BigG Posted May 9, 2013 Report Share Posted May 9, 2013 I know the team quite well. It was actually Andrew Mitchell that scored the first goal which, having become friends with the Alcoa program through Coach Gorman later on, I learned that Mitchell had been very sick that week and hadn't played in the semis. His raw emotion was very special. I think what made that particular year so special, and not to take away from the next year's team, was the game against Catholic that Alcoa won. I'm sure you remember it well. Having never gotten over the hump of the "big bad privates", knocking out the team that many considered the state favorite in the Region Semis was very special. Alcoa has a fine tradition, and has had many GREAT players on both the boys side and even a few on the girl's side. I was hoping that the Blount United club would really take off as it has been my experience, like you stated, that the number of club players boosts the level of play their high school teams play at (which is the big argument in soccer as opposed to many other sports... public vs private or club vs non-club). I am an Alcoa fan when they're not playing CAK. I remember your son, particularly his game against CAK in the PK shootout 2 seasons ago, as well as Roberto, Burky, Austin and all the guys. Being friends with Coach Gorman and seeing Alcoa three times a year was a great way to build relationships outside of our little walls. Again, props to what Gorman and Fowler built, and again, I really hope that you all get back to that level. Having Catholic back in our region starting next season will make the road more difficult but I think that Womac, Thompson, or any of the other guys from that special class would say that it was all the years of playing the CAKs and Catholics that really prepared them for their special run. Well said, Coach. For me, like you, the things I treasure most from that time of competition are the relationships I still maintain with some of the Alcoa players and coaches. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
akula21 Posted May 9, 2013 Report Share Posted May 9, 2013 Thanks for the kind words Coach. And G has it right. Best part about all those battles was that we have a lot of friendships start and continue to grow from them. Though I'd have liked to at least had the last one in '09. You can't fit all your rings on the same hand!!!!!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BigG Posted May 9, 2013 Report Share Posted May 9, 2013 Thanks for the kind words Coach. And G has it right. Best part about all those battles was that we have a lot of friendships start and continue to grow from them. Though I'd have liked to at least had the last one in '09. You can't fit all your rings on the same hand!!!!!! That's why God gave us two hands, my friend... 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.