While both girls cross country and boys soccer claimed their third consecutive state championship on the same day, the connections run deeper than trophies. Girls cross country coach Dan Iverson is the father of star defenseman and Bowling Green State University commit Colin Iverson. Though they excel in different sports, the two enjoy each others’ successes.
"It's such a weird thing. One state championship is typically the achievement of a lifetime, and for it to happen simultaneously for three years... I feel really blessed, and at the end of the day, it's crazy," coach Iverson said.
Coach Iverson’s daughter, Lucy, also ran cross country as a freshman. Though not a state competitor, she impressed her dad this season with her success at the Twilight Invitational.
Junior soccer midfielder Myles Barry also had an extra motivator this season: his older brother, Jack Barry, who has since graduated. Jack assisted Colin Iverson to a winning goal at state in 2017, the beginning of many state championship wins to come. Along with his large impact on their 2017 and 2018 season, Jack pushed Myles to be a better soccer player and leader with the example he set.
It would be impossible to talk about Huskie soccer without bringing up the Konrads, arguably the most eminent and storied family in Naperville North athletic history.
Starting from a young age, Jay Konrad, father of Ty Konrad and defender Mitch Konrad, coached his sons in various travel leagues. Throughout the years, the father-and-sons trio has racked up a significant number of trophies and accolades on the national level, including a first-place finish in the 2018 U.S. Youth Soccer National Championship in Texas.
But the connections don’t end there.
Jim Konrad, head coach of Naperville North boys soccer and uncle of Ty and Mitch, takes over training the Konrad boys during the fall season. Under his leadership, North has claimed three consecutive state victories with at least one of his nephews on the field (two in 2017 and 2018). But as an uncle, his duty is both to love his family and push them to their limits.
Jim Konrad also spoke highly of his brother and fellow coach, Jay Konrad.
“I’m biased, but my brother is a fantastic coach. From training to year-round real competition and the bonds [Ty and Mitch] make… those things matter. They play harder for the people that they care about.”
Ty Konrad has committed to play Division One Soccer at Ohio State University, while his brother Mitch is pursuing bass fishing at Murray State University.
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Photo credits: Twitter/Colin_iverson18; Instagram/tykonrad