Friday, April 24, 1998 | 8:35 a.m.
They share several common bonds -- a proud heritage and a love for soccer. They compete out of loyalty to their native land and their desire to put the ball in the opposition's net.
It was a tough first season for the All-Polish Stars of the Las Vegas Premier Soccer League, a 13-team adult circuit that encompasses many ethnic backgrounds. The team won just twice and tied once this season.
But its founder, Paul Krowicki, believes the future can be bright for the All-Polish Stars. Provided it can convince a few more people to play.
"There are approximately 35,000 Polish people living in Las Vegas," Krowicki said. "We're trying to get the word out about the team and get more people involved."
Krowicki, who serves as president of the Las Vegas Polish American Center, said the 15-man team comprised entirely of native Poles, is willing to bend the rules a little. They'll accept second- and third-generation Polish-Americans.
"Soccer is such a wonderful sport," Krowicki said. "I think once people know we're out there, they'll be intersted."
This might be a good weekend to do some recruiting in the community. The Polish American Center is celebrating its first anniversary with a big banquet Saturday at the MGM Grand Hotel and Casino. Sunday, the All-Polish Stars meet another Polish team, Polonia of Los Angeles, at 2 p.m. at Chaparral High School in a friendly rematch.
"We played them last September when they came over from L.A. to be part in our starting our Polish school," Krowicki said. "We weren't very organized and we were able to find 11 players. Hopefully, we'll do better this time against them."
But Krowicki said this isn't just about soccer. He wants to see the Southern Nevada Polish community grow and not lose the traditions and culture.
"There was a Polish social club when I came here in 1995," he said. "But my goal is to develop the Polish School, a Polish library and the soccer team. But the soccer is only part of it."
Still, Krowicki knows how important a vehicle sport can be in uniting communities. He saw it as a youngster growing up in Czecstochowa in the 1950s. His town, located between Warsaw and Krakow, was a soccer hotbed. And like many countries in Europe, soccer was the game of choice.
"I was a goaltender and played into college," Krowicki said. "I am 46 and I still play goalie for the All-Polish Stars.
"The emotions of the game are so strong. It never really leaves you. It's a good feeling when you're out there. Plus, it keeps you in shape."
The one-time math teacher, who owns a general contracting business and also designs and builds swimming pools, said he doesn't follow the exploits of Poland's national team as closely as he'd like.
"No time," he said. "Between the businesses, the (Polish American) Center and the team, it's hard to keep track. It would have been nice to see them qualify for the World Cup. Maybe next time (In 2002)."
He'd like to see his own club team get better and let the national team fend for itself.
"We've got players from 19 to 46 years old," he said. "We've got a couple of players who are very good players. Hopefully, we'll find some more."
Anyone interested can call Krowicki at 263-8031 for more information.
archive
