Tuesday, June 20, 2006 | 2:26 a.m.
Age: 23
Size: 5-11, 170 pounds
Family: Mother, Mary Bobrick; Father, Victor Sr.; sister, Jackie; brother, Nick.
Position: Midfielder
High school: Bishop Gorman
College: Played one season at the University of San Francisco, where his father was a two-time All-America. Returned home to play at UNLV, where he twice earned All-Mountain Pacific Sports Federation first-team honors and was an All-Far West national third-team selection as a senior in 2004.
Victor Arbelaez Jr., better known as Boomer in Las Vegas, leaves Sunday for South Africa. A tryout for Ajax Cape Town awaits him, and he's banking on a contract offer.
His father, Victor Sr., undergoes jaw surgery today. The longtime Bishop Gorman High coach, underwent surgery almost five years ago to remove cancerous tissue in glands and lymph nodes on both sides of his throat.
After next week's surgery, doctors will know whether to proceed with chemotherapy or radiation treatment.
"He's strong, and he'll get through this," Boomer said. "He'll be in the hospital for six days, and I'll definitely be calling. I'll use it to help me, to make me work harder. Still, I'm worried. We're inseparable."
1. The nickname
Arbelaez doesn't recall the exact details, but he believes a teammate tabbed him with the Boomer moniker when they were 6 years old. He doesn't think it had anything to do with a strong right foot or deep voice. "Just kids," he said.
2. Taste of the pros
After UNLV, he was drafted by the San Jose Earthquakes and traded to Chivas USA. He played mostly the reserves, but said he learned how to carry himself like a professional. Sleep, proper diet and training are his priorities.
3. South Beach diet
During a recent 2 1/2-month training session in south Florida with Miami FC of the USL first-division, he watched Romario use guile and style to get out of tight situations. "He's Brazilian," he said. "That says it." While in south Florida, Arbelaez also modeled for Abercrombie & Fitch.
4. Back to the desert
After returning to Las Vegas, he helped the semi-pro Strikers win their second and third games of a tough season Friday and Saturday. "They have excellent team spirit," he said. Arbelaez said he's close to being in the best shape of his life.
5. Cape Town bound
His move to South Africa was aided by Gary Soresman, who was born and raised there and played at UNLV from 1983 to 1986. New coach Muhsin Ertugral, a Turk, espouses the famous Ajax Amsterdam "Total Football" system. "I'm excited," Arbelaez said. "It'll be a great experience, and I think I'm ready."
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