Bernie Fratto

Speaking
of
Sports 

by
Bernie 
Fratto



Bright Lights,
Big Games


10/18/03
When the #2 ranked state contender Novi Wildcats hosted the #1 ranked Brighton Bulldogs a couple of  Thursday’s ago, with a minute to go in the game, the Cats trailed 1-0, but continued to claw and fight with the tenacity of the wild animals their mascot represents. 

Brad Simpson’s scrappy move deep in Brighton’s zone earned a penalty kick, and as the stadium crowd collectively held it’s breath, he coolly deposited the ball in the lower left net to tie the game 1-1. The thud from the Bulldog partisan crowd could be heard through the entire MHSAA…Notice had been served. 

The Novi Wildcat Boys soccer team, coached by Brian O’Leary has sparkled all season and as they approach the District playoffs, they sport a gaudy 15-1-2 record and they are clearly on the short list as one of the best teams in the State of Michigan. 

Captained by seniors Chris Fox, Brad Simpson and Jon Sierra, the Novi Wildcats are known for their strong defense, consistent team play, and relentless effort. In their first 16 games, they’d only given up 9 goals! 

Junior goalie AJ Glubzinski has had a real say in that matter. In the 12 games he’s started, he has 6 shutouts and he’s only allowed 6 goals for a 0.5 goals against average! 

As Novi heads into District Play Monday Oct. 20th, they enter battle with a solid core of veterans, and a Coach that’s been through many wars of this nature, so look for the Cat’s to be poised, prepared, and passionate about going deep into the state tournament. 

But, as the cliché goes, they know they’ll have to take them one a time, starting with Livonia Franklin as their opening round foe. From there, they could face such possible opponents as Northville, and Livonia Stevenson with next week’s action concluding on Thursday Oct. 23rd

The games are exciting, well played and very entertaining. If you haven’t been to a soccer game yet this season, shame on you! 

Here’s your chance to see a great athletic event, enjoy an evening of entertainment, and cheer for a group of dedicated young men as they prepare to chase soccer history for Novi High School. 

Notice has been served… See you there.

 
(c) 2003 Novi Information Network
www.novi.org

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Bernie Fratto's column appears right here each week. Bernie is a member of the Minor League Baseball Alumni Association and in his former life, he spent time in the Cincinnati Reds Farm System. He is an accomplished Freelance writer, and sought after keynote speaker, appearing often at Award Ceremonies, Athletic Banquets, and Company functions. He is passionate about sports and the life-lessons they teach. "Behind every sports story lies the hearts and minds of real human beings," Fratto said..."And these athletic endeavors often serve as a metaphor for the game we call life."

Bernie is also the voice of Novi Wildcat Hockey and host of Wildcat Face-off, a local radio program dedicated to youth sports in Novi.