Preston Hirten Weekend A Tremendous Success
The 3rd annual Preston Hirten ’07 Memorial Weekend came off exactly as planned.
Dozens of Preston’s teammates from Staples High School and the University of Mary Washington — along with players who followed him or competed against him; friends; friends of teammates, and family members ranging from cousins to grandmother — gathered to honor his memory.
They did it with a very competitive, 13-team 7-v-7 tournament (including 2 girls teams); cookouts, and plenty of fond story-telling.
Preston’s family unveiled 2 benches at Wakeman Park. Bearing different inscriptions — honoring both his competitive spirit and team-oriented nature — they’ll perpetuate his memory at a familiar field.
Matt Lamb ’07 and Dave Sharpe ’07 took care of the massive organizational details, with help from many others (and many parents). Players came from as far as California to participate.
They left holding Preston’s spirit close to their hearts, and energized by the power of the sport and the friendships they cherished.
One of the two benches unveiled by the Hirten family at Wakeman Park.
The 2nd bench is dedicated to the entire 2006 team, in the memory of Preston’s #15.
4 of Preston’s Staples teammates (from left): Sean Soderstrom ’07, Alex Gendell ’08, Brett Kaplan ’07, Ben King ’07. (Photo/Laurie Gendell)
The winners of the 7-v-7 tournament: Friends With Benefits. (Photo/Laurie Gendell)
Some of the Staples and Mary Washington players gather for a group photo. (Photo/Laurie Gendell)
Many members of the extended Hirten family participated in the events. (Photo/Laurie Gendell)
Lisa Hirten is flanked by her sister and referee Chichi Ogbenta at the Compo picnic. (Photo/Laurie Gendell)
Brendon Cristobal ’07 and Brad Green ’07, deep in conversation at Compo.
