Carleton Soccer Alumni Association (CSAA) – Alumni Weekend Recap:

 

Opening:

A BIG thanks to all those who attending any of the events this weekend.  It was an incredible turn-out with alumni from the very first Carleton team in 1982 (Mark Stokes) and the team that made the national finals in 1984 (Mike Lanos) making an appearance, to numerous in between and many coming from out of town (Thunder Bay, Toronto, London England and more).  Please read below for a recap of the events and varsity results.

ALUMNI WEEKEND – SEPTEMBER 22-24, 2017:

  • Saturday September 23rd

-It was a SCORCHING Saturday afternoon as the Tailgate in Parking Lot 5 was well attended. The Pizza was devoured quickly and the beverages went down extra easy in the blistering heat. The Alumni sat on the opposite side of the stands on top of the hill which in hindsight might not have been the best location given the direct sunlight and missing out on the crowd laughter to the banter. (Although this year there were no complaints filed against alumni…) Nonetheless, their voices were loudly heard as the shirt off crew made their presence known and Pano refused to accept that the Laurentian goalkeeper would not acknowledge his shouts for friendship. The half ended at 0-0 but the highlight was being invited onto the field for a photo opportunity….and also an opportunity to get extra close to the Laurentian red shirts, coaches, and bench to provide some up close banter!

The second half produced much more to cheer for as the Varsity Boys scored 6 goals (Stefan Karajovanovic x3, Dante Cobisa x2, Alexandar Kulic).  After the match there were many hugs for Nadine (all our second Mom) and shout out to Robbie Leroy’s new Greek mythology look.

From there the Alumni departed in separate clans to shower up and meet at the dinner.

 

ALUMNI DINNER @ The Latvian Church (83 Main St, Ottawa ON K1S 1B5)

  • Always well attended and this year was no different with a fantastic turnout. To name a few of the Alumni in attendance: Sam Hinks, Mintcho Mintchev, Mitch Houlahan, Sandy Mackie, Mike Hoefler, Mike Lanos, Sam McHugh, Stevie Ball, Alez “AZ”, “Pano”, Jay Jay Da Costa, Alex “Desposito” Despotovic, Alic “Edge” Edgar, Gordon Godkey, Alex Vieira, Nick “Drew Dailey” Persichino, Thang Nguyen, Danny Obaseki, Travis Chance, Mike Tiberio, Joey Kewin, Dimitri “D-Tron” Koutras, Declan Bonnar, John “Never missed practise” Legakis, Mike Calof, Ahmead Hamoudie, Roberto & Jorge Gutti (Worst captain) and plenty more!

A thank you to Sandy Mackie for manning the bar until our stunning bartender arrived – Katie Chinkiwsky of the Carleton Women’s Alumni.  Many thanks to them both.  Many thanks to Franz Hoefler and his team for the always delicious meal.

Mike Hoefler was the master of ceremonies and first to be called up to the podium was Jennifer Brenning who we were thankful to have in attendance. Jennifer thanked the Alumni for our recent impressive fundraising drive that raised over $75,000.00. Jennifer also presented Sandy Mackie with a gift in appreciation of his efforts and 24 year contribution to Carleton University Mens Soccer Program. Stevie Ball our CSAA “historian” followed for a little update on each and every Varsity member as well as some of the history of how our alumni started and what it means to be a Carleton Raven. Sandy Mackie was on next to pay tribute to Bill Thompson who passed away this season and was a mentor and coach prior to Sandy taking the reins.  Sandy discussed the “Club 82’” fundraising initiative in which we are seeking 82 members to contribute $100 a season for the next 5 seasons. More details will follow this initiative in a separate forum. Coach Kwesi Loney “he is one of our own / he is one of our own” was up next to give the perspective from the Varsity Coaching staff and greatly thanked his Alumni for all their support. The Alumni executive presented Kwesi with a cheque ($500) made out to Carleton Men’s Soccer on behalf of the alumni (collected from the “dues”) in order to help with the teams fundraising efforts.

The CSAA Scholarship winners were announced next to whom the first time winners of the award went to: Dario Conte and Diego Politis.  This award was followed by the announcement of the Mike Lanos award, given to the Varsity player who best embodies leadership, selfishness, hard work, and passion both on and off the field.  The 2017 winner was awarded to Tristan St-Pierre.  Congrats to all the winners listed above.

Finally, we were all eager to hear from our 2017 guest speaker – Joey Kewin (2009-2014, 4 1stTeam OUA All Stars, 2 CIS All Stars, Nationals 2012, Canada FISU games representative in Russia 2014).  Joey did not disappoint and he truly spoke from the heart and provided details on each of his years played in a Carleton uniform and those who influenced him along the way.  He gave special mention to all his teammates but a few honorable mentions to those who had outstanding impact on his experience, Peter “Pano” Manginas, Sam “Rooney” McHugh, Sam “Thor” Hinks, Nick “Nicky P” Pershino, and Andrew Latty.  Also special mentions to Nadine and Sandy Mackie.  Joey provided insight on his experience in representing Canada in Russia at the FISU games and being named MVP of the Canadian team as well as dealing with the tragic sickness and loss of his father during 2014.  He ended with 3 topics of advice for the Varsity and in closing challenged them to focus first on their academics and strive to be academic all Canadians first and athletic all Canadians second.  He challenged them to think about their efforts and commitment to their teammates, program, to be humble and selfless and encouraged them to all leave a memorable legacy. Joey received a standing ovation and we were all thankful that he shared his Carleton Soccer experience with us.  Thanks Joey!  Jobbie on!

The mood quickly changed from there as the music rang on and the beverages flowed! The boys closed down the hall with chants of their songs still echoing  “Carleton Carleton We’ll Be there for you!!!!!  Soaking in the rain and freezing in the snow!” – the lads moved on to the establishments on Elgin street and the stories there and further into night are not shared in this forum but past on through whispers and generations that elaborate with time and turn into stuff of legend! (last year Andrew Park broke Alic Edgar’s nose with a book of poetry!).

Sunday September 24th vs Nipissing @ 2:15pm

–       For those who made it out, it was even hotter than Saturday! The Ravens came into the game with a prime opportunity to take hold of first place in the OUA East with Toronto’s day off. The Ravens immediately applied pressure but couldn’t finish any of their opportunities in the early part of the game.  It was 0-0 at half-time and it was Nipissing who broke through first in the 60th minute. The Ravens dominating possession, but failed to get anything past the Lakers keeper until the 87th minute!!!  Just as three points began to seem unreasonable, Stefan Karajovanovic masterfully headed a beautiful Walker Smith (Ottawa, ON) cross into the back of the net to dramatically tie the game.  Only one minute later “Loney Time” the first-year striker played hero once again with another textbook header that was perfectly placed in the top right corner above the goalie’s reach.  2-1 victory for the Ravens! 

Closing:

Another HUGE thank you for all those who came out this weekend whether to the games, dinner or night out.  Another Successful Alumni Weekend and we hope everyone had a very enjoyable weekend. If you have any ideas or suggestions on how to improve the weekend please do not hesitate to contact your CSAA executive.  Thanks to all those who helped with the weekend – Mike Hoefler, Sandy Mackie, Katie Chink, Stevie Ball, John Legakis, Joey Kewin, Sam Hinks, Nicky P….much appreciated!

Your CSAA Executive.