Elmar Bolowich and the Creighton Bluejays begin another quest for an elusive national championship Friday, August 30. Each day this week, WBR will preview the 2013 version of the Jays position by position. Click here to read them all.
Creighton fans have come to expect excellence from their goalkeepers. Jay Fitzgerald, Mike Gabb, Matt Allen, and Brian Holt are just a few of the tremendous talents Bluejays fans have watched between the pipes.
Goalkeeper was one of the biggest talking points of the 2012 season. Upon the graduation of four-year starter Holt, the Jays looked to sophomore transfer Alex Bolowich and redshirt freshman Jeff Gal to replace a first-team All-American performer.
The battled raged into the season, with Bolowich eventually getting the nod as the starter. An injury opened the door for Gal to step in; he was sensational and led the Jays all the way to the College Cup. Bolowich returned to good health but could not unseat Gal. Following the season, it was made clear that all positions would be opened for competition including the goalkeepers spot. Bolowich started in most spring game matches. Gal then transferred to ACC powerhouse Virginia.
Unlike last year, there will be no drama at the goalkeeper position. Junior Alex Bolowich is the undoubted starter. He is viewed as a leader on this team and will expected to provide a calming presence in what will be one of Creighton’s toughest schedules ever.
Alex Bolowich (Junior)
Alex Bolowich (#1)
Bolowich started 9 matches last season, giving up only 1.03 goals per game. Bolowich is known for his athletic saves and abilities as a true shot stopper. Alex is a PK specialist with knack for making the impossible save, as he did last season in a season changing victory over Princeton, a save which ended up hurting his shoulder. Alex told White & Blue Review that he hopes to become a coach and will strive to be a leader on the field for the 2013 season.
Connor Sparrow (#0)
Connor Sparrow (Sophomore)
The 6-2 native of St. Louis transferred to Creighton following a successful freshman season at UMKC. Sparrow played club ball for Scott Gallagher Soccer Club, one of the bigger names in youth soccer. Sparrow started 15 matches as a freshman last season, leading UMKC to a 6-8-1 record posting a 1.68 goals per game average.
Michael Kluver (#30)
Michael Kluver (Freshman)
The reigning Nebraska Gatorade Player of the Year joins up with the Jays following a tremendously successful career with Omaha Skutt Catholic High School. Kluver also starred for Nebraska powerhouse club Omaha FC. At 6-4′ Kluver is wildly athletic and has great feet. He follows in the footsteps of previous Omaha-raised keepers Allen and Holt. Bolowich has locked down the starting role and Sparrow seems more than capable as a back-up; I would not be surprised if Kluver decides to redshirt and work on getting bigger and stronger under goal-keeping coach Justin Hughes.
