The Staples Boys Soccer program marks its 50th anniversary this weekend. The first Staples boys soccer game was played in September 1958.
The weekend kicks off Friday with a social gathering at BobbyQ’s in Westport. On Saturday, there will be a tour of the new Staples, breakfast on the Loeffler Hill terrace, a varsity game against Stamford, lunch in the Staples courtyard, an alumni game and “alumni’s kids” game.
The weekend will be capped off by a wine tasting and hors d’oeuvres reception at the Westport home of former Staples captain Dan Donovan. It’s Homecoming Weekend – an added attraction for returning alumni.
“This year’s team is honored to salute the legacy of the 49 squads that came before it,” said Dan Woog, Wrecker head coach and a former player.
“One of the strengths of our program has been the bonds formed, not only between players on individual teams, but across many years and a variety of soccer generations. This weekend will be a tribute to both the past and the present.”
In its first 49 years, Staples soccer teams have won 11 state championships and 24 FCIAC crowns. Hundreds of alumni have played college soccer. Some have ascended to the professional, even national team, ranks.
In those 49 years, the Wreckers have posted just one losing season. They have had only three permanent coaches.
“Throughout almost five decades, the two constants have been high standards and good people,” Woog said.
“We look forward to welcoming back hundreds of those very important people in September.”
Alumni from as far away as England and California have said they will return. Also expected: former MLS star and Rookie of the Year Kyle Martino, and former pro Steve Baumann, chief executive of the National Soccer Hall of Fame, Woog said
All alumni, parents of alumni, current players and parents, and friends of the program are invited to participate. For more details, e-mail .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) or go to the Staples soccer Web site.
