NICK MERSCH
SPORTS EDITOR
Opposing defenders, beware: junior JP Bobak is set on taking the Barons to victory this soccer season with his impressive footwork and offensive prowess.
Soccer has always been a big part of this theology major’s life. “I’ve been playing soccer with my brothers ever since I could walk. They are the reason I still play today,” said Bobak. He especially plays for his older brother Christian, who serves currently as the head men’s soccer coach.
“Christian’s my coach, but he’s also family,” Bobak said. “He’s an inspiration to me on and off the field.”
Bobak has been playing soccer in his hometown of Buffalo, New York, for as long as he could remember, so it makes sense that he has fond memories of the sport dating way back. However, his favorite comes from just a few weeks ago.
“I’d say my favorite sports memory is making number two on to Sports Center top 10 not too long ago,” said Bobak. “I made a back heel flick pass to Sebastian Koehler who scored a bicycle kick.” This play aired on national television three weeks ago, which had the school buzzing about the play for days.
When it comes to the way he approaches the game, Bobak related himself to a pro.
“I like to consider my style of play to be a lot like Real Madrid winger Gareth Bale,” Bobak said. “A lot of movement off the ball with long and direct runs into space.” Perhaps it’s this professional-style offensive mindedness that has helped Bobak become one of the top scorers in the conference year after year.
In terms of the team’s goals this season, Bobak kept things simple. “Our goal this year is to win the conference. We’re definitely capable of doing it,” he said. The Baron team’s goal is intact as they sit in second place in the AMCC.
To catch Bobak and the rest of the Barons on the pitch, show up to the upper soccer field where they’ll take on Hilbert College Saturday, Oct. 19 at 1 p.m.