West's Galan soccer goals include degree
By Steven Allspach, Journal sports writer | Posted: Tuesday, April 17, 2007
Nestor Galan has a vision.
Not of just participating and excelling in high school soccer, but of using the sport to help him earn a college scholarship and achieve the greater goal of earning a college degree.
Thus far, the West High senior and Metro Athlete of the Week is seeing the soccer pitch with 20/20 eyesight, scoring four goals and contributing three assists to a 3-0 start for the Wolverines.
Two years ago, Galan scored 15 goals for the Wolverines, but transferred to North for his junior season, helping the Stars to a 16-3 record and a berth in the Class 2A state tournament.
But, he's back at West, now, and enjoying hooking up with some old teammates.
He's a four-year varsity performer and has been an All-Metro selection the past two seasons.
Galan, an extremely technical and game-savvy player, also possesses outstanding speed and has that quick burst that is so important in the game.
And, playing weekends in a Sioux City adult league noted for a more physical style of play, he's learned, many times the hard way, the intricacies required to avoid the bumping and grinding aspects of the game.
"I've got a lot of things going on in my life right now, but I'm trying to stay focused and keep my priorities straight,'' says Nestor, a creative mid-fielder. "I want to play college soccer, but I also want to get my degree."
"That's important to me. My grades are good (3.0 grade point average) and I got a good score (24) on the ACT exam.
"I can't afford to let things slip. There's school right now and soccer, plus I've got a job that requires a lot of hours. I'm taking a college-level physics course right now and I'd like to major in an area that will lead to an engineering degree.''
The job is vitally important. The 18-year-old Galan and his girlfriend, Judith Apolonio, are parents of an 11-month-old son, Andres. Judith is also a West High senior.
The son of Jose and Andrea Galan was born in Guadalajara, Mexico, but the family moved to the United States when he was a baby.
"In my nine seasons coaching soccer at West I've watched and coached some outstanding players in Sioux City and this year I believe Nestor is arguably the best all-around player in town,'' maintains Wolverine Coach David Olson.
"Nestor has a phenomenal soccer IQ,'' continues Olson. "He can see plays develop and understands completely what needs to be done in every situation.
"It was always said that Wayne Gretzky, in his hockey heyday, could envision the puck going into the net two plays before the shot and that same concept applies for Nestor Galan.
"He possesses a great understanding and read of the game. He's sees things happening long before they do. Outside of athletics you're talking about one great kid.
"He's well-grounded with all the things he has on his plate.''
In West's 3-0 start, Galan has been the catalyst of a resurgence from last season. Three of his senior teammates have also made significant contributions to impressive performances.
Alex Cardona has three goals and two assists, Joaquin Cruz has been instrumental in setting up the attack and Travis Godberson has been outstanding at the back of the defense according to Olson.
The Wolverines have already surpassed last year's win total in a 2-13 campaign and they'll take on eighth-ranked North in a Missouri River Activities Conference showdown Friday.
"I enjoyed my year at North,'' said Nestor. "The guys were great, but it was just better for me to return to West because Apolonia and I have to put our son in day care during school and it was more convenient to do that at West.''
The Wolverine senior is learning toward Morningside to continue his education and playing career, but hasn't made a decision yet.
Special Mention
BOYS TRACK
Anthony Oberle, Bishop Heelan: The Crusader distance standout won the 3,200 (10:25.82) and 1,600 (4:39.67) in the Boys City Meet at Memorial Field.
GIRLS TRACK
Ellen Dougherty, East: The freshman turned in an impressive showing in a non-scoring quadrangular at Memorial Field, just missing the city record (2:19.2) with a 2;19.86 clocking in the 800 meters and also anchored a winning 4x400 relay that ran 4:17.84.
Not of just participating and excelling in high school soccer, but of using the sport to help him earn a college scholarship and achieve the greater goal of earning a college degree.
Thus far, the West High senior and Metro Athlete of the Week is seeing the soccer pitch with 20/20 eyesight, scoring four goals and contributing three assists to a 3-0 start for the Wolverines.
Two years ago, Galan scored 15 goals for the Wolverines, but transferred to North for his junior season, helping the Stars to a 16-3 record and a berth in the Class 2A state tournament.
But, he's back at West, now, and enjoying hooking up with some old teammates.
He's a four-year varsity performer and has been an All-Metro selection the past two seasons.
Galan, an extremely technical and game-savvy player, also possesses outstanding speed and has that quick burst that is so important in the game.
And, playing weekends in a Sioux City adult league noted for a more physical style of play, he's learned, many times the hard way, the intricacies required to avoid the bumping and grinding aspects of the game.
"I've got a lot of things going on in my life right now, but I'm trying to stay focused and keep my priorities straight,'' says Nestor, a creative mid-fielder. "I want to play college soccer, but I also want to get my degree."
"That's important to me. My grades are good (3.0 grade point average) and I got a good score (24) on the ACT exam.
"I can't afford to let things slip. There's school right now and soccer, plus I've got a job that requires a lot of hours. I'm taking a college-level physics course right now and I'd like to major in an area that will lead to an engineering degree.''
The job is vitally important. The 18-year-old Galan and his girlfriend, Judith Apolonio, are parents of an 11-month-old son, Andres. Judith is also a West High senior.
The son of Jose and Andrea Galan was born in Guadalajara, Mexico, but the family moved to the United States when he was a baby.
"In my nine seasons coaching soccer at West I've watched and coached some outstanding players in Sioux City and this year I believe Nestor is arguably the best all-around player in town,'' maintains Wolverine Coach David Olson.
"Nestor has a phenomenal soccer IQ,'' continues Olson. "He can see plays develop and understands completely what needs to be done in every situation.
"It was always said that Wayne Gretzky, in his hockey heyday, could envision the puck going into the net two plays before the shot and that same concept applies for Nestor Galan.
"He possesses a great understanding and read of the game. He's sees things happening long before they do. Outside of athletics you're talking about one great kid.
"He's well-grounded with all the things he has on his plate.''
In West's 3-0 start, Galan has been the catalyst of a resurgence from last season. Three of his senior teammates have also made significant contributions to impressive performances.
Alex Cardona has three goals and two assists, Joaquin Cruz has been instrumental in setting up the attack and Travis Godberson has been outstanding at the back of the defense according to Olson.
The Wolverines have already surpassed last year's win total in a 2-13 campaign and they'll take on eighth-ranked North in a Missouri River Activities Conference showdown Friday.
"I enjoyed my year at North,'' said Nestor. "The guys were great, but it was just better for me to return to West because Apolonia and I have to put our son in day care during school and it was more convenient to do that at West.''
The Wolverine senior is learning toward Morningside to continue his education and playing career, but hasn't made a decision yet.
Special Mention
BOYS TRACK
Anthony Oberle, Bishop Heelan: The Crusader distance standout won the 3,200 (10:25.82) and 1,600 (4:39.67) in the Boys City Meet at Memorial Field.
GIRLS TRACK
Ellen Dougherty, East: The freshman turned in an impressive showing in a non-scoring quadrangular at Memorial Field, just missing the city record (2:19.2) with a 2;19.86 clocking in the 800 meters and also anchored a winning 4x400 relay that ran 4:17.84.
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west high fan wrote on May 8, 2007 9:25 PM:
disappointed wrote on Apr 17, 2007 10:13 AM:
Joe Anderson wrote on Apr 17, 2007 8:09 AM: