Nov. 8, 2001
By Shawn K. Sullivan
The transition from high school to college can be a difficult time for any freshman. New people, new atmosphere and new routines are sometimes overwhelming.
Tack on soccer practice twice-a-day, a full-slate of classes and a coach that isn't afraid to raise his voice and life can be very hectic.
But just take a drive home to see the family and things will be okay, right?
Not in the case of UIC rookie midfielder/forward Patrick Grange. There is no quick ride home, because his hometown is Albuquerque, New Mexico. A fine town, but not exactly a weekend escape from Chicago.
Sure, Grange misses home. He has left behind his parents Michael and Michele, and two older brothers, Ryan and Jason.
"I've been a little homesick at times," said Grange. "But playing soccer has helped out quite a bit."
Grange, actually, passed up the opportunity to stay at home and play for New Mexico after his senior year where he was an All-State selection for the third consecutive season. If he had opted to remain home, he would be a teammate with his brother Ryan, who plays for the Lobos.
"I didn't want to play with him in college and the program there wasn't as competitive as here (at UIC)," Grange said. "I also wanted to get out of Albuquerque."
So far, skipping out on his hometown has been pretty profitable. His is currently tied with teammate Dennis King for the team lead in goals with nine, and his five assists are good for third on the squad. Grange feels fortunate to be able to contribute so much, so early in his career.
"It feels good to play well and to help the team," said Grange who points to his assist to Joe Morelli in a win over Butler three weeks ago as his highlight of his season thus far.
His arrival at UIC is a direct result of head coach Sasha Begovic's recruiting efforts. Begovic travels around the country scowering the soccer complexes for talent and has landed recent players like Grange, which has resulted in mounting success for the UIC soccer program.
"Sasha saw me play at a club tournament in Phoenix and then I came on a visit and really liked the guys, and here I am," Grange said.
A big advantage as a newcomer from the other side of the country is to have others around you in similar situations. Grange is just one of eight newcomers, three of which hail from Texas, and another from Las Vegas. So Grange has had these individual to rely on for comfort.
Fellow rookies Micah Howser, Brandon Holloway and Adam Jones are from the Lone Star State, while Elliot Kleven is a native of Las Vegas.
"It's nice to have these guys around," Grange said. "We hang out a lot, and know how one another is feeling, so it's been good."
Another aid in the adjustment to new surroundings for Grange has been defensive wizard Morelli, among other veterans on the team.
"Joe (Morelli) has been real cool," Grange said. "All of the guys that have been here for awhile have been great, but Joe has really looked out for us."
The league championships are on the horizon for Grange, and after he and his fellow Flames make their run at a league crown and a NCAA Tournament berth, he will head home for Thanksgiving.
But for now, the West Side of Chicago is quickly becoming a second home for Grange. And in time, his name may find a permanent home in the UIC record books.
