Two Chaparral seniors get chance to play in Europe

Spencer Patterson

Monday, June 17, 2002 | 9:30 a.m.

World Cup fever has gripped Europe once again, and next month two local high school players will get to experience that continent's enthusiasm for the sport of soccer firsthand.

Chaparral seniors-to-be Omar Bywaters and Jessie Klenke have accepted invitations to play for the United Soccer Academy's select team. With Cowboys coach Dan Schell, the pair will tour Denmark, Sweden and England next month, competing against some of the world's top youth players.

"I'm really excited," said Bywaters, who will play for the boys under-18 squad. "It will be a different level of soccer, a different style over there. But I'm pretty sure I'll be able to handle it."

Offered Klenke, who will suit up for the girls under-17 squad: "A lot of people told me going to Europe is a life-changing experience. Not many people get the chance to play soccer in those countries."

The select team will assemble in Denmark for a five-day training camp in early July before heading to Gottenberg, Sweden, for the Gothia Cup -- the world's largest youth tournament with more than 1,400 teams participating. From there, they will travel to England for the Manchester Umbro Cup, another major youth soccer gathering.

Bywaters and Klenke were in the midst of a successful soccer year when they received their letters from the Soccer Academy. During the prep season, the duo led their Chaparral squads to 4A state boys and girls titles, respectively.

Schell, who will serve as a coach for the group, recommended Bywaters and Klenke for the team, allowing them to bypass the tryout stage.

"It's an outstanding opportunity for them," Schell said. "The competition level is higher than anything they're used to, and the exposure they'll gain will be tremendous."

For Bywaters that exposure could prove critical. A National Soccer Coaches Association of America All-American during the high school season, he has long dreamed of playing professionally in Europe, and he said youth club coaches could offer him the chance to stay on and play out the rest of the summer season overseas.

"I'm very serious about soccer, and this is my chance to show my skills," said Bywaters, who has alternated between playing forward, sweeper and center-midfielder throughout his career. "I'm going to finish high school no matter what, but someday I want to play professionally."

Klenke, a defender, said she is honored to be one of just two players representing the Silver State on the select team.

"It's kind of cool knowing we're the only ones going from Nevada," she said. "It's been an awesome year."