Who is Elmar Bolowich? Soccer coach says Gregg Berhalter was ashamed of kicking wife in 1991
WASHINGTON, DC: A legendary college soccer coach who launched Gregg Berhalter's career recently recalled how his former player, three decades ago, came to him to admit to kicking his future wife, collapsed in tears, and "apologized profusely." Elmar Bolowich thought of Berhalter as a typical student-athlete until he stepped into his office at the University of North Carolina in 1991 and revealed he had yelled at his then-girlfriend, Rosalind Santana, after having a drink at a bar.
According to Bolowich, who coached US Hall of Famer Eddie Pope and a variety of future MLS stars over his 22 years as head coach of the Tar Heels men's soccer team, the 18-year-old freshman was so regretful of his behavior that he sought counseling. The event wasn't made public until Berhalter, 49, claimed this week that a "third party" had leaked information about the fight to US Soccer in an effort to get him sacked as the head coach of the men's international team.
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After the 49-year-old recounted at a leadership conference how an unnamed player, later confirmed as Gio Reyna, was sent home from Qatar due to not 'meeting expectations', Danielle Reyna, the mother of the USA player, admitted to sharing information of the incident on Wednesday, January 4, to the US officials. According to ESPN, the former captain of the US national team, Claudio Reyna also threatened to share details of Berhalter's past during the tournament.
'I voluntarily sought out counseling'
As reported by Daily Mail, "One night, while out drinking at a local bar, Rosalind and I had a heated argument that continued outside. It became physical and I kicked her in the legs. There are zero excuses for my actions that night; it was a shameful moment and one that I regret to this day," Berhalter penned in his lengthy mea culpa. "At that time, I immediately apologized to Rosalind … while the authorities were never involved in this matter, I voluntarily sought out counseling to help learn, grow and improve - one of the most valuable decisions that ever made. To this day, that type of behavior has never been repeated."
'He was very regretful'
In an interview with DailyMail, renowned soccer coach Bolowich, 68, expressed disbelief at the terrible incident's return after such a long time, but he agreed with Berhalter's version of what transpired. "He came to me right away. He was in my office, and he also talked to the women's coach at the time, who was Anson Dorrance, because Rosalind played for him. He apologized profusely, he knew what happened wasn't right," Bolowich stated. "He did not say this in a matter of fact way. He was very, very remorseful about it. I was disappointed, I told him that. We talked about it and he sought some counseling." The coach added, "I felt that it was sincere. He was very regretful and to my knowledge none of this has ever happened again in his career. I would consider it a slip up."
'No official disciplinary action was taken'
As per the report, Bolowich remembered Berhalter breaking down crying and confessing to drinking before the event, perhaps because the squad was out partying. The future US international did not go into further detail regarding the dispute with Rosalind, 49, whom Berhalter reconnected with a few months later. The couple has 4 children and has been married for 25 years. According to Bolowich, law enforcement was not called since the incident occurred "outside of the college's jurisdiction," and it was up to Rosalind and her parents to choose whether or not to involve the authorities. Berhalter had consented to counsel, therefore no official disciplinary action was taken.
'They moved on and lived a happy life'
Bolowich, who won a national title and more games than any other men's coach in UNC history, further told Daily Mail, "I was not there, I cannot judge what happened or the extent of it, but I don't think Rosalind needed any medical treatment." He said of the incident, "It was just a very, very unfortunate incident because they were dating and clearly in love with each other. The relationship was temporarily on hold after that and then they were back together. I know Gregg comes from a very straight up family and I know his dad was probably very upset about the whole thing," said the coach. "Gregg is the type of guy you want in your corner. He's a true team player, a true friend. I know he was ashamed because I know his character. I really am just dumbfounded at why this comes out right now. Rosalind has forgiven him, they moved on and lived a happy life. So why is this suddenly relevant as opposed to ten years ago or five years ago? The motivation just seems very questionable."
Who is Elmar Bolowich?
Elmar Bolowich served as the men's soccer coach for the Tar Heels from 1988 through 2010. He then held similar roles at George Mason and Creighton currently being in charge of a youth soccer squad. In Jacksonville, Florida. A total of 45 of his student-athletes went on to play professionally in Major League Soccer, and six have joined the US national team, where Berhalter and Pope have each appeared in three world cups.