On May 18th 2019, the men's soccer program will celebrate its 50th year anniversary. This is a wonderful achievement and the occasion represents a golden opportunity to bring together all of the wonderful legacies that makes this a special program. Men's soccer started as an official varsity sport at the college in 1969 under head coach Emilio Velasco. The schedule consisted of games against local club teams as well as KVCC. Coach Velasco worked hard to establish the credibility of the program before turning the reins over to Dr. Hardy Fuchs in 1971.
Coach Fuchs continued to gradually build the program and within six years of its inception, he led the team to its first conference title in 1975. Over the following years, Coach Fuchs laid down a marker for how a program should be conducted and led the program to many achievements during his 31 year tenure. Of course, K's fields have been graced by some of the best student athletes in the state of Michigan. These were all young men who were highly dedicated to the idea of excellence and always leaving their best on the field, and this much is apparent because many of these alums have gone on to be pioneers and trailblazers in their respective careers.
After Coach Fuchs retired in 2002, Coach Tim Halloran followed from 2003-2005, and Coach Chris Adrian led the program from 2006-2011. Both of these coaches worked hard to continue the tradition of success and most certainly have paved the way for our latest coach, Lumumba Shabazz, as well as the young men under his charge.
So please join us on May 18th as we celebrate all of the various successes of the men's soccer program over the past 50 years. It is an opportunity to celebrate the values that the sport has taught us, but more importantly, we have the opportunity to share and revel in our common history and unique fraternity. Soccer is the means by which we are all connected and we can take joy in our similar stories, our diverse backgrounds, our triumphs, as well as our challenges.
Join us for a full day of laughter, remembrance and sport.
Join us in the connection of a beautiful legacy and a unique 50 year brotherhood.
Save the Date: May 18th, 2019.
Event Information & Registration: http://www.kzoo.edu/alumni/50yeargala/