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When Mick and I arrived to Mount Carmel High School in Chicago to visit Team USA assistant coach Frank Lenti and safety Jordan Lynch we noticed two district buildings. The original 3 story school built in 1924 that houses the Alumni Gym, most of the class rooms, and the new (much larger)  expansion building built in 2005. Which holds the cafeteria, administration offices, new gym, indoor track, and weight room. As we entered the school through the original building we were instructed to head to Coach Lenti’s office, which led us into the new building and past the cafeteria where the students were eating lunch.

As we entered the athletic office we immediately  noticed the two state championship trophies sitting on the floor. As Coach Lenti saw us checking them out he replied with a smile,  “We’re pretty spoiled here at Mt. Carmel, we have more trophies then case space.” The high standards were very evident at the school, as coach Lenti called the pass 10-3 season “not really a good year, but not half bad.” But it’s not all about athletics at Mt. Carmel, as Coach was quick to praise alumni that have gone on to achieve other success then making it as a professional athlete.. Such as a team co-captain at Mt.Carmel (with future NFL star Donovan McNabb) who eventually became a member of the secret service, serving under President Bush.

Coach Lenti’s description of the significance of the Junior World Championship, could not be mistaken. Describing the JWC as not merely an “All-Star game,” but something much more, as “those kids will be wearing USA across their chest, representing the country.” It was easy to see that the  importance of this opportunity had rubbed off on Jordan, who Coach Lenti personally recommended, describing him as an “awesome fit.”

It was evident in the way Jordan conducted himself in the interview. Saying “what ever it takes to help the team out,” when asked about making the position change from quarterback where he starred at Mt. Carmel, to playing safety for Team USA. His excitement was great to see, explaining that ” it was an honor” to have the chance to represent the United States. The best thing about Jordan is that it’s all about the game, telling us that he’s ready to  “just play more football,”  when asked to what he’s looking forward to the most, a testament to his desire to get better, and help improving the team anyway he can.

As Jordan escorted Mick and I around the campus we were both impressed with the history of school. Along with jerseys from the illustrious alumni such as Donovan McNabb,  and Simeon Rice, there were copies of newspaper clippings dating back to the early 1900’s, old Letterman sweaters, and cases full of athletic trophies.  The tradition runs deep at Mt. Carmel, and Jordan was just honored to be part of it, thanking Coach Lenti for helping him make his mark. Team USA head coach Chuck Kyle “couldn’t have chosen a better coach,”  Jordan replied was asked about about playing in the Junior World championship with his high school head coach.

During our tour of Mt. Carmel High School, Jordan introduced us to Jon Hoerster, his quarterback coach, and most importantly Father Carl, the principle of school. We also had the opportunity to check out the weight room, where Jordan reminisced about 5am workout sessions, something he credited to his success, but at the same time something he will not exactly miss. From the vist Mick and I were very impressed with the tradtion of Mt. Carmel and it’s great to know that we’re just adding to it, with such an amazing and historic event as the IFAF Junior World Championship.

Today we are in Chicago visiting Mount Carmel High School, home to Team USA DB Jordan Lynch, and Team USA OL/ Mt. Carmel Head Coach ,Frank Lenti. Mt. Carmel has a rich tradition dating back to 1900 when the school was first founded, and has produced elite football players such as Donovan McNabb and Simeon Rice. Jordan Lynch is no different. While he excelled at Mt. Carmel as a quarterback, earning the Lawless Award going to the top senior in the Chicago Catholic League, he will be playing safety for Team USA.  I’m looking forward to talking to him about the position change and what he thinks about the opportunity to participate in the Junior World Championship with his high school coach.

Joining Jordan from Mt. Carmel is head football coach Frank Lenti, who will be serving as offensive line coach for Team USA. Lenti, a Mt.Carmel graduate (‘69) himself has his own impressive resume. With Nine state championships and a career winning percentage of 86% over 25 years to his name, he will prove to be a valuable  asset to head coach Chuck Kyle. I’m interested to hear his thoughts on coaching in the Junior World Championship, as well as having the opportunity to share few more games with  Jordan in such an historic event. I’ll make sure to report back with full details.

If you haven’t seem them yet, we posted videos from last week’s interviews: Team USA DL Khaled Mheisen, Team USA LB Chris Norman, and Michigan State Fullback Nick Bedzuck (don’t miss the MSU fight song at the end of the video!).

Stay tuned,

Matt

The USA Football Road Tour will be passing through Chicago, Illinois on this date:

• Tues, May 5

Check back on this post to see where Matt and Mick will be setting up or follow the Road Tour’s Twitter feed: http://www.twitter.com/TeamUSAFootball.