VISITING
AUTHOR/EDITOR ARTICLE
JANUARY
2011
CARPATHIA
SOCCER
Forwarded
by Carpathia Donauschwaben
Carpathia
Kickers
Inducted
into the
Michigan
Soccer Hall of Fame
I was fortunate enough to attend the Michigan Soccer Association Hall
of Fame Dinner held on October 16, 2010. The event this year was so
special for the simple fact that so many of the honorees were former
Kickers, or have been (and in some cases still are) a big part of the
Kickers Organization. The words “Carpathia Kickers” were heard
throughout the evening. When we got the word about this year’s
honorees we were so excited. Sadly, due to a mix up with the Michigan
Soccer Association organizers, our ad for the booklet honoring these
people was never printed. So I wanted to make sure that the Carpathia
Membership was made aware of the accomplishments of these very
distinguished individuals.
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Helmut Egger was the first Club member to be inducted into the
2010 Hall of Fame. Helmut is often officiating many of the
Kicker games and many high school games in Macomb County. He
is always very patient and instructional during our games –
and we can’t thank him enough for caring. He is still such a
big part of the Kickers and all the kids know him and love
him! |
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Bert Martin, another past Kicker was honored as well. I can
still remember getting a late night call from Mr. Martin to
ask about a Kicker indoor match that was later written up in
the Detroiter Abendpost. I was shocked that he took the time
to notice our youth teams – and pleased as well! |
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John Motzer (†) who served as the Director of Coaching and a
player for the 1962 Kickers Champion Team was honored as well.
My time with Mr. Motzer was spent talking about the youth
programs and their importance in our Club. He was wise and
offered some great advice when it came to the kids. I will
never forget the discussions we had on Thursday nights at the
end of the bar. |
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Dyann Pugliese, a club member and great friend, advisor, and
supporter of the Kickers was honored as well. Dyann was so
supportive over the years. Most do not know how truly
instrumental she was in building women’s soccer in Michigan.
She has played, coached, officiated, and now acts as an
administrator for Michigan Soccer Association. She is truly a
remarkable woman. |
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Freddy Noocha – as many times as I have given this referee a
hard time, I must take a minute to acknowledge his induction.
This year Freddy started playing for our Kicker’s indoor
men’s 40+ team. He is a Kicker supporter through and
through. |
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Phil Murphy has been with the Kicker’s for many years. He
has coached and managed and has served as the Kicker’s
Assistant General Manager. Phil is a great guy and is still
very active in our organization with our Men’s Program and
is President of the MPSL. We are thankful to have Phil as a
member of our club and congratulate him on his Meritorious
Service award. |
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Paul Sippl (†) was also honored that night. It’s always
sad when the person cannot receive the award themselves –
but his daughter and granddaughter accepted Paul’s
Meritorious Service award and were very honored in doing this.
I didn’t know him personally – but I was much honored to
have met his family that evening. |
Willie Dewald (†) was honored that evening and accepting the service
award for him was Kurt Seiberling.
I have heard Mr. Dewald’s name many times over the years in
association with the Kickers. His unending support, his drive to ensure
the teams made it to the tournaments they earned a spot in, and the
respect that he earned from former players and friends is a tribute to
his memory and the success of the Kicker’s today.
In fact, our success today MUST contain the names of each of these
honored, distinguished people. I was so proud to be the General Manager
of the Kickers that evening. Our name was heard throughout the evening
in many speeches.
The Kicker’s congratulate all of the honored inductees and awardees of
that evening and thank you for your contributions to our successes!
With the Kicker’s fall season just ending as I write this – success
would be an appropriate word to use! Our fall season was kicked off with
the Men’s First Team winning the league cup! The Youth program
continues to grow and our staff of dedicated coaches continues to build
several premier teams. It is unbelievable how well these youth teams are
playing soccer.
The Kicker’s would like to thank those who consistently volunteer
their time to make our club what it is today. Your help is appreciated
and does not go unnoticed.
I would also like to take time to wish my family and all of you a very
happy holiday season.
Keith
McVettie
General
Manager
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