Prasopoulos, Mustangs reach new heights

Munster's Jim Prasopoulos is the 2008 Post-Tribune Boys Soccer Coach of the Year.
(Scott M. Bort/Post-Tribune)

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MUNSTER -- When Jim Prasopoulos was talking about his team's prospects before the season, he was typically cautiously optimistic, though he allowed himself to consider the possibilities.

"The coolest thing would be a final four appearance, just for the kids," he had said. "It's more of a spotlight, more excitement, the college coaches, all those cool things. That's what I wish for this program one day, how ever long it takes."

Well, it will take at least one more season. But Prasopoulos still led Munster on its deepest postseason run in school history, earning the recognition as the 2008 Post-Tribune Boys Soccer Coach of the Year.

The Mustangs reached a semistate title game for the first time. Along the way, they collected the second regional title in program history by defeating postseason nemesis Lake Central, and went 6-0 to claim their second straight Northwest Crossroads Conference title.

After pulling out a 2-1 overtime victory in a semistate semifinal against West Lafayette Harrison -- the team that had ended their 2006 season at the same stage -- they lost 3-2 to Mishawaka Marian in the final after having led 2-0.

"I couldn't sleep for a couple of nights because we were so close," Prasopoulos said. "But it was a great team effort, and I'm extremely pleased with the season overall.

"We went pretty far, and we have to grow from it -- and we will. We have some great guys coming back, and the kids are really hungry. Hopefully this will propel us to take that next step."

In an effort to prepare for such results, Munster stepped up its already-challenging schedule this season, adding a tournament in Zionsville, as the host made the state semifinals, and a game against Marian. The Mustangs still managed to navigate their way to a sterling 18-2-1 record. Their only regular-season loss came to Lake Central, and they tied Valparaiso.

"I thought we'd get beat up more, get a couple losses early, but we'd get better from it," Prasopoulos said. "I'm going to establish a difficult schedule as long as we have kids walk through the door that can compete. It doesn't matter my personal record -- I want the kids to play against competitive teams. Playing Lake Central and Valpo, I want to make sure we're not playing at a slower speed or different level. It does you no good if you're 9-0 and losing 6-0 to teams like that. So records can be deceiving. I thought we'd take some lumps, but we grew up."

Players such as junior Anthony Huard appreciate Prasopoulos' passion. "Coach, when he gets on us, it pumps the whole team up," he said. "It makes the whole team want to play harder for him. We know he has our best interests at heart."

Prasopoulos said he appreciates the support of the administration, parents and players, who he's "ultimately accountable to" -- and, of course, his wife, Keerie, and their 5- and 3-year-old daughters.

"I could never pay her back enough," he said.

"I feel like we had a great season. I would've loved to see the team get to the final four. But I'm humble enough to realize it doesn't always happen in sports. A lot has to go right, and it's been a magical year."