Ath coaches, alums breathe new life into Turkey Day friendly

The holiday season brings so many feelings, but one of my favorites is the fusion of old and new. While the old can be predictable, it can feel very comfortable; the new can be exciting but also intimidating. But the best of both worlds becomes something "predictably exciting" and this was the case at this year’s Alumni Soccer Game.
For some time, soccer players of Highland Park’s graduating classes have played an alumni soccer game every Saturday after Thanksgiving break. By word of mouth and just knowing someone else, previous games were less successful than had been desired. Recalling one year when three players showed up, Owls soccer coaches Michael Kaufman and Keith Roig were determined to grow this event into something to remember. A Facebook account was started, and players from all different years were invited. Kaufman convinced the concession stand to open for the event, Roig designed tee-shirts. and they tenaciously talked up the event to make this the first of many alumni soccer games with support from players and fans.
And it worked! This year more than three *dozen* players, dating back to 1987 all the way through 2009, gathered at the new field for an “old vs. new” scrimmage in front of fifty-plus parents, friends, spouses, and children - all excited to cheer on their alums. Players from 1987-2001 battled players from 2002-09. Proving that youth is no match for age, the recent grads were defeated, in a 4-3 ending score.
“We knew this could be successful, but it turned out better than we could have predicted,” gloated Kaufman. Next year they are optimistic that the crowd will be even better. “We really want to make this a tradition for Thanksgiving weekend in Highland Park that the community will look forward to . . . . with the new (athletic) field here, it's a perfect opportunity.”
Though quite a ways out, the countdown for next year’s battle has already begun. For more information or to get on the email list, visit Highland Park Boys Soccer Alumni on Facebook. Traditions only become so when we continue them.