Being involved with a program for five consecutive years, one can learn plenty. Just ask NIU soccer standout Jim Corno.

Corno first came to NIU in ‘85 with all the inspirations and high hopes of a talented high school soccer player, but suddenly learned his future would be filled with five years of unexpected challenges.

“My first year was a real let down,” said Corno. “I thought all the players were good. I even felt I could fit in better than in high school.”

Corno’s beliefs turned to myths.

In his first year, he played very little soccer and had trouble adapting to NIU’s style of play.

In fact, he was red-shirted his first year, which basically means that a player is on the team, but can only play a limited time. However, the player is awarded another year of eligibility.

Times have changed since then for the present-day team captain who has established himself as a dominant threat to the opposition.

“I used to think when the ball was in the other end that you didn’t have to worry about it. I found out it’s not like that. Good players are always doing something to prepare for what’s next,” the 22-year old midfielder said.

“Lots of times you get the ball, and don’t think. Your instinct is to run because this is what you’ve learned all your life,” said Corno, who praised NIU’s present coach Willy Roy for much of his success.

When Roy came to NIU two years ago, he brought a whole different style of play to NIU’s program.

“It was kind of like a joke compared to the team’s previous coach Jerry Collins,” Corno said. “Before Roy, nobody made any efforts to stay in shape. Some kids had bad influences on the rest. Willy gave everybody respect, and everything was much more fun.

“When Collins was coach, he worried mostly about being in shape and playing aggressively. Most of his philosophy was to be the absolute, perfect, conditioned fast-paced person. We never had days off,” added Corno.

Roy, a former professional soccer coach for the Chicago Sting, by no means took his job as just fun and games. The third-year coach taught his players how to perform their best and, most of all, enjoy what they do.

Corno, along with the rest of the team, loves playing and dedicating himself to soccer because of Roy’s expertise.

The 5-foot-5, 145 pound Corno gained some respect from his coach in his second year when he finished runner-up in scoring. Corno felt he and his team could still do better.

Corno’s third year was Roy’s first, and although the team had little success, NIU had a fun year.

Last season was a transition year with some well-played games, said Corno. However, inconsistency plummeted the Huskie’s conference record to 0-6.

This year Corno sees a big difference, which is not only reflected in the record (15-4-1), but also in the mutuality of enjoyment.

“This year’s team is exciting,” said Corno, a St. Louis native. “Most of us are dedicated today. We like to play because it’s fun. Everyone gets along when you are winning.

“After the first year when I was red-shirted, I felt that I wasn’t as good as I thought. That stuck with me for a while before I gained confidence,” said Corno.

What about the future?

“I want to be a director for the Blackhawks on SportsChannel,” said the determined Corno, who is majoring in communication studies.

What about playing soccer in the future?

That’s still up in the air. Corno said he may play in a men’s indoor or outdoor league in the future if he has some extra time and admitted he would like to be a coach someday.

For the time being, Corno has to prepare to say good-bye to NIU and the soccer program.