(This article, reprinted with permission, featuring Josh Thaboune, class of 2006, appeared in Bexley News on June 28, 2006)  7/5/06

Thaboune anxious to help fortify Crusaders

News file photo Bexley striker Josh Thaboune will take the pitch for Capital next year after leading the Lions to a pair of Division II state championships.

By BRIAN INGLIS
Suburban News Publications

One of the most prodigious goal scorers in the history of the Bexley boys soccer program has decided to keep his considerable talents within city limits.

Striker Josh Thaboune will continue his career at Capital University after helping lead the Lions to two Division II state championships.

"I chose Capital because there are also a lot of my club teammates that are going there," Thaboune said. "Being so close, my family and friends can always come see me play."

Other potential options were Loyola (Mary.), Northern Kentucky, Temple, Marshall, Ohio State and numerous smaller institutions in the Midwest.

A four-year starter up front, Thaboune joined the likes of former Lion stars Colin Biddle, Jeremy Fox, James Peters and Rick Mayo near the top of the list of career goals.

Now a Bexley graduate, Thaboune capped a stellar career in 2005 with first-team all-district and first-team All-Mid State League Ohio Division honors. His off-seasons have featured stints with premier club outfit Ohio FC.

During both his sophomore and senior campaigns, Bexley captured the only state titles ever for a program that has accrued seven district crowns since 1995. Additionally, the Lions added another league title to the ledger.

Cracking the rotation as a rookie in 2002, Thaboune credits the elder statesmen on that roster for molding the form he would later display.

"The older guys taught me a lot about what it takes to be a good player," he said.

After showing an alacrity for finding the back of the net as an underclassmen, Thaboune added the status of playmaker to his resume as a senior. He often combined with potent scorers Ayodele Adedapo and Emanuel Harris as Bexley stormed through the postseason brackets.

First-year coach Jim Daugherty remarked in the fall about Thaboune's offensive capabilities and versatility.

"Josh is a special player," Daugherty said. "In addition to being a scorer, he can create a lot with his skill. Like the rest of the senior class, Josh has given us a lot of leadership."

Joining Daugherty on the Bexley coaching staff was Ricky Thaboune and Greg Kullman. The former is Josh's father, a former professional soccer player in his home country of Laos.

"It really is a family sport for us," the younger Thaboune said. "My father always wanted me to play soccer, When I was a kid, there was always a ball around."

And that fact is certainly not expected to change in the next four years as Thaboune will suit up for the Crusaders and coach Dwight Burgess.

The only concern for Thaboune is fitness. Three of his four prep seasons were interrupted at various points due to injury.

"I just have to be able to get in the weight room and stay strong," Thaboune said. "Sitting on the sidelines when you want to get out there and play is just devastating."

A year ago, Capital went 12-7-1 overall. The Crusaders compete in the Ohio Athletic Conference for Burgess, also a radio and television commentator for the Columbus Crew.

For his part, Thaboune will work toward a potential career in Major League Soccer. Should that not come to fruition, he does have a fall-back plan.

"No matter what, I'd like to stay in sports, maybe in journalism or broadcasting," he concluded.

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