The Little Dodger

New Boys' Soccer Coach

Monday, February 13, 2012 By Andrea Pingel

Pablo Rodriguez will be the boys’ new soccer coach this season after Coach Champagne decided he needs time off to focus on getting his Master’s degree. Rodriguez, who is currently the assistant men’s soccer coach at ICCC, started playing soccer at a young age. “I was six-years-old when I got involved with soccer in my home country of Uruguay,” said Rodriguez. According to the Iowa Central soccer web page, Rodriguez was raised in New Jersey after moving to the United States at the age of eight. He later received a scholarship to play for Tusculum College, where he was an All- Conference selection but his career ended due to an injury. Rodriguez attended Rutgers University where he received his Bachelor of Science in accounting. He also earned his Iowa Coaching Authorization and his USSF Class “D” Coaching License. “I moved to Fort Dodge because my wife’s job is here,” said Rodriguez. “I still wanted to be involved with soccer so I need to find a way to help out with the sport so I decided to be a coach.” Athletic Director, Tom Kinseth, is glad that Rodriguez has been coaching at ICCC. “He’s done a very good job [coaching at ICCC]. He also comes with very good recommendations,” said Kinseth. Kinseth also thinks there is plenty of work to be done for the 2012 season. “He will have to take time to get to know the returning players build up our soccer program. We want to get back to the state tournament, so the boys will have to get into shape and he [Rodriguez] will have to start recruiting,” said Kinseth. Rodriguez is not afraid of hard work. His goal is to work the team up to its best abilities. “I want to get the team up to the level that it should be on and try to get them more involved and get to know the sport better. I haven’t spoken in detail with Kinseth yet, but I want to get started as soon as possible. I know the season doesn’t start until March, but I think it would be great if some of the players could get playing before then,” said Rodriguez. Pat Rial will be assisting Rodriguez in the 2012 season. Practice starts March 12. Also Kinseth has to look for a girls’ soccer coach. Kinseth is hoping to get the position filled by February 13.