CHUCK JATERKA
1950-2006

It is no surprise to realize the many Corporate Officers of Utah Youth Soccer formed their foundation in soccer by growing with the sport in District Two. The patriarch and mentor of District 2 was Chuck Jaterka. Chuck returned home this past Monday leaving behind many years of physical pain but also leaving a rich heritage of dedication, integrity, concern for children and the sport that provided the opportunity to develop great personal values.

Chuck got his start with the sport in 1976 at the age of 26 much like everyone else. His eldest son came home with a flier one day from school announcing soccer registration. Chuck became a coach but with an unusual perspective - in 1972 his legs were crushed between two trucks with his left leg having to be amputated above the knee and having little use of his right leg. He was in a wheelchair.

Over the years he began his first practice with a team by saying, "This is a soccer ball. My name is Chuck. Yes. I am in a wheelchair, but we're going to have fun. We're going to have practice and we're going to learn. Once the kids and parents got over the initial few moments and the first practice," Chuck said, "we got on with it. Then I am just another guy to them". By his actions and view of life, one understood that Chuck didn't believe that he was handicapped. He called himself "handi-capable."

While attending a USSF meeting in New York City, he showed great skill in negotiating the construction area around the hotel and even the steep stairs of the Schubert Theatre. When he was showing off his Handicap Fishing License someone asked, "How did he convince anyone that he was handicapped?"

The loss of his leg did not stop him from getting deeply involved in soccer - from both a coaching and an administrative standpoint. He said of his physical capabilities, "It has slowed me down, but it has never stopped me. It was just another obstacle to get through and over. If I want to do something, I will do it. I don't care what it is."

Chuck served as a coach for many years, League President (6 years), District Chairperson (4 years and 6 years respectively in two stints), the first Utah Youth Soccer Commissioner of Recreation (2 years) and as District 2 Recreational Director. He served in an advisory capacity to many District 2 officers and many State officers over the years. He gave of his knowledge and philosophy of the sport and life.

"No matter how good a player is or how bad a player is, he or she can still excel in soccer," Chuck said. "The first thing we have to do as coaches, referees or administrators is make it fun for the kids. We can't lose that perspective. Let them have fun while they can and if I'm not having fun, they are not having fun. I've been having fun for a long time. I like to watch little under-6's play. They are having fun, the coaches are having fun, and the parents are having fun. Everybody is having a good time. In my book as a coach, winning was never part of the criteria." Chuck liked the quote: "If you are willing to win at any cost, you have already lost the game."

Chuck was the second person named as a recipient of the prestigious Kirk Hoerchel Award, which is awarded to the top volunteer in the Utah Youth Soccer Association after many years of service. Hoerchel, a former volunteer and ODP Administrator who passed away a number of years ago, was one of the most loved and respected people in the association and this award was name in his honor.

Tony Doty, recipient of USYSA Region IV Coach of the Year, presented the Kirk Hoerchel Award to Chuck when he was 45 years old and a father of three. Chuck said afterward 'When Tony was up there, I had no idea he was talking about me. When he was speaking, I was looking around wondering 'who is he talking about? Who has been doing this as long as me?' And then it was me. This special award means more to me than any award I've ever gotten because of the caliber of person that Kirk was. There was not a more dedicated family man, a more dedicated soccer fan and a better all- around human being. To be nominated, let alone picked for this award, is an honor above all honors. I still get choked up thinking about it because to me it is my peers saying. 'Chuck, you've done a good job.' "

Chuck has left this world setting a worthy example. He believed you provided your best to the kids receiving no compensation but treating them with respect and providing them a fun learning experience and a good role model. He joked. "Yeah. I'm old and I've been doing this for a long time, but if I didn't enjoy it. I wouldn't be doing it."

Many of us thank Chuck for the privilege of serving with him and learning from him, and we will miss him but we will always be grateful for what he has left for us to remember.