June 18, 2009

The semester is over and summer is just about here in Rhode Island. We have been off recruiting and getting things ready for the fall. Our day camp is just around the corner and my assistant Rob Czlonka's wife is just about to give birth to their first child. So, it never stops. But, we have had some tremendous news over the past couple of weeks, none more important then that A BONE MARROW DONOR MATCH HAS BEEN FOUND FOR URI ALUM AND REAL SALT LAKE MIDFIELDER ANDY WILLIAMS WIFE MARCIA!

See the story HERE.

This is GREAT news as many of you know Marcia has been battling Leukemia which she was diagnosed with over a year ago. We found this out when my assistant Mitch Stone contacted Soccer Unites Utah concerning a $500 donation our players made through a juggle-a-thon fund-raiser this past spring. Soccer Unites Utah has been in the forefront helping Andy and Marcia raise money for her treatments. We are so happy for their whole family and our thoughts and prayers continue to stay with them.

In other news from the alumni front, Houston Dynamo Central Defender Geoff Cameron... yes I said central defender... has been quite the story of late being named to consecutive MLS Teams of the Week for his stellar play.

We've seen a lot of Geoff on television and he has been doing so well that ESPN commentator and former MLS/US National Team Captain John Harkes has been promoting him as a MLS All-Star candidate. It would be great to see him on that stage!

Our other MLS guy Danleigh Borman '08 has also been on the tube a lot, starting for Red Bull New York at either left back or left mid-field. Although NY has struggled a bit of late, Danleigh has been applauded for his defending and intelligent play. I was proud of the fact that he takes so much pride in his defending during a time when some of his peers in the league do not... in my opinion anyway.

Got an e-mail from Lukasz Tumicz '08 in Poland who is recovering from surgery and hopes to be back on the pitch for his club Jagellonia Bialstyok soon. Our most recent signee Adam Howarth '08 is still in Finland with AC Kajaani but we haven't heard much from the "Big Goat".

Got a nice e-mail the other day from Callum Bissett '08 who is back at home working for FirstPoint USA, which is a college recruiting service which he went through to come to URI. He is keeping an eye out for us and is enjoying his job but misses Rhode Island.

On the further update front "Big Ginger" Ross Smith '03 went through successful heart surgery a bit ago and is working his way back to health. Ross was playing with the USL's Rochester Rhinos and set up to sign with the Colorado Rapids of MLS when it was discovered in a routine physical that he had a faulty heart valve. Surgery has fixed that and we look forward to having him here this summer working our camp.

Speaking of making recoveries, best wishes to Dan McCrudden '78 who I heard through is brother is recovering from a little heart scare of his own this spring. Heard from brother Vince McCrudden that he is doing well and should be back on the field scoring goals like in the old days. By the way I would be remiss if I didn't recognize Vin for his recent and VERY GENEROUS donation to the program.

NEWS FLASH....SAVE THE DATE:
The weekend of October 16-18 it is HOMECOMING 2009. It will be a jam packed weekend with men's soccer games on Friday night and Sunday afternoon against St. Joe's (7:00 pm) and Temple (1:00 pm) sandwiched around an Alumni v Alumni game Saturday morning at 10:00 am and Alumni & Friend BBQ to follow. Football is home versus Hofstra so there is plenty to do for everyone. So, if you haven't been back in a few years JOIN US. More information to follow...

Finally, don't forget the University of Rhode Island Men's Soccer 13th Annual Golf Outing on Monday August 10, 2009 at Fenner Hill Golf Club in Hope Valley, RI. it is a fun event and for $125.00 per golfer you get 18 holes of golf, golf favors, a cart, and post-round meal. We also have a putting contest, longest drive, closest to the pin, a raffle later and silent auction.

If you can't be there in person you can be there in spirit as a tee/hole, corporate, foursome or tournament sponsor. You can get details in the attached brochure. We of course welcome any level of support because we realize its' because of you that we are able to do these events and others.

Well, that is about it from here. If you have any news that is fit to print let me know and I will be sure to include it in our next e-mail blast. Take care and enjoy the remainder of the spring.

GO RAMS!
Coach O'C