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Archive for Thursday, September 28, 2000

September 28, 2000

Ricardo Guimares, Mill Valley senior, is one of the leading scorers for the Jaguars this season. Guimares came to the U.S. from Brazil as an exchange student for his last year in high school.

He is often seen jumping in the air after scoring a goal and sometimes even dancing at exciting points in the game.

His enthusiasm could easily be attributed to his heritage. You see, in Brazil, soccer isn't just a game it's a passion.

And, it hasn't taken exchange student Ricardo Guimares long to bring this passion this way of life to the Mill Valley soccer team.

The Jaguars are off to a quick start in the Kaw Valley League standings and Guimares has been one of the keys to the success. He is among Mill Valley's leading scorers and more important he has proven himself as a leader.

And while there are cultural differences even on the soccer field, Mill Valley is working hard to make it a good fit.

"He's got good ball skills, even though he plays a little different style than we're used to," said senior stopper John Murphy.

The Brazilian style of soccer features a lot more individual ball handling. Guimares is adapting to the American concept smoothly and his teammates agrees his presence is a true asset to the team.

"He's been playing really solid," goalkeeper Doogin Brown said. "He contributes a lot and is one of the best players with the ball that we have."

But soccer aside, what has made the cultural transition more smooth for Guimares has been his outgoing attitude. He may not speak English with the fluency of his teammates, but communication is not a problem. In fact, Guimares is considered one of the most personable players on the team.

Guimares chases down a loose ball in a recent game against Lansing. Teammates say he lends a sense of humor and easiness to the team during a promising season.

"He's a fun person to have around," said Mill Valley coach Arlan Vomhof. "He jokes around with everyone quite a bit."

Leading scorer Brian Johnson, whose skills have been enhanced with Guimares in the lineup, said everyone on the team seemed to like the exchange student.

"He's funny," Johnson said. "He makes us laugh."

And he helps the Jaguars win.

"He's making a lot of plays up front which is what we primarily wanted him to do," Vomhof said.