Off & Running...again

The 2012 LM Soccer Aces opened their new season last Saturday with an impressive 4-0 over non-league opponent West Chester East. On the same day defending State Champion Conestoga, coming off an undefeated season in 2011, was shocked by Great Valley 1-0. Next up for the Aces is another non-league contest Tuesday, this time against Catholic League South rival Bonner.

New LM Soccer Alumni Website Happenings

For those of you who have not visited our LM Soccer Alumni website yet please check it out at: lmsocceralum.org. There are records and stats for every LM's boy's soccer team, dating back to the very 1st team in 1924. There are also Playoffs records, All-Central League picks, Individual School Records, Team School Records, Coaching Records for every LM coach, JV & Freshman Records, and much more. Check it out.

There are also 2 new additions to the site:

1. A tribute to Jimmy Brown, a standout student & 3-sport athlete from LM in the mid-80's. Tragically Jimmy was critically injured in a car accident in 1986, and despite the challenges he faced due to the accident, he never lost his spirit and love of life.

2. LM Soccer Videos, where we're able to post game videos from any year they were filmed, as well as the "Highlite Videos", that were put together at the end of many of those seasons.

To start we have posted the "Highlite Videos" for 1986, 1987, & 1988, along with the LM Soccer Documentary "The Tradition Continues", which tracks the history of LM Soccer, from 1924 thru 2007. This is a must watch for all LM Soccer Alumni who haven't seen it yet because you are the ones that helped build this tradition of excellence.

We will be posting more "Highlite Videos", as well as individual game films as they become available, as well as updating the documentary.

LM Aces take the field

The LM Aces are already 2 weeks into pre-season practice, with their 1st scrimmage coming up next week. Coach Severini lost 7 starters to graduation, and the new "Academy" rule (which prohibits all high school soccer players playing on Academy teams from playing for their high school team this Fall) has taken 4 of the Aces top players. It should be a challenging season for LM, but a challenge that these young Aces are looking forward to.

LM Soccer Alumni Weekend

is only 4 weeks away, Friday & Saturday, September 21st & 22nd. We have already been receiving many checks for the Friday night (Sept. 21st) LM Soccer Alumni Dinner at Edgmont Golf Club, which is open to all LM Soccer Alumni from any year, as well as their spouses, significant other, and parents. It begins with an open bar at 7:30 PM, which continues throughout the evening, followed by a buffet dinner.

We will be celebrating the 25th anniversary of the 1987 State Championship Team, with most of the players & coaches from that team in attendance. A 25 minute video, highlighting that magical season, will be shown at the dinner.

Our annual "LM Soccer Alumni Game" will be played the following morning, Saturday, September 22nd, at 11:45 AM, on the old grass soccer field at Arnold Field. It will be the Alumni from that '87 team playing against Alumni from other years. We hope we can get a big turnout.

If you are interested in attending any of the "LM Soccer Alumni Weekend" functions please see the info below:

Friday, Sept. 21st
Noon - Steve Fountain Memorial Golf Tournament at Edgmont Golf Club, cost is $150, which includes lunch, golf, prizes, open bar, and the LM Soccer Alumni Dinner (go to our LM Soccer Alumni website at: lmsocceralum.org to register)

7:30 PM - LM Soccer Alumni Dinner at Edgmont Golf Club, cost is $65 per person, which includes open bar & buffet dinner. Make checks out to "LMSAA" and send to Jim VanDusen, 800 Maple Glen Lane, Wayne, PA, 19087-4727

Saturday, Sept. 22nd
10:00 AM - LM Aces take on Upper Darby on the turf at Arnold Field

11:45 AM - LM Soccer Alumni Game at Arnold Field, with lunch to follow on the field for all Alumni & families, no charge (please email Bob Davidson at: bubdavidson@comcast.net if you plan on playing in the Alumni Game, and how many people will be with you for lunch)

We hope you can come out and join us for this memorable weekend.

2012 LM Soccer Schedule

As you look to the right on this page you will find the 2012 LM Soccer Schedule. As you can see there are 2 night games, as well as a Central League game with Upper Darby at Arnold Field during LM Soccer Alumni Weekend.

Speaking of the LM Soccer Alumni Weekend, we are beginning to get some checks in for the LM Soccer Reunion Dinner at Edgmont Country Club on West Chester Pike in Edgmont, as well as the Steve Fountain Memorial Golf Event (also held at Edgmont). Remember, in order for us to be able to give an accurate number count to Edgmont Country Club for the Reunion Dinner we are asking you to try and get your checks in by August 21st.

If you haven't already done so the cost for the buffet dinner & open bar is $65 per person, and the cost of the Steve Fountain Golf Event is $150 per person (but that includes the reunion buffet dinner & open bar). Please put down the names of any guests that will be joining you, and make your checks out to "LMSAA". You can mail them to Jim VanDusen at:
800 Maple Glen Lane
Wayne, PA 19087-4727

Also let us know if you plan on playing in (or just attending) the LM Soccer Alumni Game on Saturday morning, September 22nd, at 11:45 AM on the grass field at Arnold Field. Lunch will be provided for all LM Soccer Alumni & families after the Alumni Game, so we need an accurate count so we don't come up short on lunches.

Hope to see you all there at Edgmont on Friday, September 21st and at Arnold Field the next morning.

2012 LM Soccer Alumni Reunion Dinner

 

I hope everyone is enjoying their summer. With the LM Fall soccer season fast approaching I just wanted to bring you all up to date on our "LM Soccer Alumni Weekend" plans, featuring another LM Soccer Alumni Reunion Dinner.

