| Senior
Herberth
Garcia, center, back row, has been a member of the boys’ soccer team for four
years. Herberth came to Falls Church and George Mason after leaving his native El Salvador. During his freshman and sophomore years
Herberth started every game and was a member of the 2004 state championship squad.
Due to Virginia High School League rules, he was ineligible to play
during his junior and senior years due to age. However, during these last two
years he has become the team’s first-ever “student assistant coach,” coming to
every practice and helping the junior varsity and varsity coaches. “Herberth
has become an invaluable asset to the team,” says head coach Art Iwanicki, who
nominated Herberth for recognition as this week’s Unsung Hero. “When Herberth
joined our team in 2004, his English was minimal. Now, in 2007, he has made great
strides in learning the language. He has befriended many new players and made
them feel at home on the soccer squad and has been especially helpful with players
with limited English proficiency,” said Iwanicki. Above, Herberth with some of
his fellow soccer players, eighth grader Rianasoa “Frankie” Andrianavison, junior
Daniel Serrano, and sophomore Elio Randrianasolo. ) (Photo by Judah Chandler) |
