Let's go Banqueting!

"Be our guest! Be our guest!
Put our service to the test!
Tie your napkin 'round your neck,
And we'll provide the rest...."

Not quite the theme for the Liberty View Ballroom at the Independence Center, but apropos for recapping our night out in Old City! It was a grand gathering and awesome to see so many out to support the team-parents, staff, and alum's alike. A wonderful time was had by all if I may so myself...(well done self).

I had the great fortune of being the M.C. on the evening (where I allowed myself to introduce myself...once again, well done self), getting the honor of presenting our award winners as well as introducing this year's Alumni Honoree, Fred Gerstenfield '83. It was great to hear from the former Dragon All-American, as he urged the current student-athletes towards hard work, sacrifice and commitment. According to Fred, Drexel University has made him a rich man - rich in memories, rich in friends, and rich in the experiences gained through his time in University City. Because of this, Fred remains involved in the game today whether it be coaching a youth club team or doing his best to get the calls right as a high school official. The Philly native, born and bred, is determined to give back to the game that taught and gave him so much.

We relived the ups and downs of the season in our season-in-review video prepared by Coach Bryan Green: The Good, The Bad...And Rain on Wednesdays... and had the chance to reflect on another year of experience. Coach Cory Robertson allowed us all the opportunity to reflect on the year with his year in review in pictures; some great stills of game action, bus trips, airport delays, train rides and fun around the training ground.

The Friday Banquet was followed by the Philly 6 gathering on Tuesday at the University Sheraton. Ten of us dressed up yet again to enjoy a meal with our fellow competitors in the city and honor the Philly 6 All-Stars. Both Kenny Tribbett (Centennial, CO) and Tal Bublil (Kfar-Mass, Israel) were awarded as all-stars and Pentti Pussinen was recognized for his team of the week selection. I love this tradition, we fight hard against each other during the year on the field, in recruiting and then enjoy an evening with one another celebrating college soccer in the city.

Those of us in attendance got to hear from yet another All-American from Philly, Steve Baumann, who garnered first-team honors in 1973 while playing for Penn. Steve talked about the character traits he learned while being a student-athlete and how each of them applies to his daily life; teamwork, commitment, leadership, confidence, accountability, hard work, respect, integrity and caring about others. He urged the student-athletes to take time to truly think about the age-old question "what comes next," and encourage each individual to stay in the game in some fashion.

So with full bellies here we are at the start of a new cycle now...a year wiser...a couple of pounds heavier (I had way too many cookies at the Philly 6 Banquet, they were delicious)...a large group of returners...raring to go! Hope you can make it out to some of our spring games, dates/times/locations are all listed on the right.

Don't forget, Men's Soccer Alumni Gathering this Saturday at the Men's Basketball game...3 pm in the Dragon Room at the South end of the D.A.C. Drop me an email if haven't RSVP'd yet and would like to attend.

Take care and stay in touch,
Doug