B04 Rush Select Play in Costa Rica
Three B04 So Cal Rush players; Emilio Pena, Caleb Premo, and Anthony Potter, were selected to play with the 2019 Rush Select team in Costa Rica from June 12th to June 20th. The Rush Select Program is designed to give extended opportunities to the elite level players in Rush. This allows the top players in local Rush clubs to play with and compete against players at and above their level. Within the US, the program gives older players additional opportunities to be recruited at college showcase events that perhaps their local club will not be invited to, and allows the younger players to compete against the best players in the country. Rush Select teams also have the opportunity to travel internationally (such as Costa Rica) while training and playing games against local, regional, and youth professional teams from various nations.
Caleb, Anthony, and Emilio… ready for Costa Rica!
The B04 Rush Select team with coaches Michael Cockroft (left) and Dan Highstead (right)
The trip itinerary was filled with many unique experiences and fun-filled adventures, including playing soccer against three different talented teams at three different venues. Day one included a welcome and orientation that was followed with a team training. Day two included a tour of San Jose, a drive by the National Stadium, local fruit vendors, and Game 1 against Carmelita.
Day three started with a community service project at a local school, followed by a transfer to the rainforest, team training, and concluded with a visit to local hot volcanic hot springs.
The adventures continued on day four with a zip line tour through the rainforest, hike to a local waterfall, and an evening team training session. On day five, the team transferred to the beach and had a unique on-the-beach training session.
The team spent time at the beautiful Tamarindo resort, then played Liberia in the late afternoon on day six. The next day, day seven, the team had a morning training session and had the opportunity to take a catamaran tour. The boys had a lot of quality time with some of the “locals.” ;)
Day eight started with an early trip back to San Jose where Rush Select played against Herediano and enjoyed a farewell dinner together.
All three young men agree that being chosen to represent the B04 Rush Select team in Costa Rica was an extraordinary honor and experience. The competition was challenging, the speed of play was fast, and the memories will last a lifetime. It was a fantastic adventure!
For more detailed information about the Rush Select trip, please click on the following blog written by Karl Kahler with Costa Rica Soccer:
https://www.costaricasoccer.com/2019/06/rush-select-costa-rica-2019/
Written by Melanie Premo