Central's Zimmer has all the right moves

Naperville Central's Tim Zimmer, middle, goes up for a header. Zimmer is known for his prodigious talent on the soccer field, but he's also been known to display an excellent sense of humor with those who know him.

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To really know what type of person Tim Zimmer is, you needed to have been on that bus coming back from Indiana University after watching a college soccer tournament.

It's an annual trip Naperville Central coach Jay Konrad takes with his boys soccer team. And each year on the return trip, the players hold an impromptu dance competition, just to let off some steam and have some fun. And each time for the past three years, Tim Zimmer came back as the winner.

"He would never do that if he wasn't comfortable with everyone on the bus, but it was hilarious," said Bryan Forand, Zimmer's former Central teammate. "Not many people know that about him, but he's pretty funny. He's got a side to him he won't really reveal unless you're good friends with him. We saw that because we were a close team."

What most people know about Zimmer is what he does on a soccer field. They know about his prodigious talent, his calm demeanor and his ability to carry himself with class and integrity.

Take into account the story Konrad used to describe his former four-year standout who was recently named the Illinois Gatorade Boys Soccer Player of the Year.

Konrad remembered a game against Neuqua Valley where Zimmer, a defender, was knocked down at the top of the penalty area on a legal tackle from Ian Krol.

"Ian just crushed him," Konrad said. "And Tim just popped up and played. He didn't look to see who did it, nothing like, 'I'm going to get you later.' He just got up and played."

To Zimmer's credit, he said he doesn't remember getting run over by Krol. To him, it was just a part of the game and nothing to get bent out of shape over.

But if Krol or another Wildcat had done it a second time, and especially if someone tried a third time, then Zimmer would likely take issue.

"If it happens once, fine," Zimmer said. "If it happens again, I'll start paying more attention to the guy who's doing it. But I won't let that person get me out of the game."

That focus has proven beneficial for Zimmer, who is headed to Northwestern to play soccer in the fall. It also led to the honor from Gatorade, which has awarded athletes nationwide since 1985. Zimmer is the fourth Naperville boys soccer player to win the state honor, and first from Central.

Also on the list? Jay Konrad, a defender, like Zimmer, who went to Naperville North before playing at Northern Illinois. Though the two share some things in common, Konrad said he sees at least one big difference.

"Tim is a much nicer person than I am," Konrad said. "Tim really has a good heart, whether he's on the field or off the field. He really plays with class all the time, which when you're a very good player it's kind of hard to do."

Zimmer credits Konrad for helping him develop into the type of player expected to step right into the Division I level. He said Konrad helped him understand the game better and for raising his fitness level. But that's not all.

"Some practices he told me I could only use my right foot, since that's my weak foot," Zimmer said. "He helped me tremendously. I learned a lot through his coaching."

As Zimmer prepares for graduation in the spring, he's keeping his focus on the future at Northwestern. He said he plans to study either business or sports medicine. While he dreams of a professional soccer career, he's realistic enough to say his ultimate goal is to be an athletic trainer.

If none of that works out though, maybe he can give "Dancing With the Stars" a shot.