Men’s soccer alumni and their families gathered in Oswego Sept. 21 and 22 to reminisce, support the current varsity men's soccer team and honor former Coach Ernie Luongo and his 1966 SUNY Athletic Conference championship team.

The weekend kicked off Friday with the Oswego State men’s soccer game vs. SUNY Morrisville, which Oswego won 4-0. Having alumni and former coaches in attendance was great encouragement for the team.

“I think the coolest thing about the reunion is having Ernie here. He gave a halftime speech at the Morrisville game that was just great,” said team member William Bussert ’08.

The Morrisville game was followed by an informal gathering at The Press Box sports bar and restaurant in Oswego. Saturday’s events began with an alumni game at Laker field. The men were divided into teams of evens and odds based upon their graduation years. The evens and odds tied 4-4.

“The best part of this weekend is to come back and see the old team, have the chance to play, go out and do all the same things we used to do,” said Dan Kincaid ’04.

Following the alumni game, there was a barbecue for alumni, families and friends. At 4 p.m. Saturday, the Oswego State men’s soccer team faced SUNYIT, whom they defeated 5-0. At halftime, Coach Ernie Luongo, Assistant Coach Harry Nash and members of the 1966 championship team, represented by Dan Scaia ’68, Larry Smith ’67, Tony Mercep ’67 and John Bome ’68, were honored.

“I really looked forward to seeing my players from 1966,” said Luongo. “It’s not only a warm and embracing reunion, but it’s just great to see how well my players from ’66 have conducted themselves in their life pursuits.”

Luongo’s team members from 1966 had nothing but praise, stories and laughter to share with their former coach.

“Coach created a lot of memories for us. On many occasions we all get together and reminisce,” said Dan Scaia ’68.

Tony Mercep ’67 spoke of what an inspiration Coach Luongo is, not only for those he coached, but for future players as well. “Ernie set the bar very high with his coaching ability. He motivated us and touched many people. He gave the future teams something to shoot for. He’s a good man.”

Luongo beamed with pride while surrounded by his former players. “I appreciate what the college has done for the soccer alumni reunion. It will be remembered for an eternity,” he said.

—Kristin Quinn ’08

PHOTO CAPTIONS:
Upper: Alumni returned in September to celebrate the 1966 championship team and Coach Ernie Luongo (right) and Assistant Coach Harry Nash (far left).
Lower: The 1966 soccer team. Photo credit: 1966 Ontarian

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Oswego Alumni Association, Inc.
King Alumni Hall - SUNY Oswego - Oswego, NY 13126
315-312-2258 - 315-312-5570 (fax)
Email: alumni@oswego.edu
Web site: www.oswego.edu/alumni