Oct. 8, 2002

By JEFF WOLLARD
LAS VEGAS REVIEW-JOURNAL

Boomer Arbelaez wants nothing more than to be like his dad.

Arbelaez, whose father Victor Arbelaez is a legend in local soccer, has returned home to play on the UNLV men's team after one season at the University of San Francisco.

Though he was one of the most decorated players in local prep history, Arbelaez's college career didn't get off to a positive start at USF, his father's alma mater.

"There was sort of a controversy between me and coach," said Arbelaez, who was caught in a scholarship dispute and received little playing time. "He didn't take me on the last trip so I didn't see the point of staying there."

Victor Arbelaez, a two-time All-American at USF, said he supported his son's decision to return home.

"I wish he could've finished there, but I'm glad to have him back," he said. "The assistant coach took over (at USF) and he just changed the whole program. All of a sudden, he decided Boomer wasn't going to be part of the team."

USF's loss has become UNLV's gain. Arbelaez has worked his way into the lineup as a midfielder/defender, and he's regaining the form he showed at Bishop Gorman High School, where he was a two-time state player of the year.

Despite his problems as a freshman, his confidence clearly hasn't been broken.

"I've come in and kind of made an impact on the team," said Arbelaez, who has one goal for the Rebels (7-4). "I think in the next couple of years we'll be one of the top teams."

Boomer says his father instilled that confidence.

"He's been a big help to me," said Boomer, who aspires to become a dentist. "He's been the biggest inspiration of my life. He's not only a father, but also a teacher and a mentor. I've had other coaches, but he's had the biggest impact. Whenever he says something to me, I do it. When it comes to him, I'm all ears."

Victor Arbelaez said he has always had a close relationship with his son.

"I tell him the truth and I never lie to him," said Victor, who played professionally and has coached Bishop Gorman to nine state championships. "He knows I play the game at the highest level, so he's not hearing from somebody who doesn't know the game."

While Victor said he never pushed his son into soccer, he did have a hand in Boomer's development.

"Boomer was a shy little kid," said Victor, who has two other children. "He used to be really scared of the ball, so he has come a long way."

Boomer said he hopes to match his father's accomplishments.

"He's pretty big (in Nevada), but I'm coming up," Boomer said. "I hope one day I'll get the same amount of headlines he does."

Victor said he just wants what's best for his son.

"I don't really want him being compared to me," he said. "I want him to be Boomer, and I don't want him to live in my shadow.

"(But) if things keep going this way, I see him at a high level. The only one who can stop Boomer is Boomer."

UNLV's next game is at Saint Mary's College in Moraga, Calif., at 3 p.m. Sunday.