1983 National Runner-Up Men's Soccer Team Visits With Current Squad
10/9/2008 12:00:00 AM | Men's Soccer
NEW YORK -- The Columbia University men's soccer team received a visit from one of the school's top athletic teams of all time last week, as the 1983 men's soccer squad that advanced to the NCAA College Cup championship match stopped by and met with the group at Columbia Soccer Stadium. The team was in town for enshrinement into the Columbia Athletics Hall of Fame. The second-ever Columbia University Hall of Fame class was inducted in a ceremony on October 2.
Following the current team's training session, the past and present Lions gathered while current head coach Leo Chappel introduced the former team to the current squad. Included in the group of players on hand was 1984 Hermann Trophy recipient Amr Aly ?85, two-time Ivy League Player of the Year Steve Sirtis ?84 and starting goalkeeper and senior captain Gary Escher ?84, described as the “backbone” of the team.
“I really enjoyed spending time with the team during the banquet, during the induction ceremony and at practice,” Chappel says. “I'm hoping our team can really learn from that team in terms of embracing the New York City energy and battle cry. It was a tough team that fought hard and that is reflected in the records they established.
“It was inspiring to hear from not only the best Columbia men's soccer team of all time but the team that advanced the furthest amongst Ivy League schools ever,” Chappel concludes. “That is something that we aspire to become moving forward.”
The 1983 Columbia men's soccer team finished with a record of 18-1, and was ranked No. 1 in the nation entering the NCAA Tournament. In the championship match, the Lions dropped a hearbreaking double-overtime decision, 1-0, to Indiana.
The current men's team will return to action on Saturday, Oct. 11, as it takes on Ivy League rival Penn at 7:30 p.m.
Following the current team's training session, the past and present Lions gathered while current head coach Leo Chappel introduced the former team to the current squad. Included in the group of players on hand was 1984 Hermann Trophy recipient Amr Aly ?85, two-time Ivy League Player of the Year Steve Sirtis ?84 and starting goalkeeper and senior captain Gary Escher ?84, described as the “backbone” of the team.
“I really enjoyed spending time with the team during the banquet, during the induction ceremony and at practice,” Chappel says. “I'm hoping our team can really learn from that team in terms of embracing the New York City energy and battle cry. It was a tough team that fought hard and that is reflected in the records they established.
“It was inspiring to hear from not only the best Columbia men's soccer team of all time but the team that advanced the furthest amongst Ivy League schools ever,” Chappel concludes. “That is something that we aspire to become moving forward.”
The 1983 Columbia men's soccer team finished with a record of 18-1, and was ranked No. 1 in the nation entering the NCAA Tournament. In the championship match, the Lions dropped a hearbreaking double-overtime decision, 1-0, to Indiana.
The current men's team will return to action on Saturday, Oct. 11, as it takes on Ivy League rival Penn at 7:30 p.m.
Tuesday, October 28
Tuesday, October 28
Saturday, October 25
Saturday, October 25
