in the Elysian Fields. In subsequent years we’ve gotten great turnouts, with other Priory soccer legends from after my time there–it took a while before I was informed of their impressive soccer pedigrees–showing up. But my inspirational favorite is Jim Hawkins, the father of my classmate John ’76. Jim has played every year, and last year he was, if I’m not mistaken, 80 years old. He definitely makes the case that 80 is the new 50 – he’s still a very effective player. I play in what I call Geezer Soccer tournaments that draw teams from around the world, and the oldest player
I’ve heard of was a 77 year-old Japanese man. I told Jim Hawkins he might be the oldest competitive soccer player in America. He wryly responded he was not sure he wanted to carry that burden, but I think it’s a badge of honor, and a fitting testament to the enduring soccer culture of St. Louis. I may have my reservations about being religious, but I will allow that with a little assistance from on high, I hope to maintain the tradition of the annual alumni soccer game for many years to come.
McCabe
Alex Kline on right
Field Dedication never run again, much less play contact sports like soccer or ice hockey. However, I was able to resume them about six years ago, and soccer has become a big part of my life again. I may not be religious, but when it comes to soccer, I do appreciate the story of Lazarus. In 2005, for my 25th college reunion, I organized a reunion soccer game for former varsity players at Stanford, and found it was a great way to reconnect and play some good soccer. I decided to try it at Priory when I came home for my 30th high-school reunion in 2006. Julie Constantino was very supportive and enthusiastic, as was coach John Mohrmann, just off his historic 26-0-0 perfect season. My old buddy George Ahlering ’76 lives right across the road from Priory, and I persuaded him and some other St. Louis-based alums like Jim Carter ’76, Dan Sheehan ’76, Marty Cargas ’77, and John Hickey ’77 to dust off their cleats. Classmate John Geisse ’76, and Matt Hogan ’78, flew in from California, wary of the prospect of pulling half the muscles in their legs. We managed to get good turnout from other years as well, including Priory soccer legend Paul Beuttenmuller ’74. It was a perfect early fall afternoon in St. Louis, the cicadas were buzzing, I was surrounded with familiar faces I might otherwise never have seen again, and the Beautiful Game was afoot. I might as well have been romping
Mr. Marty McCabe gave countless hours of service and dedication to Saint Louis Priory School and its students during his 38 years of employment. He held the positions of teacher, advisor, form master, yearbook moderator, admission director, athletic director, head basketball coach and head baseball coach. It is a fitting tribute to Mr. McCabe to have his name forever associated with the new Priory Baseball Field. A group of alumni stepped forward in the Building on the Promise Capital Campaign to secure this naming right in honor of Mr. McCabe. Now it is time to dedicate the field and celebrate with Marty. McCabe Field Dedication Friday, May 7, 2010 4:00-4:30 p.m.
Ceremony on the Baseball Field
4:30-5:30 p.m.
Stay and enjoy the game
5:30-6:30 p.m.
Reception on the patio on the west side of the gymnasium
Even if you are unable to attend the ceremony, celebrate with Marty at the reception.
winter 2010 issue
21