Professional Coach Holds Zoom with LBCC Men’s Soccer

The Tennessee Chattanooga Red Wolves Head Coach James Obleda held a zoom conference with the Long Beach City College Men's Soccer team on Thursday, Sept. 17 about success and going to the next level. The Red Wolves play in the USL Division I league, the equivalent of Division III professional ball in America and are currently ranked in second place.

Coach Obleda gave a brief history of his playing and coaching career, and then spoke to the Vikings about what it takes to be successful in the game and in life, as well as getting to the next level, whether that is a four-year university or professional. Here are some of the key points from Coach Obleda that the Vikings would like to express:

"I really enjoyed listening to his talk," said sophomore defender Brian Chung. "My favorite message was that 'we are not good enough'. I now have a fire lit under me to get better."

'If you decide not to practice today, just remember there are plenty other kids who are, so you should never take a day off", said freshman midfielder Miguel Ibarra.

Freshman winger Noah Leonardo said, "Being good at soccer is one thing, but to make it to the next level, your mental game must be there also."

"Failure is part of the journey, there is so much failure that needs to happen before one can succeed, so don't let it put you down, use it as motivation and work even harder," said sophomore striker Jack Schaaf. "Failure builds character."

Sophomore striker Alex Van Steenbergen said that Coach Obleda's mindset and willingness to improve is something that he wants to emulate with the Vikings.

The LBCC men's soccer program would like to thank Coach Obleda for taking time out of his evening and to speak to them. He gave great advice and helped inspire the Vikings and the coaching staff, to be the best they can be.

"I have known Coach Obleda for over thirty years and appreciate that he talked to the boys not only about soccer, but school and life as well," said Head Coach Cameron Beaulac. "This was a great opportunity for the young men to get insight from someone who played professional ball at the international level, and now coaches at the professional level here in America. I am grateful that he took time out of his busy schedule during season to speak with the Vikings."

The Vikings are scheduled to open their season on Feb. 6, 2021 against San Bernardino Valley College.