February 19, 2013
Fans call it “the beautiful game,” and for good reason. Exciting
goals and assists have helped establish soccer as the world’s most
popular sport, and at the inaugural New York City Soccer Gala
– hosted by St. John’s University – alumni and friends gathered off
the pitch to celebrate the game they love.
Photo gallery
Founded by New York City’s five Division I Men’s Soccer
programs (St. John’s, Fordham University, Long Island University,
Brooklyn, Manhattan College and St. Francis College) the gala
honored outstanding individuals who have devoted their lives to
enhancing the game of soccer.
“An event like this is important because it brings generations of
people back together,” said
Dave Masur ’03Ed.D., St. John’s University’s Head Men’s Soccer
Coach. “A variety of people, whether they’re players, coaches or
administrators, are here tonight to appreciate the hard work done
year after year to develop young people through our great
game.”
The following individuals received honors:
Jerome Belson ’48L, ’80HON, St. John’s University (Humanitarian
Award)
Dieter Ficken, Former Men’s Head Soccer Coach, Columbia
University
Sunil Gulati, President, United States Soccer Federation
Arnold Ramirez, Former Men’s Head Soccer Coach, Long Island
University, Brooklyn
Frank Schnur, Former Men’s Head Soccer Coach, Fordham
University
Carlo Tramontozzi, Former Men’s Head Soccer Coach, St. Francis
College
Featuring NBC News4 New York Sports Anchor Bruce
Beck ’09HON as the Master of Ceremonies, the gala also welcomed
special celebrity guests like Don Garber, Commissioner of Major
League Soccer, Shep Messing, former Goalkeeper for the New York
Cosmos and current New York Yankee Mariano Rivera.
The
night was particularly special for the St. John’s community, as
Belson, one of the University’s most generous benefactors, earned
the prestigious Humanitarian Award. His philanthropic works
include: funding for Belson Stadium, the state-of-the-art soccer
arena on the Queens campus; naming honors for Belson Hall, which
houses the School of
Law; the creation of the Belson Moot Courtroom; and a wealth of
other charitable endeavors to help those in need throughout New
York City.
“This is a great moment for me,” said Belson, surrounded by his
loving family and friends. “More importantly, though, I believe
we’ve put soccer on a higher level with the students at St. John’s.
We’ve brought the game out of the basement and to the awareness of
the general public – that there is such a thing as collegiate
soccer! And what’s particularly satisfying to me is the academic
achievement on the part of our student-athletes.”
Fellow St. John’s alumnus Tom Principe ’69C, ’73L, who has known
Belson for years as part of the St. John’s Law Alumni Association
Board of Directors, came out to support his good friend on this
tremendous occasion.
“Every university should have an alumnus like Jerry
Belson,” Principe noted. “He’s done more for St. John’s and the
School of Law than any graduate I can think of, and I’m proud to
call him my friend. The soccer stadium we have on campus is
tremendous, and it has helped our program to become a contender
year in and year out, which says a lot about him and soccer at St.
John’s.”
Other guests, like former Red Storm
Men’s Soccer player Luis Rodriguez ’07CPS, know firsthand how
big an impact Belson has had on St. John’s. Rodriguez’s freshman
year at the University was Belson Stadium’s inaugural season, and
having that spacious home field proved to be one of the most
memorable components of Rodriguez’s college experience.
“Our stadium has become famous in the soccer world,” Rodriguez
explained. “It’s a real showpiece. And little by little, I got to
know Mr. Belson, and I can guarantee that our program would not be
anywhere near the level it’s at today had it not been for him, a
man of such great vision.”
Other Men’s Soccer alumni in attendance, like Alfonso Meneses ’91C,
enjoyed the opportunity to catch up with former coaches and
reminisce about his playing days. Now a successful financial
planner, Meneses is quick to attributes his professional
accomplishments to his experiences at St. John’s, both on and off
the playing field.
“I
had the privilege of playing in some high-pressure, high-intensity
games,” Meneses said. “At the same time, I was taking classes with
great professors, which allowed me to establish a very nice career
for myself. It was the time of my life, a period that opened a lot
of doors for me, so I always support the University whenever I
can.”
Masur was glad to see so many of his former players at this
inaugural gala, coming together to support St. John’s, honor Belson
and celebrate the rich history of New York City soccer.
“We’re excited that our St. John’s tradition can be part of
something bigger than ourselves,” Masur said. “An event like this
reminds us that soccer is alive and well here, and that this city
is truly the heartbeat of United States soccer in every level and
every corner.”