It’s all in the family
for the Creightons

By Melissa Yerkov
Times Sports Editor

It may have been a rough start for the Northeast High School soccer team, but they had a spectacular finish.
After losing the first two games of the regular season, the Vikings came back to earn seven consecutive victories, outscoring their opponents, 24-1, in the process.
"I think we just needed to get used to playing with each other," said Vikings sweeper Tim Creighton. "After that, we just kept winning."
Northeast didn’t have an opportunity for any preseason ball this year, which may have influenced their rocky start. The squad had been scheduled to face Cardinal Dougherty High School in a preseason match, but the game was forfeited because the fields were under construction.
But that was no excuse for the Vikings.
By the second week of their season, the squad quickly developed a team chemistry that had the players dreaming of postseason play.
"This year, I think we have the best team," said Creighton. "We’re ready for the playoffs. I think we’re going to win it all."
The Vikings haven’t won a title since 1998. Last year looked promising, but the season was cut short after a loss in the semifinals.
"To win this year would be great," said Creighton. "We’re working hard every day. I know we have the talent to win."
Creighton has been a regular on the pitch as long as he can remember. Growing up, the Northeast Philly resident would play soccer in the back yard with his brother Pat, a Viking alumnus. In fact, Pat was one of the guys who brought home the championship trophy in ’98.
But these days, the sweeper is trying to earn his own trophy. He has helped the Vikings’ defense stay solid this year, allowing only three goals the entire season.
"I love playing defense. I like taking the ball away from people," he said with a grin.
Yet, while Tim enjoys performing in the Philadelphia Public League, his father Jack would rather run the show. So his current position as the Philadelphia Public League’s soccer chairman is a perfect fit.
"It’s a little bit weird," said Tim Creighton, referring to his father’s job. "All the refs call my dad after the games, so if I ever do anything, it immediately gets back to him.
"It’s good too, though, because I find everything out before anyone else," he continued. "The other kids from the team will call me after games to find out what happened."
As soccer chairman, Jack Creighton’s responsibilities include formulating schedules for teams and referees, as well as interpreting rules when needed.
"I have to go out and watch a lot of the games being played in the Public League," said Creighton, who has been soccer chairman for 10 years.
When he isn’t organizing the games, he’s coaching them.
Jack Creighton has been coaching Frankford High School’s soccer team since 1998. However, his coaching credentials span far beyond the Pioneers. Since his first coaching job in 1975, he has led high school teams at Kensington, Olney, Central, Stenton and Simon Gratz.
"He’s a great coach," said Tim Creighton. "After watching him, I could see myself coaching high school some day."
He also has thought about a future in the education field, perhaps as a health and physical education teacher.
That often is a goal for athletes. But for Creighton, it’s more of a family tradition.
"My sister Mary teaches at Douglass High School," he said. "And my two brothers are both teachers too."
Although no decisions have been made, he has shown interest in West Chester University and the University of Pittsburgh, and he plans to continue playing soccer.
"I’ve always liked playing soccer," said Tim Creighton. "It gets tiring because I work at it every day, but my family is a huge motivation. When they’re there, I play better. It wouldn’t mean as much without them." ••
Sports editor Melissa Yerkov can be reached at 215-354-3035 or myerkov@phillynews.com