Brian will next week, play his 500th senior game for Blue Lake Soccer Club in the match against International Soccer club. He began there in U13’s in the mid 70’s but there are no records of all his junior years. He began his way through the senior ranks in the B grade and then progressed up and established himself in the A grade side in 1984. He played 380 A grade games and in 2006 decided to step back to B grade where he has been ever since. Blues News editor Graeme Peake, has referred to Brian as ‘ one the of the clubs true gentlemen’.
He was originally asked to play for Blue Lake, by his Uncle Colin McCormick who was the trainer at the time. Brian’s loyalty to BLSC is unquestionable and together with stalwarts Lewis & Sam Ferguson, the friendships and camaraderie is of paramount importance. His daughter Jenna & son Bradley play in the Jnr ranks of BLSC and the family element within the club is pivotal.
He has seen many players come and go within the Western Border, but rates Joe D’Agostino, Tony D’Agostino, Chris Yarnevic & Cameron Craig as some of his toughest opponents. He has enjoyed playing alongside some of the greats of BLSC including Sam, Lewis & Derek Ferguson, Kevin Fielding, Norm Murphy, the Sloan brothers in Josh and Xavier, as well as Phil Schultz. More recently players such as 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, Dante Pepe in recent years.
His commitment to the club as a player, coach, past committee member and parent is undeniably worthy of great recognition and will be celebrated by the club next weekend.
Highlights:
He continues to perform well on the pitch and as recently as season 2008, won the B Grade B& F, was named in the Team of the year and elected Players Player. He has won other B&F over many years as well as other awards. He has represented the WB league for the first time in 1992 and now is a regular member of the Masters WB teams. He is now taking on the challenge of assistant coach of the U12s and is enjoying working with the future players of BLSC.
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. Jenna began her playing career with Blue Lake and whilst playing in the Women’s association, also plays in the Blue Lake U17 team and son Bradley plays in the U12’s. Oldest daughter Alanah, provides a welcome change from soccer as she plays netball and dances.
Brian’s major goal is to run onto the pitch from his very own clubrooms. BLSC have never had a clubrooms and is now in the process of building a brand new venue to house the past, present and future of BLSC. This should happen in 2010. “I would love to continue to participate in future Masters’ teams with my mates and fellow soccer players of this region.”
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