Journal of an Olympic Athlete

U.S. men's soccer player Patrick Ianni, a Lodi native, is keeping a journal about his Olympic experience. Following is his first entry from last Saturday.

Ni hao, my fellow Lodians.

I will take this first entry to introduce myself to some and to say hello to my family/friends from my hometown that have been a part of shaping me into an Olympian.

And now for a quick recap of my career. After playing recreational soccer on a team based out of Woodbridge with now lifelong friends, I furthered my passion playing club soccer for the Lodi Crushers under the guidance of my dad, Toby Weist, Leslie Stafford (Lockeford), Tony Toledo (Galt), the Sanchezes (Dave and Tom), and Curtis Travis (and let's be honest, every other parent when it came game day).

While trying out for the district team at age 13, I met a great guy and trainer (Steve Dean) who would take the cake for helping me prepare mentally, physically, tactically, and technically for every youth national team event and college.

At Lodi High, my friends and I took great pride in continuing on the tradition of Lodi High soccer with Coach (Don) Rostomily, (Tim) Stutz, and (Matt) Vargo, highlighted by two league championships and a memorable run to the section finals (as far as a Lodi team had gone and could go and we are proud of that!)

Under the leadership of Coach Fitzgerald and Coach Salcedo, I was a part of a three-time Pac-10 winning squad at UCLA before entering the MLS draft at 20 years old.

Due to exposure from UCLA and an U-20 World Cup squad coached by Sigi Schmid, I was drafted by the current two-time defending MLS Champion Houston Dynamo and have really expanded my game to new heights with Coach Kinnear and Coach Spencer and the most talented and helpful group of veterans in the league (but if you were a Quakes fan, you already knew that).

Questions?

Patrick Ianni has offered to answer questions about his Olympic experience. E-mail your questions to the News-Sentinel Sports Department or fax your questions to (209) 369-6706, attention Scott Howell, Sports Editor. Due to time constraints, Patrick may not be able to answer all questions.

Two weeks ago, I was selected as a part of Coach Nowak's plans for the 2008 Olympic soccer team. Following a game with the Dynamo, I flew from Washington to San Francisco on the morning of July 24 to meet with the team. I was visited from a good group of my immediate family from Lodi (thanks guys), which was nice to do before I took off.

We left on July 25 at 1 p.m. and arrived in Hong Kong with a group of USA swimmers, including Michael Phelps, on July 26 at 6 p.m. Yes, that is a 14-hour flight. And that makes it a 15-hour time change. Thanks Mrs. Ewing!

We are checking into our hotel for the night. I am looking forward to a floor to lie, let alone a bed.

I'll check back every other day and keep you updated on the team's training, meal experiences (which are sure to disappoint in comparison to the likes of DeVinci's, The Butcher Shoppe and Pietro's), and anything else of note.

Signing off from Hong Kong, GO USA!!!

Reader Feedback

napa valley chef wrote on Jul 29, 2008 5:11 PM:

" I went to high school and to UCLA with your brother (and a couple of your former LHS coaches).

Go Flames, go Bruins, go USA! "

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LodiGirl wrote on Jul 29, 2008 11:34 AM:

" Good Luck in China. Hope you and the rest of the squad really show the world that USA means business in soccer.

PS And I agree Mrs Ewing has taught me a lot too, and most of it is useful. "

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lubbys1981 wrote on Jul 29, 2008 9:17 AM:

" I will be reading the update on your journal when it comes out in the paper. I cant wiat to read abut your experience at the Olympics. Your Sanchez coaches are very proud of you. GO USA!!! "

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