Just when the area caught a break from a vicious heat wave with a few drops a water and shade on Sunday, athletic fields across campus have been occupied with kicks, headers and dives from more than 250 high school athletes.

This week’s Eastern Illinois Advanced Soccer School for Boys is giving these athletes a chance to showcase their skills in front of 14 coaches at all levels of collegiate competition.

This also gives Head Soccer Coach Adam Howarth a glimpse at emerging talent.

“We’re trying to identify as many players as we can,” Howarth said. “Some of our incoming freshmen are going to be here this week as well, so it’ll be a good chance for them to get their foot on the ball and meet a lot of our counselors here who are current players.”

The recruiting process from Eastern’s perspective is an advantage due to the current players being able to see and report talent.

More eyes on more prospects gives the Panthers a better talent evaluation, especially with so many kids training.

Tactical training began at 8:45 a.m. Monday following the first night of friendly matches.

Tactical training involves situational adjustments and all kinds of positional play in order to gauge their reactions and learning curve.

This will prepare them for games each day (and lots of them, 3×3, 4×4, and 7×7 in addition to afternoon and evening matches).

With so many participating, the amount of skill and endurance may show throughout the week.

“We have different levels,” Howarth said. “Some teams are going to be at a less advanced stage and some are going to be a little bit more. So obviously we’re looking at the highest level kids at the camp, and if we’re lucky to get a few of them that’ll be great.”

These evaluations of more advanced talent will be based on current team needs, some of which have been fulfilled by incoming freshmen participating.

“It’s definitely an advantage to have these guys,” Howarth said. “Gives us a chance to see them play a little bit and give them a few tips in the last three weeks before our preseason begins.”

This gives the newcomers a feel for what they need to do for the next level, as well as the other campers.

As far as the coaches go, coaching and recruiting at this camp is all rolled into one.

“We spend so much time trying to work with getting the players to find new concepts and ideas, and then the recruiting is always constant,” Howarth said. “I don’t think there’s a day that goes by when I don’t fall asleep wondering if I could get this player or that player.”

This week’s hectic routine of consistent coaching, recruiting and evaluating can create stress, but it’s not all bad.

“It’s a good headache,” Howarth said. “It’s exciting; it’s a great job; it never stops. 24/7.”

Within the first couple of days, if not sooner, the eye for talent will grow due to kids emerging from the pack and taking the spotlight.

Thursday’s playoff matches will be huge in evaluating talent, with intensity level likely to climb with elimination becoming a new and final factor on the last day of camp.

Joshua Bryant can be reached at 581-2812 or [email protected].