“Old Codgers” Win Preston Hirten Tournament

They call themselves the “Old Codgers.”

But the team whose core was Staples’ 2000 FCIAC championship team — bolstered by a few younger players, and former US national team and MLS player Kyle Martino ’99 — defended their Preston Hirten 7-v-7 championship this morning, at Wakeman Park. The Codgers let a 2-0 lead slip from their grasp, drawing 2-2 after regulation time. But they earned their 2nd straight title in the 1st sudden-victory penalty kick, after deadlocking 4-4 with a team made up primarily of Preston’s former Beachside teammates.

Members of the victorious Codgers side included former Wreckers Jason Alvarez ’03, Mike Carey ’01, Matt Katz ’01, Brandon Lamb ’01, Kyle Martino ’99, Chris Meinke ’04, Zach Schwarz ’03, Jordan Schur ’01 and Jim Wolf ’01.

The squad of most recent graduates reached the semifinals of the 10-team tourney. Players included Nate Argosh ’15, Patrick Beusse ’15, Kenji Goto ’16, Charlie Leonard ’14, Gabe Pensak ’15, Andrew Puchala ’15, Michael Reid ’15, Noah Schwaeber ’16 and Connor Weiler ’14.

Two teams of current Staples players also competed. Both just missed out on advancement. There was also a team of very recent graduates, former players and those who never played Staples soccer. They did some damage too.

Preston’s Staples team was well represented, with Liam Bohonnon ’08, Nicky Hoberman ’07, Brett Kaplan ’07, Ben King ’07, Matt Lamb ’07, Dave Sharpe ’07, Mike Smith ’08, and Matt Sych ’07. Brad Green ’07, Trevor Lamb ’04 and Mikey Fitzgerald ’10 also participated.

The 7th annual event honors the memory of Preston Hirten ’07, the former Wrecker who died during pre-season of his junior year at the University of Mary Washington. As always, many UMW alumni made the trip from all around the country, for a weekend of soccer competition, food and memories.