From The Journal News:
Coach of the year, Bob Walkley, Suffern: The league-champion Mounties finished the season 12-5 based largely on a balanced attack. The trio of Charlie Pirc, Garcia and Shrek led a strong offense, but Walkley's team was even better on defense. It allowed just 20 goals all season and was at its best during a string of five straight shutouts against League I-B opponents.
Dec 10 - Rockland Boys soccer performer of the year: Suffern's Charlie Pirc
(Original publication in the Journal News: December 9, 2007)
Josh Thomson - The Journal News
Charlie Pirc had just finished his freshman year of high school when he had an epiphany.
The Suffern High soccer player had already developed into a rising star, but during the summer of 2006 he saw a pathway to be even better. Pirc observed intently how a coach on his Ramapo Valley club team kept himself fit, and Pirc asked him how he managed to do it.
Though the name of the coach escapes him to this day, the message did not. Pirc has followed a strict diet ever since, and his optimum physical conditioning is among the reasons the junior earned the honor of Rockland County boys soccer player of the year.
Pirc made his discipline clear one day to Bob Walkley. The Suffern coach had his star forward as a passenger in his car when he offered Pirc a piece of candy.
"Candy?" Pirc said. "No, I don't eat that stuff."
With good reason. For someone who is just 5-foot-6, Pirc knows conditioning is a key to his success. Considering he tied for the league lead with 12 goals and ranked second with 29 points this season, it's obvious the lifestyle change has been a rousing success.
"It always gives me that competitive edge," Pirc said. "I have that much more energy than everyone else. I never get tired in games. Since I'm not the biggest guy out there, I know I have to be in good condition to stay ahead of everyone else."
Pirc follows a strict no-sugar diet. Even on holidays, he strives to stay consistent.
His meals consist of high-protein foods, and his snacks are primarily fruit.
"Any time we have a day off, I either go out for a run or go to the gym," he said.
"He's solid," Walkley said. "Like a rock."
Pirc was one of the three rocks upon which the Mounties were built this season. He became the top option for senior midfielders Eric Garcia and Evan Shreck, who were the primary playmakers for the undefeated League I-B champs.
"When we're working in the midfield, as soon as we pick our heads up we're looking for him," Shreck said. "He's the fastest guy on the team so we're always looking for him."
Pirc's aptitude for taking aggressive runs and scoring goals has attracted attention. He joined FC Westchester, a club team coached by Walkley (among others) that is sanctioned by the U.S. Soccer Federation. There are only 80 clubs in the country that have been approved by U.S. Soccer, so Pirc should gain invaluable exposure to Division I college coaches.
"It's a great opportunity," Pirc said. "Playing with an academy team really opens the doors to a bunch of colleges. It should help me get seen."
At this point, that may be all he needs. People around Pirc are confident he'll continue to prove he can compete at a high level.
"He shows that it doesn't matter how tall you are," Shreck said. "Anyone can play the game well. He's a perfect example of doing the most with what you have."
Dec 10 - Other All-Rockland Players:
Eric Garcia, Suffern: This senior midfielder was named the MVP of League I-B, thanks in large part to his dazzling skills. Garcia scored five goals and set up 10 others. The 10 assists were the second most in Rockland County. He also had a hand in every goal during wins over R.C. Ketcham and Scarsdale.
Evan Shrek, Suffern: The senior midfielder was one of the anchors on the Mounties' dominant offense. His seven goals were third on the team, while his four assists ranked fourth. Shrek, who has been all-county in lacrosse and basketball, is also the No. 1 student in his class.