Soccer alumni return for one more shot

Allentown High School soccer team alumni returned to their old playing field for a game against the current varsity squad.

Above: Allentown High School varsity boys soccer alumni from the classes of 2001 through 2009 played a game against the current varsity soccer team. Varsity soccer coach Robert Tackett teamed up with 11 Redbirds Nov. 14 against freshman coach Chris Katzman and 11 veterans from the classes of 2001 through 2009.

While the game was competitive, the players were mostly out for fun. Alumni provided playful commentary, with one veteran saying, "I hope someone brought a defibrillator" before lining up on the field.

The game consisted of two 45-minute halves. During the first half, one of the alumni players asked the referee, "How much time, ref?" The volunteer licensed referee answered, "Thirty-six minutes."

The alumni ranged in age from 18-26, and although some discovered they didn't have the stamina that they used to, their team won 4-3.

Tackett called it a tough fought win and said, "The score was irrelevant, and in fact we even lost count."

Left: Allentown High School varsity soccer player Anthony Tallarido (l) tries to get the ball back from R.J. Blanchard, a varsity soccer team alumnus, during an alumni game featuring players from the classes of 2001 through 2009 on Nov. 14. The coaches considered the varsity players brave for throwing themselves into such an uneven game in terms of size and strength. The young team never backed down and kept the alumni running until the end.

The varsity players enjoyed having a game at the end of their difficult season that reminded them what the game of soccer is really about — having fun. The team finished its season with seven wins and 13 losses.

Tackett said, "I love the game of soccer and the camaraderie and competition that goes with it. Being the boys' coach this year was a great experience, and to have the opportunity to share the pitch with them as a teammate was even better. The boys are looking forward to our next game against the alumni this June, and I hope to be able to play with them in that game as well."

The alumni game also gave former Allentown High School students a chance to see old friends. Class of 2005 alumnus Brian Finn was instrumental in helping Katzman organize the game by contacting former players.

Finn's sister, Genevieve, a freshman who serves as the varsity boys soccer team manager, presented the idea of an alumni game to her brother, as he and his friends just graduated college.

Since the game was organized on short notice, some of the varsity players involved in travel team games could not attend. One alumnus traveled over an hour to attend.

The varsity players who participated were Brandon Anderson, Nick Tomasella, Anthony Tallarido, Gerardo Adame, Romy Behary, Steve Vigilanti, Chris Pepe, Dean Search, Nick Caruso, Giancarlo Mancini and Jon Gellman.

The alumni players were Brian Finn, R.J. Blanchard, Eric Smith, Matt Grinkevich, Chris Katzman, Trevor Provost, Brett Mallinson, Matt Vernon, Piero Mancini, Josh Howell and Dave Nicholson.

All who participated in the game expressed interest in making it an annual event.

Tackett said, "We are planning another game in June when more graduates will be around to participate."

Anyone interested in future soccer alumni games should send contact details to AHSsocceralumni@hotmail.com.