Bishop Eustace’s Danny O’Rourke a model of stability

 Danny O’Rourke has shown remarkable durability not to mention skill during his soccer career at Bishop Eustace.

Now a senior, O’Rourke was inserted into the starting lineup in his first game as a freshman. He has been there ever since, never missing a game.

“I have been very fortunate to be able to be in the lineup every game,” O’Rourke said.

Eustace has been fortunate to have him quarterbacking the defense as the Crusaders’ center back. Not only is he a force on defense, but O’Rourke has one of the best throw-ins in South Jersey and that is a major offensive threat for the Crusaders.

Most of all, O’Rouke has a motor that never stops and his enthusiasm is infectious.

“Danny brings intensity to the game,,” Eustace coach Vito DiSanti said. “He is our leader in the back line along with our goalie (Cooper Soanes) he keeps us organized in the back.”

O’Rourke is at his best when the game is on the line.

“He is composed on the ball, he is composed when he speaks to the players,” DiSanti said. “He is one of the leaders we have and one we need to help us in games to keep fighting. His effort level is 100 percent of the time.”

A Cherry Hill resident, O’Rourke has already made his college choice. He will attend Juniata College in Huntingdon, Pennsylvania and continue his soccer career.

He said Juniata recruited him to be an outside back, the position he plays for his club team, the South Jersey Barons Rush.

“I always wanted to play soccer in college and Juniata felt like home to me,” O’Rourke said. “It felt like Eustace to me and felt like another step for me to succeed and be who I am.”

And since he has made his decision, it is a big weight off his shoulders.

“I am totally relieved,” he said. “I am very fortunate, very lucky and can enjoy this and playing in college is something I am really looking forward to.”

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Bishop Eustace started the week 5-6 but the Crusaders were 4-2 in the Olympic Conference National Division, right on the heels of leaders Cherry Hill West (6-1-1) and Paul VI (5-2-1).

The fact that the Crusaders are in the race after a rough start is a credit to the leaders of the team, including O’Rourke.

“Our team is just working hard every day,” he said. “We feel if we keep putting in the work, the results will come.”

That has been the case with O’Rourke, who has been a leader since he stepped on the soccer field and has proven to be as durable as he has been valuable.

Author: Marc Narducci