Tony Schinto is nearing a milestone.
The New Trier soccer coach needs 10 victories to become only the second man in Illinois high school history to win 300 games. Granite City`s Gene Baker, who has 324, is the only person to have passed the mark.
Yet, victories don`t mean all that much to Schinto, who came to New Trier East in 1967 after compiling an amazing 65-2 record in four years at Avoca Junior High in Wilmette, a school whose name is now Marie Murphy.
”My personal numbers don`t matter as long as the kids play well,” said Schinto, in his 22d season of coaching prep soccer. ”I don`t put pressure on the kids so I can have 300, 400 or any number of wins.”
When Schinto started, teams could play a maximum of 12 matches per season. Now Schinto-coached teams are averaging 19 victories a year.
”The thought of 300 wins never even crossed my mind back when I started,” said Schinto. ”A coach would have had to go about 40 years. Seriously, I`m happy with what I`ve been able to accomplish on the North Shore. I hope to continue for a while.”
Needing 10 victories for the magic 300 doesn`t seem like many, but things didn`t look good after Schinto lost all but two starters at graduation last year. After watching spring practice, though, Schinto`s thoughts have changed. ”I thought we were going to have a down year,” he said. ”But, with the players we have back and a few new ones, we`ll show up and win a few.”
To lead the Trevians, Schinto will rely on midfielder Jason Lister and outside back Edward Murphy, both returnees, and forward Jay Shindler. Schinto is especially excited about Lister`s potential.
”He could be one of the best players in the state,” Schinto said. ”If he doesn`t make all-state, I haven`t been coaching all these years.”