The second half of Tuesday’s 5A boys soccer semifinal between Corvallis High and Crescent Valley was well underway.
CHS coach John Callahan stood on the sideline, sipping on a warm beverage while calmly watching the Spartans make a bid for their second straight state title appearance.
Callahan finished his drink, tossed the styrofoam cup and spoke:
“Anybody else want some hot chocolate?”
That’s Callahan in a nutshell. He’s relaxed, fun loving and easy going. He is is also known for handing out adidas coupons to his top-performing youngsters, to give them an added incentive.
“He just brings good spirit, a lot of fun,” senior forward Jamal Abdoul said. “He makes the game a lot of fun. He makes us want to come out and play.”
Senior forward Cristhian Lopez said practices are always fun with Callahan.
“We kid around a bit but it’s really fun and I enjoy it,” Lopez said. “I always come to practice with a lot of joy and I love it.”
It may be fun and games along the way, but Callahan knows how to get his players prepared.
“He’s always out there pushing us and telling us what to do and how to make those runs,” Lopez said.
Callahan has been the head boys coach for the past four seasons and has been coaching at CHS for 22 years.
His knack for getting the best out of his players has resulted in some high level success for the program.
Last year the Spartans defeated Mountain View 3-2 for the 5A title.
The Spartans went on to defeat CV 3-0 on Tuesday and will play Mid-Willamette Conference rival Woodburn for the championship at 1 p.m. Saturday at Hillsboro Stadium.