BUIES CREEK – Campbell University will embark on a year-long celebration this fall recognizing its 50th season of men’s soccer varsity competition.
Campbell will recognize its greatest accomplishments over the last 50 years during a season-long celebration featuring a gathering of men’s soccer alumni during Homecoming weekend (Oct. 19-20) on campus.
All-Decade Teams will be named for the 1960s, ‘70s, ‘80s, ‘90s and 2000s and released periodically throughout the campaign. On Oct. 19, a men’s soccer golf outing will be held at Keith Hills Country Club to kick off the Homecoming weekend. An Alumni-vs.-Alumni game is scheduled for 11 a.m. on Oct. 20, followed by a luncheon.
Men’s Soccer alumni in attendance will be recognized at half-time of the 3:30 p.m. men’s soccer Homecoming match vs. Presbyterian.
“I consider it both an honor and a privilege to be a part of the 50th year of Campbell Men’s Soccer and our Golden Anniversary celebration,” said third-year head coach Steve Armas. “There is a rich tradition of quality soccer here at Campbell. I would like to thank all of those that have been the driving force behind the continual success of the program over the past 50 years. Numerous successful coaches, countless players, family and friends of Campbell soccer have helped build the program to what it is today. Additionally, I look forward to reconnecting with alumni, family and friends of Campbell Men’s Soccer. My hope is that you will help us in celebrating and making our 2012 season a memorable one.”
Golden Anniversary Season festivities will begin with the regular season home opener on Aug. 29, against UNC Wilmington and continue through Senior Night, Sat., Oct. 27 against UNC Asheville.
“We look forward to celebrating a milestone season with our men’s soccer family,” said Director of Athletics Bob Roller. “Campbell enjoys a rich soccer tradition and we anxiously await the opportunity to renew friendships formed over the last five decades.”
In the 49 seasons since the program’s first match on Sept. 28, 1963, Campbell has amassed a 469-343-53 (.573) overall record, including a 322-288-46 (.526) mark on the Division I level.
Under the direction of Coach Jim “Catfish” Cole, Campbell embarked on its first men’s soccer campaign in 1963 and produced a 2-5-1 mark. However, over the next dozen years, the Fighting Camels emerged as a national power on the NAIA level, reaching the national tournament three times and winning six district titles.
In 1977, Campbell moved to the NCAA Division I ranks and became one of the top-ranked programs in the South region over the next decade. After finishing the 1983 season rated ninth in the South, Campbell won the first two Big South Conference championships in 1984 and 1985 under the guidance of Coach Tim Morse.