North Alums Come Out, Show Spirit & Devotion and Pledge “NO SURRENDER!”

A damp, Saturday afternoon proved no barrier to North Soccer Alums who gathered en masse to pay homage to their school and THEIR soccer program.  Over 30 former players actually showed up to play with another 40 or so there to laugh and renew friendships that were rooted and anchored by North Catholic. You did not need to be a soccer nut to be part of the reunion, real North guys Mike McBride and Vince Market hung with us most of the day.

WPVI or Channel 6 as we know it was there to cover the event. The station interviewed, North Soccer Alum CEO, Joe Steffa.  This report was to be shown late last night and on its Sunday’s telecast.

Former Falcons travelled from Virginia (Russell Jensen) and Boston (Ed Stangler) to be part of the cause.  There were brothers (Blaney’s, Sheridan’s, Stangler’s, Morris’s, O’Neil’s) and there were fathers and son’s (Moore’s and Blaney’s).  There were dads there representing their sons (Harry Smith) and guys who played at North but graduated at another school (Frank Matte).

Not surprisingly, the soccer was really good even with the rain and the damp pitch. In typical North fashion, with the field being soaked and one goal under water, the good ole trash cans were brought out to be out one set of goals.  The odd years battled the even and God knows who won and who really cares for that matter. At one point, I was trying to add up the number of Catholic League and City Titles that were there but I lost track without a counter. What people focused on most was the camaraderie and the hope that maybe North might survive, somehow. 

Jerry Brindisi brought along his “NO SURRENDER” banner for all there to sign.  A lot of gear was sold and many a beverage was hoisted.  Better yet, some of our friendly foes stopped by to say hello and to remind us that fellow Catholic League teams and schools are behind us.  Mr. Bob Nelms and Mr. Artie McWilliams of Ryan fame and lore hung out and reminded us what a great league the Catholic League was.  I say “was” because if North and Dougherty remained closed, then this league sadly will never be the same.