program or to lead a part or all of their program.
