Wauconda’s Sam Jurczyk was overcome with emotions late Saturday afternoon.
The senior forward, who had just scored two goals in the Class 2A Woodstock North Regional championship game, had to overcome more to get there.
“I’ve noticed so much these last few years that if you work hard and put in the time, good things will happen to you,” Jurczyk said.
Jurczyk did his part to make sure good things happened for the fourth-seeded Bulldogs, who beat fifth-seeded Grayslake North 2-1 to avenge a one-goal loss to their Northern Lake County Conference rival in the same game last year.
Wauconda (13-6-1), which beat the Knights (12-5-3) by one goal during the regular season, will play eighth-seeded Harvard (18-4-2) in the Grayslake Central Sectional semifinals at 5 p.m. Tuesday.
“It’s been a great season for our team and myself,” Jurczyk said. “I just want it to keep going.”
Jurczyk has 14 goals and seven assists this season despite missing the first nine games. He also suffered a groin injury that limited his effectiveness in the postseason last year.
“I’ve been working hard trying to get myself out there and improving myself,” he said. “I’m so happy to help this team win.”
Jurczyk, who played club soccer during his freshman and sophomore years, changed course and joined the Bulldogs last season. He made a difference with eight goals, including two game-winners, and two assists.
“Sam hit the ground running with his teammates,” Wauconda coach Tim Miller. “He displays the technical ability and work rate that inspires other players in the program. Other teams must game-plan for Sam. He’s very creative in the final third.”
Wauconda senior midfielder Luka Gmitrovic, who said he has been playing soccer with Jurczyk since first grade, highlighted that scoring ability.
“His nose for goals is so special,” Gmitrovic said.
This season, Jurczyk and senior forward Freddy Barnshaw, who has team highs with 20 goals and 12 assists, have been a formidable duo at the top.
“His connection with Freddy has created a very dangerous attacking unit that is both unselfish and relentless defensively,” Miller said.
Agreeing with Miller, Barnshaw also noted Jurczyk’s perseverance on the field.
“Sam’s will to keep going and his talent on the ball and aggression and speed are unique,” Barnshaw said. “He’s an all-around player, and he shows up for us in big games.
“We play off each other and found a connection since the day we started playing together on this team, and we just ran with it.”
Miller made a point to note Jurczyk has been highly motivated this season.
“He came out really fit,” Miller said. “That really helped him in his development. He’s an emotional kid and wears his heart on his sleeve.”
Jurczyk, who hopes to continue to show his progress all the way to the state semifinals in Hoffman Estates, said he had to do more for the Bulldogs after players like Karsten Ternes graduated.
“I understood we lost a lot of talented players,” Jurczyk said. “I knew I had to step up this season and be a leader.”
Bobby Narang is a freelance reporter.
