PATRONS OF UNB VARSITY REDS SOCCER
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| Pictures on Picasa |
This year's weekend was enjoyed by many (a total of 38 alumni participated in at least one of the weekend events). Honourable mention went to the longest serving alumni Stan Porter (Class of 61). At the same time, we were fortunate to have the company of our newest alumni: BJ McPhee, Natalie Perry and Michelle Moncion.
Special thank to those who made the extra effort in coming from outside the city, namely:
Gerry Murphy, Fort McMurray, Alberta
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Denis Furlong, Dalhousie, NB
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People coming from away started arriving as early as Thursday and as late as Saturday night. The weekend started off with a meet and greet at the Fredericton Inn on Friday night (a special thanks to Patron John Waite of the Fredericton Inn for his hospitality!!!).
Saturday was action packed, starting with the alumni game at 10:00. There were 18 brave souls who laced up their boots for the alumni game at Chapman Field. Based on the play of some, it was quite clear many did not get much sleep the night before. Nevertheless it was a well fought battle with the blue coming from a 3 goal deficit to draw the game 7-7 in extra time. Special thanks to Steve Harris for being the referee (injury prevented him from playing this year) and Steve's wife Fran for taking the action shots
The Patrons annual general meeting was held in the Aitken Center's Colter room at noon with lunch served and the meeting was chaired by the Patrons President Robin Hopper. Members in good standing for the 2005 - 2006 year were:
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Alex Scholten
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Pamela Pike
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Dave Stringer
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Mark Haslett Director of Alumni Affairs welcomed all alumni back and Kevin Dickie, UNB Athletics Director unveiled the architect's rendering of the new soccer complex that is currently in the planning stages. The Patrons group is hoping this complex will become a reality for the 2006 winter season. Special thanks to Patron/Coach Miles Pinsent for the research and work put into this initiative.
The afternoon was busy with UNB hosting Dalhousie Tigers. Both games were entertaining, with both having had the opportunity to go UNB's way however much to the chagrin of all UNB supporters came up on the short end of the score sheet. The Patrons hosted a BBQ/Beer tent for both games.
After the men's game the Patrons hosted a dinner in the Colter room for both teams, the player's parents and alumni. A special thanks to Patron Barb Roberts (wife of Robin Hopper) for being the MC for this event. Dr. Terry Haggerty, Dean of Kinesiology welcomed everyone as did Kevin Dickie, UNB Athletics Director. Andy Cameron, coach of the women's team and Miles Pinsent, coach of the men's team each gave an update on their teams and let each player introduce themselves. Patrons Andy Delmas and Pierre El-Khoury were acknowledged for their dedication to the Patrons and their efforts in organizing home games and the Patron/Alumni weekend. Concluding remarks were made by Patron Tim Hicks who introduced returning alumni and spoke of the Patrons scholarship fundraising campaign for the 2006-07 year. This concluded the formal agenda for the day. Needless to say there was some reveling that went on by the odd alumni into the wee hours of the morning.
Now for the "extra effort award" of the weekend: Patrons Dwight and Chris Hornibrook wanted to get back for the reunion however, young families, living away (Dwight in upstate New York and Chris in Lennoxville Quebec) make it hard for them to do this. In addition to this, Dwight who coaches university soccer in New York (Cortland State) hasn't been able to come back in years due to his teams' schedules. When Dwight and Chris heard that a few of the fellows they played with during their era were coming back Dwight really began to get creative. Keep in mind, his team had a game Saturday afternoon in upstate New York. After a few phone calls and very understanding families, Dwight decided he would drive to Montreal immediately after his game and Chris agreed to meet Dwight in Montreal for the last flight to Fredericton Saturday night! They arrived in Fredericton at 11:30 and were able to hook up with a number of the alumni at the Social Club and later reminisce over Luna Pizza donairs on their outdoor patio at 3:00 in the morning in downtown Freddy Beach. It's funny how those old war stories get better as the years go by!!
Gabby El-Khoury and his wife Rita graciously hosted the Brunch on Sunday morning prior to UNB's two games against Mt A. The women squeaked out a 1-0 victory, while the men went down 1-0. Once again, the Patrons hosted a BBQ/Beer tent for both games.
All in all, it was great to see everyone and once again a special thanks to those who were able to make it from afar
Local alumni who were able to attend this year's event were;
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Miles Pinsent
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Jon Crossland
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Ralph Adams
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