Brian McCormick hits another milestone

Brian McCormick hits another career milestone this Sunday when he plays his 500th senior game for Blue Lake Soccer Club (BLSC).

Brian began playing for Blue Lake in their Under 13 side in the mid 1970's, but as with many country football clubs, there are little or no records of the junior games. He began his way through the senior ranks in the B grade, and then progressed up to A Grade and established himself in that side in 1984.

After 380 A grade games, in 2006 Brian decided to step back to B grade, where he has been ever since.

Uncle Colin McCormick was the person who persuaded Brian to play for Blue Lake. Colin was the trainer at the time. Daughter Jenna & son Bradley are now following in the family tradition, and play in the junior ranks of BLSC.

Brian's loyalty to BLSC is unquestionable and, together with stalwarts Lewis & Sam Ferguson, the friendships and camaraderie is of paramount importance.

Speaking last Sunday, Brian said that he has seen many players come and go within the Western Border Soccer Association competition, but he rates Joe D'Agostino, Tony D'Agostino, Chris Yarnevic and Cameron Craig as some of his toughest opponents. These players played tough, but fairly, and friendships have developed over the years with these former opponents.

He has enjoyed playing alongside some of the greats of BLSC including Sam, Lewis and Derek Ferguson, Kevin Fielding, Norm Murphy, the Sloan brothers in Josh and Xavier, as well as Phil Schultz. In recent times, Blue Lake teammates have included Rob Hanson, Sean Fulton and Michael Davison.

As far as coaches are concerned he learnt most of his skills from Sam Ferguson Snr but has enjoyed being coached by Sam F Ferguson and Dante Pepe in recent years.

Brian continues to perform well on the pitch and as recently as 2008 won the B Grade Best and Fairest, was named in the Team of the year, and elected Players' Player. He has won other Best and Fairest awards over many years, as well as other awards. He represented the Western Border Soccer Association for the first time in 1992, and now is a regular member of the Western Border Masters teams.

He credits his success to lack of injuries, consistent seasons and the support from his family. He is very proud of his children in their various sporting arenas and loves watching them succeed.

Brian's next major goal is to run onto the pitch from his very own clubrooms. BLSC have never had a club house, and is now in the process of building a brand new venue to house the past, present and future of BLSC. Brian should be able to achieve this goal in 2010.

After 500 games, you would think that there isn't much more to achieve. Brian is now putting his time back into the club, and has taken on the challenge of assistant coach of the U12s. Following on from the example set by his Uncle Colin all those years ago, Brian is now one of the people that invites juniors into the ranks of the BLSC.

Article submitted by Lisa McCormick, edited by Lake News.

http://www.lakenews.com.au/index.php/sport/soccer-wbsa/890-brian-mccormick-hits-another-milestone.html