One of the interesting differences from other sports is soccer’s annual anniversary we call our Alumni Game. I rarely see any other sport hosting such an event and makes soccer unique and this is no different at North. In fact, I don’t have this as a fact but I would bet you that North is the primary reason for high school soccer alumnus reunions, just another way we have and are trendsetters.
It did not seem possible, first that North’s varsity team would be played on Friday night and second that the Annual Alumni Game would take place on Saturday given the rain this area accumulated since Thursday night and what was forecasted through Sunday, but as luck would have it, both of events took place and more importantly were successful for the soccer program. As most of you know, the Falcons vanquished Roman on Friday night by the score of 2-0 (see www.northcatholicsoccer.com and www.thefalconnest.com). Now, the highlights of the Alumni Game.
Under the leadership of North’s Soccer Alumni Association, the soccer program took a pro-active, albeit risky, approach by having its game at Danubia Soccer Club. Typically, throughout the years, this funfilled game was played at North’s practice and game fields. In recent years, that has been Torresdale and Devereaux. Previously, the tandem of Scanlon Playground and Kensington Ramblers Club played host to the game and the place to talk and lie about the past. However, in the past several years the number of Alumni coming to play was decreasing at an alarming clip. The idea of taking the game to a soccer only venue, while novel, posed the risk that many former Falcons might not want to leave the neighborhood.
With over 25 players to play and many more in attendance, the game was a huge success with representation from the 60s into this century throughout the day. Hall of Famers Hugh McInaw and Ed Blaney along with Paul Duddy, Mike Huckle and Dennis Drumm represented the 60s. Hall of Famer, Ed Sheridan, Joe Steffa, Mike Hines, Bob Strom and Ed Stangler (in from Boston for the game) were the faces of the 70s. The 80s players were: Jim Hooven, John “Bird” Regan and John Frisky (with his son of course). The 90s included: Tony Rod, Anthony Noel, Mike "Primo" Primavera, Chris McKenna, Mike Bednarz,Chris Ochs, Paul Hollinger, Anthony “Hoody” Hood, Tim O’Neil, John Burns, Danny Morris. The youngsters of 00 were: Matt (I am not Leo) Filewicz, Tim Greer, Joe Rotan, Joe Blaney, Matt Stricker, Alby Hewitt, Joe Rudolph, Ryan Sullivan.
The game was divided between odd and even graduation years. The score of the game did not matter (6-1 for the evens) but the events leading up to the game are something to talk about. Former soccer stud Tony “I need to train for a marathon” Rod bragged of scoring four goals minimum. Well he did tally one, but officially it was an own goal (so that doesn’t count Tony). His flubbed shot hit off the backside of the defender past the laughing goalie. He also missed a breakaway, but he did keep the ball in the park as it hit a tree behind the goal. Ron Noel kept the game in check, issuing no “red” cards which surprised many on the sidelines. The goal highlight came from Anthony “Hoody” Hood. Hoody commandeered a ball about 40 yards from goal and smacked a rocket of a shot passed the stunned Pat Zolk (he of Frankford fame) in the second half. Afterwards, Head Coach Jerry Brindisi got Hoody to pose for the shot with his new “disposable” camera. Now all he needs to do is get the film developed, the heck with technology! There were thankfully no injuries in the game, not even egos, but Mouse Hines did deliver some hospital balls that posed the threat of injury. I was going to ask Mouse about these balloon balls after the game, but as usual, he slinked out of the affair, unnoticed with his usual excuse “I have to get something I left in the car.” What we do know though is who the real Hines is and that would be Sean Hines. Not only did Sean hang out and watch every second of the game, he hung out in the beef n’ beer till the Danubschwabans asked him to leave which was well after Grandmaster Hans was seen pacing the hall saying “I need the check!”
How about this for a table, Paul Duddy, Ed Blaney, Hugh McInaw and Ed Sheridan. Mouse was seen hovering around the table, lobbying for a committee to study the idea of a JV Hall of Fame. This will be no surprise but the bar area was two rows deep and that wasn’t because of a football game on the tube nor was it because of the Columbian soccer game.
There were a few MIAs which provided more opportunity to talk about them. These men of mystery are obvious to many of us but I don’t want to keep you in suspense, they are: Mike “Call me Robbo” Robinson, Rusty Bono and the O’Donnell’s. There is no question that the ODonnell's have a legitimate reason, but let me tell you about Robbo’s. He was heard telling Joe Steffa that he traveled to Utah and thought he couldn’t make the day. The problem was the trip to Utah was 10 days before the day. I guess it must be the time change and its impact on Mike. Rusty had to mind his grandchild. I guess it did not dawn of him that he could have brought the child with him. And where was Chris Brunetti? Rumor has it, he was camping, yes camping, with his girlfried somewhere in Pennypack Park. Thanks Chris!
How about this, there was a guy there that no one knew. Joe Steffa, acting as our bouncer approached to guy to find out who he was and was he armed. He told Joe that he grew up in New Jersey but his dad went to North. He saw an ad in paper about the game and beef n’ beer and wanted to support us for his dad. I don’t know if he played soccer, but who cares, he came to support us. Now that is a good man better than many who went to the school and his name is Hugh McHugh.
It would not be an Alumni Game without some representation from our brothers at Frankford. Once again, Pat O’Neil was a prominent player and this year he was joined by Pat “My Left Foot” Zolk and no, you don’t need the name Pat to play if you are from Frankford. If you don’t know, Pat O’Neil is one of North’s most avid supporters. His brother Timmy led North to the 1999 PCL Championship and Pat has stayed with us ever since. In fact, in 2007, North Soccer awarded Pat the “Fan of the Year.” Pat Zolk is the JV coach and the Uncle of Mike “Zoom” Zolk, a major player on this year’s Varsity team. Most of the Zolk boys were there. Pat wearing his North shirt, brother Mike in Phillies regalia and brother Steve impersonating John Elway in a bright orange jersey. You can always count of the Zolks for their support, thanks guys.
There were other former stars seen such as Joe “Dunser” Dunlevy. Joe spends much of his time organizing and leading a golf group when he is not protecting the campus of Temple University.
I have always said that if any clothing item says “North” on it, then people will want to have it. Case in point, Head Coach Jerry Brindisi met with AD Tom Kaiser the other day. Tom showed Jerry some old jerseys from teams from the 60s and 70s. He told Jerry that he was going to toss these uniforms. Jerry asked Tom if he could have them for the Alumni Game, he was sure that someone would want one or two as a memento. Jerry also brought along form vintage sweatshirts, tees and hats from the past several years. Guess what, almost all of it went. You had to see these old uniform tops. I know boys today are bigger and faster than my generation but there were a couple of shirts that my 9 year old might find tight, but we sold them nonetheless, once again, true Falcons with Falcon memories. We need to send a special thanks to the non-soccer supports of North as well. Mr. Frank Wolldonger has been generous in his support of the program and Joe "Bo-Bo" Foley spent the day with us as well, thanks guys.
Finally, Saturday was the first day to nominate past players for Hall of Fame consideration. Our event brought a couple of names to the nominating committee. If you have anyone in mind, please see the website for criteria and how to nominate. The deadline for nominations for consideration is November 1. If you run into Mouse Hines remember,there is no JV Hall of Fame.
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