Boys soccer: Hersey's Wilcox has all the intangibles to be successful
The player who ran the show last season between the lines for Hersey's boys soccer team is back and ready to go when play begins this coming week for the delayed-from-fall season that will take shape between now and April 17, with no state playoffs.
Hersey senior Ronan Wilcox will be a key figure for coach Michael Rusniak's club which, on paper, will be considered one of the favorites to lift the Mid-Suburban League championship trophy when this shortened COVID season comes to an end.
"Ronan makes his teammates around him better through his competitive attitude, his inability to be complacent, and tenacity as he strives to be the very best player out on the field," said Rusniak, who celebrated the Huskies' captain being named all-state following his fantastic fall season in 2019.
"During our last season, (Wilcox) really came into his own, not just as a dynamic player, but also a leader," continued Rusniak. "He is a real student of the game - constantly studying the game, and adjusting his game accordingly."
The Huskies' star is a commanding figure when the whistle blows - difficult to get the better of either in the air, or in 50-50 battles as he's an expert in possession.
Wilcox earned first-team all-MSL and all-area honors before collecting his all-state award following a season in which he would bag 10 goals and helped on another 12, giving him 27 career assists to place him second overall in program history.
"I cannot wait for this season to begin," says Wilcox, who admits he had his doubts as to whether or not he and his teammates would be playing for real this year.
"Last year we were young, and had a decent season, but we're all a year older, and I believe all of us want the chance to win the division, and a conference title."
Wilcox began to hone his skills at FC United, considered one of the elite soccer clubs in this half of the state, after joining two years ago to play for coach Andrew Parry's under-19 team, which also has Barrington's keeper Daniel Hesselbein on the roster as well.
"We have so many outstanding (attacking) midfielders on my club team, so my role is that of more of holding (mid) - which is good because it has helped round out my overall game," says Wilcox.
Wilcox has already made visits to St. Louis University and Western Illinois, and has a trip to Drake University on hold after the NCAA recently announced the dead period for all Division 1 schools would be extended through April 15.
With limited training available at school, and just two days per week with his club team, Wilcox spends extra time in the gym, lifting, improving his conditioning, and getting himself in game shape.
"I've been trying to improve on my decision making, and to be the best that I can as a leader on our team," he said.
"Ronan is an absolute engine," said Rusniak. "He is one of the most special players to play here at Hersey, and I feel very fortunate to have the opportunity to be his coach."