HARRISBURG -- On field No. 1 at Sports City in Harrisburg, its all about making the most of a second chance.
Craig Tyrrell, 40, is the oldest player on the new Harrisburg Heat of the Professional Arena Soccer League (PASL).
Tyrrell, a veteran of the outdoor game, is now learning to play an entirely different brand of soccer. "It's different because its non-stop," said Tyrrell. "Its always going. It's always moving."
That's what makes arena soccer unique.
If Tyrrell's having any issues, it's hard to tell. He's been impressive in practices for someone who stopped playing professionally seven years ago-- in 2005 -- and never though he'd play at that level again.
"I'm struggling being a 23-year-old guy," joked teammate Geoff Pezon, a former Division III standout at Messiah College.
In the PASL, the playing field is shorter in length and the players roll in and out -- much like hockey. Overall, there's not as much running around. The arena game is actually better for someone with older -- excuse me, more experienced -- legs.
Tyrrell, a native of St. Kitts in the West Indies, last played for the USL's Harrisburg City Islanders.
He is one of many players in the over-40 club in the PASL. Among them: Nick Stavrou (Dallas) and Paul Wright (San Diego), who are both 43-years-old; Chad Deering (Dallas) and Bernie Lilavois (Anaheim) are each 42, respectively.
Lilavois, who played for the old Harrisburg Heat, is now a player, coach and managing partner of the Anaheim Bolts.
"Its just about staying healthy," stated Richard Chinapoo, the Heat's head coach. "If you stay healthy -- get up and down the pitch -- you're in good shape."
Tyrrell's in great shape, actually, after playing in rec leagues and coaching the varsity boys' team at Palmyra.
"When we start playing...I don't feel (40)," said Tyrrell.
He doesn't feel his age -- he just feels ready to play.
