May 2, 2007

PHILADELPHIA, PA - Explorer senior Joe Gouryeb may not have the best stats on the soccer field, but to say he was a productive member of the Men's soccer team during his years at La Salle would be a huge understatement. 

Four years ago, Gouryeb was all set to finish up high school and was planning on enlisting in the United States Army.  After talking it over with his parents, however, he instead decided to enroll at La Salle University, but made sure that he enlisted for the ROTC satellite program.  From there, Gouryeb went on to not only be accepted into the program, but he applied and was awarded a full paid tuition scholarship for his remaining years, a feat that would be just the start of a successful military campaign. 

It's now three years later, and Joe Gouryeb has come a long way.  After making the required five solo jumps in training, he has become an official paratrooper for the Army ROTC.  In addition, because of his exemplary performance throughout college, he was recently invited to the Army Navy game kickoff dinner.   There he and his fellow ROTC solders were honored and welcomed as members of United States military.  He was also able to meet and talk with Secretary of Defense Donald Rumsfield.  "The whole experience was just a real positive in my life," said Gouryeb.  "The dinner, and everything going all the way back to freshman year.  What I learned in the ROTC really helped me a lot in school and on the team, just in terms of organization, teamwork, and dedication." 

After graduating from La Salle next Spring, Gouryeb will apply for an educational delay on his active duty, so he can go to law school and pursue a career as a lawyer.  "Joe absolutely sums up what it is to be a La Salle soccer player.  He's a leader on the team in ways above and beyond the norm," said Head Coach Pat Farrell.  "I hope that his work ethic throughout school and in the ROTC can inspire not only his teammates, but students and soccer players everywhere."