Hall of Fame Honors Anson Dorrance and Hugo Perez

 

NATIONAL SOCCER HALL OF FAME AND MUSEUM

Public Relations Contact: Jack Huckel

Jack@soccerhall.org

(607) 432-3351 ext. 209  

 

 

Hall of Fame Honors Anson Dorrance and Hugo Perez

 

ONEONTA, NY (August 3, 2008) – In front of a standing room only audieince in the National Soccer Museum, Builder Anson Dorrance and Veteran Player Hugo Perez were  inducted into the National Soccer Hall of Fame. Ike Kuhns, formerly of the Newark(NJ) Star-Ledger, was also honored as the recipient of the Colin Jose Media Award. "As the culmination of a fabulous weekend, the ceremony was very special," Hall of Fame President Steve Baumann said. "It captured all the values that we believe is the best of sport, hard work and perseverance, balance in life and dedication to success. We hope our audience left inspired as we celebrated the achievements of these extraordinary people."

 

Kuhns highlighted his reporting on the Cosmos in his acceptance address, saying "…in the stroke of a pen, everything changed…" referring to Pele's signing with the team, a landmark event in American soccer history. "Suddenly soccer was an easier story to get into print," he added. "I thank the Hall of Fame for this honor," he said in conclusion.

 

Nelson Perez, who presented his brother Hugo, stated, "As the younger brother I had to do all the cleaning and picking up in the house because Hugo was always playing soccer. Today it was all worth it!" In return Hugo thanked his family for their love and support as he pursued his soccer dream. "It was what I wanted – to play soccer like my grandfather – to be honored by the Hall of Fame for doing that is overwhelming. I am most grateful."

 

Anson Dorrance was presented by his most famous star player Mia Hamm. The two reversed roles at Induction 2007 when Anson presented Mia for her induction into the Hall of Fame. Mia was asked which was harder. "By far this one!" She said. "I had the responsibility to represent all the players whom Anson has touched; whom Anson has helped become mature, intelligent, competitive, dedicated, and confident women…." and, after a pause to gather herself "…also emotional."  In rejoinder Dorrance recognized that growing up in household where the athletes were the women of the family had uniquely prepared him for his coaching role. "My sister was by far the best athlete and she delighted in demonstrating that fact. And my Mother regularly beat the pants of my Dad in any athletic contest." About his star pupil Mia he said he was most thankful for, "her big sister role to my two daughters… and all her congratulatory calls over the years." He concluded by thanking his family and noting his wife's encouragement as he pursued the "… a life that has exceeded my dreams."

 

Induction photography is available at www.isiphoto.com

 

About the Hall of Fame

 

The Mission of the National Soccer Hall of Fame is to Celebrate the History, Honor the Heroes,

Inspire the Youth and Preserve the Legacy of Soccer in the United States.

 

Located in Oneonta, NY, the National Soccer Hall of Fame opened a new 30,000 sq.ft., state-of-the-art multimedia museum in 1999. The Hall of Fame tells the story of soccer in America through artifacts, photographs, video and written narratives. The main VideoWall portrays some of the greatest moments and the greatest goals in soccer history as well as live soccer action from the World Cup, MLS, and U.S. Soccer matches. The Hall features an extensive interactive, youth oriented Kicks Zone, including a kid-sized indoor field, where visitors have fun kicking, heading and playing video soccer games. Unique and rare artifacts on exhibit range from The Dewar Cup, the oldest team trophy in U.S. Sport, to the Women's World Cup won by the USA in 1999, the uniforms of Pele and Mia Hamm, Kristine Lilly's golden shoes, NASL championship rings, and MLS championship trophies.  That and so much more are all at the National Soccer Hall of Fame. In addition to the interactive Museum, the National Soccer Hall of Fame's 61-acre complex boasts the Kicks Hall of Fame Museum Store, a research library, four world-class soccer fields and office/meeting facilities. Visit the Hall of Fame at www.soccerhall.org

 

WRIGHT NATIONAL SOCCER CAMPUS

18 STADIUM CIRCLE

ONEONTA, NY 13820

(607) 432-3351  FAX (607) 432-8429

www.soccerhall.org