Friday, September 21st - Noon

8th Annual Steve Fountain Memorial Golf Event at Edgmont Golf Club (scramble format)

* Go to our LM Soccer Alumni website for details: lmsocceralum.org (click on "Steve Fountain")

* If you know of anyone interested in being a sponsor of any kind, or joining us as players, it can all be done online at our website

Friday, September 21st - 7:30 PM

LM Soccer Alumni Reunion Dinner at Edgmont Golf Club

* LM Soccer Alumni, and spouses or guests, from any year are invited to come out and join us (at our last LM Soccer Reunion dinner in 2007 we had 100 players & coaches in attendance from 6 different decades)

* We will be celebrating the 25th anniversary of the 1987 Boy's Soccer State  Championship and most of the players & coaches from that team will be present

* The cost is $65 per person for the buffet dinner & open bar, and checks can be made out to "LMSAA", and sent to our treasurer Jim VanDusen at 800 Maple Glen Lane, Wayne, PA 19087-4727. 

* We ask you to try and get the checks in by August 21st (30 days out) so we can give the people at Edgmont an accurate count. We hope you can make it as it promises to be a very special evening.

Saturday, September 22nd - At Arnold Field

10:00 AM - The current LM Aces will take on Upper Darby on the turf

11:45 AM - The annual LM Soccer Alumni Game on the grass practice field

After the Alumni Game lunch will be provided for all LM Soccer Alumni & families

4:00 PM – Post Alumni Game get together at Gullifty’s in Bryn Mawr

More details to follow right here at Coach D's blog. If you have any questions you can email me at bubdavidson@comcast.net.

Jimmy Brown

A. James Brown, III.
(July 12, 1969 - February 18, 2012)

A. James ( Jimmy ) Brown, III, 42, of Narberth, while surrounded by his family, passed away due to cardiac and pulmonary complications on February 18, 2012 at Penn Hospice at Rittenhouse in Philadelphia. As a 16-year-old, Jimmy was critically injured as a passenger in a one car accident in April of 1986. Recovery spanned 16 months at Bryn Mawr Hospital, Temple Hospital, and Moss Rehabilitation Center and left Jimmy brain injured, a quadriplegic, and confined to a wheelchair. Since the accident, Jimmy's mother, now a retired registered nurse, and father cared for him at home.

Despite the challenges Jimmy faced due to the accident, he never lost his spirit and love of life. He had an infectious smile, cheerful disposition, and compassion for everyone who crossed his path. Jimmy truly did not have a mean bone in his body. He was known to many as the unofficial mayor of Narberth as he would often park his wheelchair at the end of his street greeting all who would pass. He would share his story and picture books with passersby and would draw honks and hollers from all the school bus and UPS drivers as they drove by.

Prior to the accident, Jimmy was a standout student and three-sport athlete at Lower Merion High School. After his accident, Jimmy displayed his love of sports as an avid supporter of his brother's and sister's teams in high school and college and attended all of their games. He also loved to cheer on the Phillies, Flyers, Eagles, and his favorite wrestlers. Jimmy had a love for music, movies, and sitcoms. He attended many concerts over the years and loved a night out at the movies.

Jimmy also enjoyed traveling outside the local area. Soon after the accident, Ted Goldsborough and the LM class of '87 created the "Jimmy Brown Fund" and raised $30,000. These funds enabled the Browns to purchase their first lift van from Len Seigel of Norristown Ford and the travels began. The Brown's crisscrossed the US and Canada taking Jimmy to all 48 contiguous states and most of the national parks and visited topical destinations in Mexico, Bahamas, and Jamaica. After a faithful life of service the first van was replaced in 2005 by the gift of a new van, complete with TV and VCR, from Stephen Spivak, Jimmy's classmate and best friend. For the past several years, Jimmy spent the winters at the family's condo in Bonita Springs, Florida where he loved going to the beach or hanging out with his snowbird friends by the pool at the condo complex.

Jimmy not only enjoyed recreation but also wanted to make a difference in the lives of others. In 2003, Jimmy and his parents partnered with the "Cruisin' Not Boozin' Program" of the Bryn Mawr Rehabilitation Center. Through this program, they presented the video "The Choice is Yours - The Jimmy Brown Story" many times at high schools in the tri state area. This video depicted Jimmy's life and sports achievements before the accident contrasted with his life and daily struggles after the accident. They hoped to inform students of the potential consequences of a bad decision and to discourage them from drinking and driving. In 2006, the American Trauma Society, Pennsylvania Division, awarded Jimmy and the Brown family the prestigious "Distinguished Service Award" in recognition of their work with the "Cruisin' Not Boozin' Program." To further support the "Cruisin' Not Boozin' Program", Jimmy's classmate and close friend, Julie Wool, created The Annual Jimmy Brown Alumni Classic basketball game held at Lower Merion High School. This game pits Lower Merion alumni against the current crop of Lower Merion seniors with all proceeds going to the "Cruisin' Not Boozin' Program."

Jim was the beloved son of Jim and Kaye Brown. Loving brother of Bandon D. Brown (Kelly) and Carly Leach (Gary). He is also survived by numerous aunts, uncles, cousins and dear friends.

A Celebration of His Life will be held Saturday February 25, 1:30 PM at Narberth Presbyterian Church, 205 Grayling Ave., Narberth. Relatives and friends may visit at the Church after 12 Noon. Interment is private.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Narberth Ambulance, 101 Sibley Ave., Ardmore, PA 19003 or to the Bryn Mawr Rehab Hospital Cruisin' Not Boozin' Program, 414 Paoli Pike, Malvern, PA 19355.

Save the Date

The dates for the 2012 "LM Soccer Alumni Weekend" are Friday, September 21st & Saturday, September 22nd. We hope you will be able to join us for some of our special celebrations. More info to follow in the Spring.