(Glenview Announcements) Glenbrook South has jumped out to a strong 7-1-1 start this season and a lot of that has to do with the Meyer brothers.
Senior Tom Meyer and junior Bob Meyer have provided the Titans an iron curtain on defense. With Tom in goal and Bob as the best defender in the pool, opponents have struggled to find the back of the net.
While the brothers are thrilled with the fast start, they’re just enjoying getting to play with each other for a whole season for the first time in their careers.
“It’s something a little different but I really love it. What’s better than having your brother on the team with you?” Tom said. “And he’s so committed and wants to get better every game. It’s so good to have that on your team and it’s a bonus it’s your brother.”
“We have the top goalie in the state and it’s just a lot of fun to play along with my brother,” Bob said. “It’s really cool. He’s really supportive of me and my progress. We get to talk to each other about the games and it’s just a really lucky experience for me.”
Glenbrook South coach Dave Lieberman agrees Tom is the best goalie in the state and that gives the Titans some flexibility on defense.
“You can double team in the hole and he can block pretty much any shot from the outside,” Lieberman said. “I don’t have to worry about them having shots from six, seven and eight meters. The guys can cheat and crash to the center. It’s the security blanket for the defense. And when he does make his saves, he’s a really nice passer. He gets the ball out quick and we get a lot of easy goals that way.”
Tom, despite playing a different position, has had a big effect on his younger sibling.
“Bob kind of grew into the sport because Tom was into the sport,” Lieberman said. “They push each other and have a good relationship. Bob has really come into his own as a field player. He’s becoming a really good defender. He’s a little rough around the edges on offense but he anticipates the passes, gets in there and is a very fast swimmer so he gets a lot of easy goals for us.”
The Titans went 21-8-2 last year, but lost its top player, Igor Grynic, who led the state with 163 goals. That has forced Glenbrook South to be more balanced this season, and it’s been working like a charm.
J.J. Connor is the team’s leading scorer this season, but Glenbrook South has had plenty of other offensive weapons. Senior Ryan Hianik, junior Danny Corrrea and sophomore Brent Boczek have made the Titans tough to defend.
“We’re kind of preaching to them right now: The more we can get everyone involved in the game the better we’ll be,” Lieberman said. “They’ve bought in. You keep the defense honest and the goaltending honest. It makes things that much easier.”
