His first love was soccer but now he's one of the most sought after middle linebacker in American College football. He is Peter Kalambayi, a former junior college soccer standout turned American footballer. Born in the United States to Trinidadian parents, the six-feet two-inch, 230 pound hulk is viewed as one of the top 15 at his position and is also ranked 11th by 247 Sports among recruits in North Carolina. Kalambayi runs a 4.60 40 and has already visited North Carolina and attended their Junior Day. The Tar Heels, Clemson, and Virginia Tech are viewed as the three frontrunners, but Kalambayi can still change his hand and go to one of the marquee programs in the country- now that they are heavily recruiting the four-star linebacker. The Butler, North Carolina recruit is being recruited heavily on a national scale, and the Ducks are among four teams listed by ESPN to send an offer.
There's a lot of attention on Kalambayi and his family these days. "It's kind of new to them," said Kalambayi, who has a tattoo of the Trinidad flag on his chest. "They get kind of scared because they're used to soccer. But they like it. They like what it's doing for me. They want me to go to college." His college coach Brian Hales says he's blessed.Hales said despite Kalambayi's 4.2 grade point average and status as a college football prospect, the 2013 recruit doesn't take it for granted. Kalambayi believes his ties to "soccer" has helped him as an American footballer. "I think it's great for any athlete," he said. "One of the great post players in NBA history was Hakeem Olajuwon. He grew up playing soccer. Soccer was the first sport I really learned. It's allowed me to stay light on my feet and help my balance as well. All of my power comes from my legs because of soccer. It's also why I don't really look like I weigh 230 either."
Cato scores in preseason win
National youth team forward Cordell Cato scored as the Seattle Sounders defeated Columbus Crew 2-0 in their third training game of the 2012 preseason at IMG Soccer Academy a couple Wednesdays ago.
Christian Sivebaek and Cato combined for the second goal in the 114th minute. Sivebaek brought the ball up the left side and chipped a cross to Cato who headed it past Crew keeper Matt Lampson. Cato also saw action in other preseason games. His effort was deflected by a defender which led to a tap in by teammate Zach Scott in Seattle's 3-0 win over the United States Under 17 men's team. And in a 5-0 win over Florida Gulf Coast University, playing alongside US forward Eddie Johnson, Cato also impressed. Collecting a ball from Johnson, Cato saw his shot hit the crossbar and reentering play for David Estrada to head home.
Pellerud: experience will help U17 women
Women's football technical director Even Pellerud says that this country's chances at the CONCACAF Under 17 final round of qualifiers are reasonable as he expects the experience gained at the 2010 World Cup to be of tremendous benefit to the local team., Eight members of the team that participated at the 2010 Finals hosted in Trinidad and Tobago are also part of the current squad. "The experiences we gained through the 2010 campaign can only help us. As many as eight of the current squad members were playing for us last time and these young girls have grown in many ways since then. They are smarter, more skilled and they all possess more confidence in themselves! As a matter of fact these eight girls are strong leaders and role models for the other team members," Pellerud added. The team is scheduled to play international training games in April and will also engage training camp in Florida before heading to the CONCACAF finals in Guatemala in May. T&T are grouped with the USA, Mexico and Bahamas an open the tournament on May 3 against the Mexicans. The other group includes Guatemala, Canada, Panama and Jamaica. The two finalists and the third place winner will advance to U-17 Women's World Cup in Azerbaijan September 22-October 13 2012.
Mexico addsUS-born for T&T clash
It seems that Mexico will not be underestimating Trinidad and Tobago in their upcoming CONCACAF Olympic qualifier as they look to strengthen their team ahead of the tournament. Mexico Under-23 coach Luis Fernando Tena has named US-born players Miguel Ángel Ponce and Ricardo Bocanegra in his squad and both players were scheduled to be in the line up to face the USA last night in a friendly. Ponce, who plays left back/left wing for Chivas de Guadalajara, was born in Sacramento but split time growing up between Tijuana and Southern California. Bocanegra, who plays for Chivas' cross-city rivals Atlas, was born in Las Vegas, but moved to La Paz, Baja California, when he was just one month old.Bocanegra roomed with Los Angeles-born Joe Corona when both were with the Mexican U-23s last year. However, Corona, who plays forward for Club Tijuana, has since linked up with the US. Marco Fabián, who plays alongside Ponce at Guadalajara is also in the squad. The diminutive attacker scored two goals against Barcelona in last summer´s World Football Challenge, where the Rojiblancos defeated the Spanish giants 4-1. Jamal Gay scored to put T&T ahead 1-0 in the 1-1 draw between the two teams at the OmniLife Stadium, Guadalajara at the 2011 Pan American Games. T&T also faces Panama and Honduras at the qualifiers in California.
George aims to excel at Columbus
Tobago-born Kevan George is hoping to break into the Columbus Crew first team in the upcoming American MLS season. After all, he knows that eyes will be on him to see whether he can follow in the footsteps of Stern John and Ansil Elock who both enjoyed successful tenures at the club. George, born in Roxborough and an ex-member of the St Clair Coaching School, was drafted from the University of Central Florida. George is expected to join the T&T Olympic men's team later this month at a training camp in Orlando prior to the CONCACAF Olympic final round of qualifiers. "Preseason has been a learning and a growing experience for me at Columbus Crew," said George. Every day is very competitive in training and you have to bring your best game to show the coaches what you are capable of and earn the respect of your teammates. I would like to have history on my side, however, I just want to pave a path for myself and emulate what Stern and Ansil did," he added. "Right now I'm working really hard in preseason and trying to ensure that I can get into the first team for the season ahead." George credits his father Mervyn as his biggest supporter. "My mentor has been my father Mervyn George. He is the one I remember pushing me on. From the day I decided I wanted to be a pro, he signed me up for St Clair's Coaching School and ever since he has been training me and spurring me on," George added. "Of course you have to earn the grades in the classroom. Not to mention the friends and great teammates that I've met to help me guide me on my path to my professional career," George ended.
