Soccer Alumni Tailgate

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Dear Fellow EC Men’s and Women’s Soccer Alumni,

We are reaching out with exciting news regarding the continued growth and future of the Soccer Programs at Elmira College. Last fall, a small group of Soccer Alumni from the late 1970s and 1980s came together to organize and raise funds for a Soccer Bench that was dedicated adjacent to Campus Field. The bench honors the many players who helped establish and build the foundation of Elmira
College Soccer.

More than 20 teammates traveled back to campus for the dedication ceremony, with alumni joining from Florida, Ohio, Wisconsin, and beyond. It was a memorable weekend that included reconnecting with old teammates, celebrating our shared history, and watching the current Men’s Soccer team defeat Houghton on a beautiful Saturday afternoon.

The enthusiasm generated by that gathering inspired us to create an annual EC Soccer Alumni Weekend and continue growing this special community. We invite you to join us this fall on October 2-3, 2026, as we return to campus.The Men’s Soccer team will play Nazareth at 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, October 3, at Campus Field, and we hope you will be there to reconnect with fellow alumni and support the current players. Come tailgate with us. We are sponsoring the tailgating food and beverages.

Register Here

Elmira College Soccer Alumni Fund

Following last year’s event, our group began discussing ways we could provide additional support to both the Men’s and Women’s Soccer Programs. After conversations with the current coaches and College Administration, we established the Elmira College Soccer Alumni Fund.

This alumni-supported fund is designed to enhance both soccer programs by providing resources beyond the current team budgets. The fund is managed in partnership with the College and will allow alumni to directly support the continued success and growth of Elmira College Soccer.

To contribute online:
1. Visit www.elmira.edu/give and select GIVE NOW.
2. Choose One-Time or Recurring Gift and enter your donation amount.
3. Under “I want to support,” select Other.
4. In the designation field, enter: ELMIRA COLLEGE SOCCER ALUMNI FUND
5. Complete your payment information and select Give Securely.
6. When prompted with the “ONE LAST ASK” service fee option, select 0% to avoid additional charges.

To contribute by mail:
Make your check payable to:
Elmira College
Memo Line: Elmira College Soccer Alumni Fund
Mail to:
Elmira College
Attention: Paula Lee Hobson, Vice President
1 Park Place
Elmira, NY 14901

If your employer offers matching gifts, please consider taking advantage of that opportunity to increase your impact. Throughout the year, Elmira College hosts fundraising initiatives, including Soaring Forward (August 17-31), Giving Tuesday (December 1, 2026), and Elmira Everlasting (April 21, 2027). During these opportunities, you can designate your contribution to the Elmira College Soccer Alumni Fund and directly support the soccer programs.

We are fortunate to have a passionate and growing group of EC Men’s and Women’s Soccer Alumni who have helped bring this initiative to life. Our goal is to reconnect nearly 50 years of Elmira College Soccer traditions, teammates, and memories while creating a stronger future for the players who follow us. If you would like to join our “Alumni & Friends of EC Soccer” email community, please send your contact information to one of the founders listed below.

Thank you for your support, and we look forward to reconnecting with you!

STRONGER TOGETHER!

Rob Barsamian ’82
rmb@ovpmanagement.com

Phil “Ace” Ware ’82
aceware1@aol.com

Jeff “Boomer” Ference ’80
ference.j@gmail.com

Ross Shepherd ’81
ras104@aol.com

Register for the Tailgate