When I transferred to Ashland College as a Junior in August of 1984, playing soccer was the last thing on my mind. I noticed several students getting together in the quad to kick around a soccer ball. I joined the group, which eventually led me to become a member of the varsity soccer team.
We had a truly international team that year, players from Kuwait and Mexico, along with players from across the U.S. From my position on the bench, I was able to watch the offensive firepower, rock-solid defense, and stellar goaltending. The highlight of the year was when we traveled to nationally-ranked Oberlin College. It was a hard-fought game, with neither team able to score. Near the end, the referee made a questionable call inside the penalty box. Goalie Jeff Hundman stopped the free kick and preserved the 0 – 0 tie.
The team finished an incredible 14-1-1 that year. We never had a soccer field while I played, but years later, I received information that they were raising money for a new soccer stadium. Thanks to my Ashland College degree, I was gainfully employed and donated to the stadium fund. In 2016, I was invited to the Men’s Soccer Reunion. I attended the reception, met up with a couple of teammates that I hadn’t seen in 30 years, and attended a game in the new soccer stadium for the first time. At halftime, I was honored to be recognized along with all the other alumni.
It was such a privilege to be part of the greatest men’s soccer team in Ashland history.
