Alumni Fiesta

The victory for the Norse was not the only soccer match that took place this weekend. The annual Luther Soccer Alumni Weekend brought soccer alums both young and old back to Decorah for a weekend of fellowship, fun, and general revelry. The returning classes ranged from 1983, when Luthe had only a club team, the record setting 1990s teams, through the most recent graduating class. Luther was inundated with guys like Luther's own Greg Vanney (no not that Greg Vanney), Luther Hall of Famer and all time leading scorer Marty Myers, and more recent captains Mike Eckberg, John Schroeher and David Keller.
The day began as the guys dusted off the boots and strapped them on for an alumni game. It was an even match without much defending, and the game ended in a 5-5 tie. The most important thing is that there were no serious injuries, though there was some heavy breathing and some less-than-mild complaining. Thanks to excellent photography by the Dutchess of Alumni Weekend, Julie Shockey, the guys actually appear as if they once had great athletic ability. I am sure everyone was pretty sore the next day, but it was a great time, a gorgeous afternoon, and a chance for friends new and old to reunite and catch up.
Any nagging soreness was soon forgotten as the alumni group assembled under the alumni tent and began to grill right alongside the game field during the game. They were helpfully boisterous, as is usually the case, and helped cheer their alma mater on to victory over Simpson. The night concluded as the men and women alumni joined together at their old stomping ground, T-Bocks, as the alumni watched Iowa put away Michigan on the football field and watched the USA qualify for the World Cup. It seemed as if everything went our way alumni weekend, and we appreciate all of the support, good times, and great friendships provided by our wonderful alumni. We look forward to seeing everyone again next year if not sooner, and hopefully the Luther Soccer family can continue to grow. We would like to thank the alumni for their continued support of the Mello Endowment, which will enhance the Luther Soccer experience and is named for the man that started the Luther program and gave so much to it. We look forward to seeing everyone again next year if not sooner, and hopefully the Luther Soccer family can continue to grow and prosper. Thanks again for a great weekend!