Multinational roster helps John Wood soccer players learn about different cultures

QUINCY - Bob Cowman’s job title at John Wood Community College lists him as men’s soccer coach.

In reality, he’s much more than a coach -- he believes he’s also an educator.

And that is why Cowman -- the only coach in the program’s eight-year history -- feels it is important to teach his players as much off the field as on the field.

With that as a backdrop, Cowman’s 23-player roster includes 15 players from foreign countries: Seven from Brazil, three from England, and one each from Colombia, Jamaica, Scotland, Ecuador, and Morocco.

“We try to recruit people who are the best fit for Quincy, Illinois,” said Cowman, whose team is 2-3 but plays six of its next seven games at home. “We look at players from all over the world and try to find the kids that blend best with our local players.”