May 4, 2010
UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. - Past and present generations of Penn State men's soccer players and coaches came together last weekend under sunny Happy Valley skies to renew old acquaintances, recount past times, relive former days of glory, and forge new bonds.
"It was great to see the connection between the alumni and the current players rejuvenated," said interim head coach Isang Jacob. "This is the future direction of the program, one which every player who wears the Penn State uniform understands the tradition, honor, integrity, respect, and family behind him. These are the core values that we live and breathe. Every time we step on the field, we play with pride because we are Penn State and we saw that today."
According to alumnus Jeff Maierhofer (1980-83), who was integral in helping to organize the event, 51 former Nittany Lions were in attendance. Included in that distinguished group were 1979 Hermann Trophy winner Jim Stamatis, 1991 Big Ten Player of the Year Steve Sergi, Penn State career shutouts and saves leader Greg Kenney, three-time All-American Chris Bahr, and Hall of Fame Coach Walter Bahr, just to name a few.
The weekend began with a golf outing on Friday at the Elks Club. On Saturday, the alumni took the pitch at the Nittany Lions' practice facility for several spirited games, squaring off against one another for nearly two hours. A lunch afterwards, which included what was described as a "rip-roaring" and "gut-wrenching" speech by Walter Bahr, wrapped up the organized activities.
The event served to kick off what will be a special 2010 season for the Penn State men's soccer program, as it commemorates its 100th year of existence. Beginning this spring and culminating in the fall with a weekend of events including a reunion reception, a Nittany Lion game, and a banquet, the celebration will acknowledge the program's proud and distinguished tradition and history. Information, announcements, and any updates will be posted to the GoPSUsports.com website as they are solidified and become available. In 2010, Penn State will also serve as hosts of the Big Ten Tournament (Nov. 11-14) for the third time since joining the conference in 1991.
"I thought the weekend was a huge success," said Varsity S coordinator Mike Milliron. "We had alumni from all across the country travel back to Penn State to spend the weekend with old teammates and friends while getting to know the current group of Nittany Lion soccer players. It was great the alumni and current team unite as one family of Penn State soccer. This weekend proved to be a tremendous time and only adds to the excitement around next fall's celebration of 100 years of PSU Soccer."