The 2011 Nebraska Shrine Soccer Classic was held the weekend of June 9-11, 2011. What a great weekend, the coaches and players arrived at 12:00 PM. They were greeted by the Shrine Soccer Committee. After checking in to their room on the Hastings College Campus, we had a short meeting with them. Then off to the practice field. The honorary captains arrival around 2:00 PM and was sent right to the practice fields to meet the players. The honorary captains are patients that have had medical work done at the Shrine Hospitals. The captain's for this year Classic was Cole Dowty York, NE., Zack Bowen Omaha, NE, Aulana Hulbert Seward, NE. and Sarah Sheenan, Friend, NE.
That evening the players and captains we treated to a good old BBQ. The Tehama cooks did great job again. They are the best guys in the world and good cooks also. Before we ate we took teams photos. After we ate the honorary captain’s were introduced to everyone. Then we all watched a film about a couple of patients and the hospitals. Then the main speaker was introduced. It was Sesostris Past Potentate Drew Borske; Drew is one of the youngest Potentate in the history of the Shrine. Also he is a past patient of the Hospital. Wow, what a speaker, he had everyone’s attention. I think we can all say Thank you Drew! Then the players, coaches and honorary captains signed soccer ball for the Friday night auction. We then went to Tom Osborne Sports Complex, where the players were involded in the 2nd Annual Walgrens Challenge. Prizes were awarded to the top three finisher in each event.
Friday, started out with breakfast. Practice was held in the morning and also one in the afternoon. That evening we had the Shrine Soccer Banquet. Most of the parents and friends of these great athletes were there. After the meal we when up stairs to the auditorium and the players introduced themselves and the honorary captain’s were introduced. We watched a couple of films and the parents bid on soccer ball autographed by all players. We have to say thank you to all the parents or family who bid on the ball you were great. We applauded you for what you have done to help the Shrine Hospital and kids.
Saturday morning started with the 4th Annual Shrine Soccer Parade, what a great job the Glen Jorgenson and Phil Odem did. Thanks guys! There were units from Tehama (Hastings), Sesostris (Lincoln) and also Tangier (Omaha)I want to thank every unit for coming out to the parade. We will be shooting for a bigger one next year.
The girls took the field at 12:00 Noon, this years game had to be moved to the grass field just east of the stadium, Hastings College was putting down new Field Turf and was unble to get it down in time for the Classic. The college did a great job getting the grass field ready for us to play on. And we would like to thank them very much. The girls game ened up in a 3-3 tie after overtime, for some reason we didn't have the traditional "shoot out". Norris High School was voted 2010 Girls Most Valuable Player by the sports writers. Samantha had 2 goal and an assist.
North and South boys followed the ladies at 2:30 PM. This years was kind of a run away with the north winning 5-1. Most Valuable player in the boys game was Gustavo Olvera from Columbus High School, Gustavo has the first two goal in the match. Both of these player were voted on by announcers and sports writters attending the game.
We
set a few records this year, the one we are the proudest of is the
record amount of money raised at the with the auction of the
aurographed soccer balls. Also record attendance.
Thanks to all the people who helped put the 2011 Nebraska Shrine Soccer Classic. We could not have done it without you. Players and Coaches you were great to work with. And we can’t say enough about the Parents, you were all great and thanks for letting your athletes play. Again, thanks for bidding on the autographed balls. I know the Committee is look forward to putting on next year’s Classic.
Randy Borecky
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