John Carenza
“Big Jake”
Soccer – 1972
It has been a honor for me to have traveled the world representing the U.S.A. as an Olympian. The teamwork, friendships, competition, and participating in Munich – 1972 provided me with great memories.
Playing sports has always been kind of a safe haven for me. I wasn’t accepted in the social circles in grade school & high school, but, I always found acceptance in all of the sports teams I participated on, because I was always one of the top players. I learned trust, honesty, loyalty and responsibility from playing sports. Soccer provided my college education and I met my best friend in 1969 in college, and married her in 1972. We have three married children, (all graduated college) and two grandchildren.
The principles, values, and passion I learned playing sports contributed to a solid foundation for life. The discipline, hard work, and competition helped me in my business career. (I coach people on how to become financially independent)
For more information about my sports accomplishments, visit our Olympic Alumni / Mo-IL Chapter web site: www.mo-il-olympians.org
The only people to get even with are those who have helped you. (L-T-J)