News Summary

Northfield High School’s soccer program is set to celebrate its 50th anniversary with a reunion on August 9-10. Former players and enthusiasts will gather for festivities, including a dinner and a Minnesota United game. The event aims to rekindle old friendships while honoring the history and evolution of the soccer program since its inception in 1975. This is an opportunity for all former players to reminisce and celebrate their shared love for the sport.

Northfield High School Soccer Program Celebrates 50 Years of Kicking Goals!

As summer rolls along and warm evenings linger, Northfield, Minnesota, is preparing to throw a major party! The Northfield High School soccer program is gearing up to celebrate a fantastic milestone: its 50th anniversary. Mark your calendars for an unforgettable reunion happening on August 9-10, packed with nostalgia, camaraderie, and of course, some soccer!

Who’s Behind the Reunion?

A vibrant group of former players—Eric Olson, Dan Hill, Hugh Jenkins, and Paul Jenkins—who played pivotal roles in establishing the NHS soccer program are leading the charge for this exciting event. These soccer enthusiasts are excited to gather everyone who has laced up their cleats for NHS from the mid-1970s to the early 1980s. It’s a great chance to catch up, reminisce, and celebrate some cherished memories.

Event Highlights

The festivities kick off on Saturday, August 9, with a gathering at the NHS soccer field from 3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.. Whether you played on the field or cheered from the sidelines, everyone is welcome to join in on the fun! Afterward, get ready to fill your bellies—the reunion dinner is set for 6:00 p.m. It’s the perfect time to swap stories and rekindle old friendships over delicious food.

And just when you thought it couldn’t get better, there’s more! On August 10, the reunion group will take a trip to see the Minnesota United go toe-to-toe with the Colorado Rapids in St. Paul. It’s bound to be an electrifying match to cap off this memorable weekend!

A Rich History

The story of the NHS soccer program began back in 1975 when students rallied together to persuade the school board to look into funding for a soccer initiative. Their hard work paid off, resulting in the first-time funding of $500 to hire their very first coach, Michel Monnot, a French professor who officially introduced the program in 1976.

Thanks to the empowering Title IX legislation, the co-ed soccer program took off. By 1976, the NHS intramural soccer program thrived with eight teams comprised of both boys and girls from middle and high schools, fueled by the excitement sparked by the Minnesota Kicks — a professional team that kicked off in 1976.

It wasn’t long before the program began to show its potential on the field. Under the guidance of Coach Jim Page during the 1977-78 season, the team played four games and celebrated their very first victory against Prior Lake, winning a nail-biter with a score of 1-0.

Alumni and Friendships

This exciting reunion aims not just to celebrate past victories but also to reconnect former players who have spread their wings and traveled to various states, including Rhode Island, California, New York, New Hampshire, Massachusetts, and of course, Minnesota. The bonds formed on the soccer field have stood the test of time, with many alumni expressing pride in the growth of the NHS program, which has achieved significant milestones, including state tournament appearances for both boys and girls teams.

Erasing all geographical barriers, former players have continued to nurture friendships that started on the soccer field decades ago. For many, kicking a ball around is not just a game but a cherished part of life, a connection to their youth, and a source of community pride.

Join the Fun!

If you are one of those players who experienced the thrill of lacing up your cleats for Northfield High School, this reunion is your moment! If you’re interested in attending or need more information about the event, don’t hesitate to reach out—contact Eric Olson at eolson11235@gmail.com.

Don’t miss out on the chance to celebrate 50 years of soccer history in Northfield! Whether it’s sharing stories under the stars, enjoying some good old-fashioned soccer, or just soaking in the joy of friendship, it’s sure to be a weekend full of fun, laughter, and unforgettable memories.

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