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Fenwick midfielder Jack Alberts keeps motor running
Updated: October 14, 2012 12:57PM
OAK PARK
Jack Alberts ran the field at Lyons, but his energy level and concentration sagged, like that of his teammates. A depleted roster fell 5-0 to an unbeaten Huntley squad Saturday morning.
Fortunately for him, Alberts has an impressive body of work to offset the occasional bad day. His competitive nature showed in his attention to detail and refusal to slow down. Even without the game out of reach, Alberts never stopped hustling, running down loose balls or trying to stop the Huntley run.
Three years ago, as a freshman, Alberts started his first game and has never looked back. In the Friars’ first six games, he has nine goals and seven assists, already equaling totals from last year.
It follows a fantastic summer where he played a crucial role on the Lemont Raiders club team that finished national runners-up. At Fenwick, coach Robert Watson needs his offensive playmaking abilities and plays him primarily at center midfielder. He also plays on the backline, his natural position.
The Marquette-bound senior does whatever is required to lead his team.
“I’m mostly a defensive player, but for high school, I’m an offensive player, so my strength is creating space and getting the ball to other people,” Alberts said.
Watson said Alberts’ special talent is blending his disparate talents, a hybrid of intelligence, skill and aptitude.
“He is the smartest player I have coached,” Watson said. “He can beat you with speed, skill or power, and is excellent in the air. Technically, his first touch is tremendous, and he is a highly accurate ball striker.”
His natural instinct is to create for others. “If I see it’s open, I’ll take it, but mostly I try to get everybody involved,“ he said. “That makes everyone better.”
Alberts, who lives in Hinsdale, has a family connection to Fenwick. His older brother Matt, who graduated two years ago, played soccer there. He choose Marquette because of its engineering program.
Fenwick is a dark horse program in the East Suburban Catholic. With 29 career goals and 22 assists, Alberts is looking to ride out, pushing the rest of his team to transcend the obstacles in their path.
“What separates Jack further from other players, is his understanding of the game,” Watson said. “He sees the game on complex levels, processes information very quickly, and makes excellent decisions.” ~.
