Wheeler, Geraghty show the way

The consensus among area coaches was that both Declan Geraghty and Trevor Wheeler were clear-cut choices for all-state honors for the 2009 boys soccer season.

For their skills, determination and leadership, those seniors have been named co-captains of the Daily Herald's all-area team.

Wheeler, a four-year star at St. Viator who is headed to Wisconsin next fall, is vital in the Lions' success and pending run toward the Class 2A state championship match next weekend at North Central College, where his team hopes to meet long-time rival Peoria Notre Dame.

"I am not really sure what type of success our club would have without a player such as Trevor," said St. Viator coach Mike Taylor of the player of the year in the East Suburban Catholic Conference. "During his four years with us, he's been just about everything for us, and this year, he could have easily had bigger numbers in goals or assists, but (to) him it is all about doing what is good for the team. And this year, it means he stays back a little bit more, plays more of a defensive midfield (spot) for us, and helps direct the attack and get things going for us.

"There are not a lot of players like him who are content to do what's best for his team, instead of what is best for his overall statistics and headlines."

"I am having fun, and my four years here at St. Viator are four years of my life that I would not wanted have changed at all," says Wheeler, who before his junior year was tempted by the opportunity to train and live in Bradenton, Fla., and be a part of the under-17 national team.

"I went down there for a few days with four other new guys, and at the end, we had just a short time to make our decision," Wheeler said. "I had a long talk with my parents, and I decided the better fit for me was to stay home and play for coach Taylor and with my friends here at Viator. I have not had any regrets since."

The desire to erase two consecutive state tournament eliminations (by Jacobs in 2007, by Palatine last year) have also provided the three-time all-ESCC, and two-time all-area midfielder a little extra incentive.

"Leaving here with a state title is something I really would like to have, not only for my teammates, but also Taylor," said Wheeler.

The Lions' captain plays at a high technical standard, the ball circulating very freely to a long list of attractive options at his disposal while he keeps his pace and energy going strong for 80 plus minutes if so required by the Lions' staff.

"Trevor is so tough to defend because his biggest asset might be his evasive speed, which allows him to turn tight in the smallest of space," says Neuqua Valley coach Tony Kees, who has managed Wheeler for two seasons with the Chicago Fire Academy.

Never one to hit the panic button, Wheeler is as composed as a heart surgeon, and can exploit an opponent in its own end with the snap of his fingers. He's ready to shine when his club needs it the most, whether going forward in fast-paced counter-attacks or serving expertise, or tracking back to tackle, win balls or defend in the center of the park.

Wheeler says the coaching staff in Madison influenced his decision to play Big Ten soccer next fall. Friends Ata Ozbay (2008 all-area co-captain from Barrington) and Kyle McCrudden (New Trier) also helped sway his vote.

"I am looking forward to going to school and playing at Wisconsin," said Wheeler, "but for now, I want to enjoy the final weeks of high school soccer and a possible state title."

Nearly three weeks ago, Geraghty promised that his Saxons club, struggling to get above .500, would have a good run left if they could get healthy in time for the postseason.

A No. 12 seed in the Hoffman Estates sectional appeared to splash cold water all over Geraghty's predictions, but since a 4-0 loss to MSL champion Palatine in its ninth match of the season, the Saxons have gone 9-0-0 including a stunning 2-0 victory over No. 2 Geneva on Tuesday night, making Geraghty's promise come true.

"I just had a lot of confidence in our team and our coaching staff, so I felt if we could get everyone back, there was a good chance that we could do something in the second half of the season," says Geraghty, who will likely move on and play soccer at Illinois Wesleyan next fall, and study to be a physical therapist.

"Declan is just amazing," says his coach, Hamid Mehreioskouei. "He is the best example of a great teammate and captain, and although he may not be the greatest player that's ever come through our program, I don't think I have ever been more proud of any other player."

Mehreioskouei remembers early in the Saxons' season when his club lost three of four matches, and Geraghty had given full effort - 80 minutes a game, from touchline-to-touchline. Still, Geraghty approaches his coach and asked what more he could do to help his team.

"I had no response to his statement," Mehreioskouei said. "It was like, 'Are you kidding? Do more?'

"That's the type of young man he is. He takes everything from this team on his shoulders."

Geraghty's humble response to his appointment as co-captain along with Wheeler is a classy one as well.

"I always thought all-state honors were reserved for the high profile, big-time scoring players, so I was honored to be voted in," he said. "But every player always dreams of making the all-area team, where your picture and bio are written about you for everyone to see. But to be honored as a captain along with Trevor means that people notice me as a player who plays hard, for his team and coach, and does the little things that help teams be successful."

Geraghty, who is a National Honor Society member and the Saxons' captain for the past two seasons, is also a 4-year basketball player, and starter last season at the guard position.

The big, attacking or defensive midfielder, delivers uncommon strength on the field and matches it with terrific endurance. Tactically astute, athletic and never flustered, the Saxons' second-leading scorer (9 goals, 9 assists) is without peer in the art of shepherding opponents into less dangerous parts of the field.

"Declan played defensive midfield behind Josh Beard (a former all-stater now playing at UIC) and helped open up things up for Josh because he was such a great defender," said Elk Grove coach Joe Bush. "This year he's just an absolute beast out there, a guy who wins everything and has such a sensational work rate and intensity that helps make the level of play around him rise."

For Schamburg, Geraghty has a set a standard.

"We're trying to build tradition at Schaumburg," said Mehreioskouei, "and we want all of our players that come through our program to look up to players that have made a big impression on the system, while being the benchmark for everyone to follow. Declan is one of those players."