SC Soccer Forums SCSoccer.com Forums Boys Varsity Soccer Irmo High Player-Alums to Gather for Some Soccer

Irmo HS Player-Alumni Match Set for 12/27/03

Marty Baltzegar is looking for a few dedicated soccer players.

Baltzegar, a former Irmo High School soccer standout and college All-American, is one of the organizers of the 24th Annual Irmo High School Alumni Soccer Game.

The pickup event will be held at 1 p.m. Dec. 27 on the practice fields across the street from the school, at 6671 St. Andrews Road.

A Columbia engineer, Baltzegar has spearheaded the event with another former player, Scott Brown, and Irmo soccer coach, Phil Savitz.

“Typically, we get around 30, even 40 people, enough to field several teams,” Baltzegar said.

While some alumni events may lack the luster of old, there should be no shortage of determination. Irmo teams have established themselves among the best in the nation. Last year the team won its 14th state championship, giving the school the second-highest number of titles in the country.

The event will pit the younger alumni against the older guys, Baltzegar said, adding “the young guys usually prevail.”

Special awards will be presented to the oldest and youngest alumni and, get this, the alumnus closest to his high school weight.

Admission is free. Soccer fans are encouraged to attend.

Alumni interested in taking part can call Jay Burns at the Corner Kick soccer store (803) 749-1588.

Good idea for Irmo to do this, with all their history and success. How did the game turnout? Did the high school players get to play against the Alumni? Sounds like a good idea for other programs to use as well.

The game was a huge success. There were approximately 40 or more Alum and at least the same amout of family and friends watching. They divided into 3 teams... young (2000+), mid (1990's), and elders (insert class here). Three games were played and the youth had a little advantage...age. The Alum versus current team will be played in January after the new squad is chosen. All in all it was a great day for soccer!

What current players participated? Anyone score? Were other "guest players" allowed to play?