JATA DRAFTED BY THE CHICAGO FIRE

With the 13th pick of the 4th round in the 2009 MLS Superdraft, the Chicago Fire select, from Campbell University, Midfielder, Richard Jata. Moments later Jata walks up and receives his scarf. He then proceeds to the podium to make a speech. After about five minutes, Jata makes reference to the fact that he had been talking for a long time. "I hope it's okay though, because I've been sitting there for an awfully long time waiting."

I heard that Jata's speech actually brought some observers to tears. After he left the podium he was immediately interviewed by the media. Then he was escorted to the hospitality room where he was interviewed once again.

Campbell Head Coach Doug Hess(left), Richard Jata, Ed Jata(right)
This is what Ives Galarcep and others had to say about Jata's moment at the draft:

Live Chat with Ives from the Draft:

Ives Galarcep: (5:52 PM ET) Richard Jata just went to Chicago at 58

Ives Galarcep: (5:52 PM ET) Richard Jata may be giving the first speech every delivered by a fourth-rounder at a professional draft. Touching moment.

Phil (Mass): Did the Jata speech take the crowd by surprise? How was it received?

Ives Galarcep: (5:58 PM ET) It was great. He was funny and sincere and is the type of kid who is easy to root for. Now he just has to make the team.

"Seems like Jata is a hit!!"

Another observer had this to say about Jata:

"I was at the draft. I had initially planned to leave after the 3rd round but decided to stick it out one more round and Jata's speech absolutely made it worth it. His speech brought the house down as officials from every team applauded him. A few gave standing ovations. "

"Got a chance to talk with Jata after he got fed through media row, and the kid was just on Cloud 9. I really hope he can make this team, and make it better, because from what I gathered from him, he's a great kid and would be valued on any team. A really good story so far."

Jata will be one of four other draftees set to attend training camp in Chicago starting January 24th. He will then have the chance to make the final squad and sign a contract with the team.

There will be more to come about the day of the Superdraft, training camp in Chicago and Jata's future, so check back soon.