Connecticut Soccer Hall of Fame 10th Annual Induction Saturday, January 26, 2008

At the Farmington Marriott Hotel Social Hour 5:30 PM, Dinner at 6:30 PM

The new class of Connecticut Soccer Hall of Fame inductees have been selected. The lifetime accomplishments of these few have helped countless others enjoy the game of soccer. Now is the time to gather and thank them for their years of commitment to our state and the game. Dinner tickets and sponsorship packages will show your support of both the inductees and the Connecticut Soccer Hall of Fame. Individual dinner tickets are $40, or a table for ten can be reserved for $400. By taking advantage of the Gold, Silver, Bronze, or Patron sponsorships you can also advertise in the dinner program to publicly say "thank you" to the inductee of your choice. Below you will find more information about sponsorships and tickets for this exciting event. Any press interested in attending should contact the Connecticut Soccer Hall of Fame Chairman, Pat Hennig at 860-673-9381. Click here for ticket and sponsor information

The Inductees:

Thomas Gardiner (Portland, CT) Summary: Tom Gardiner combined tremendous soccer skill with tremendous strength as a dominant youth player in the 1970's. He was a force on powerful RHAM High School and Connecticut state teams during this time. Tom joined the U.S. Youth National Team in 1979 and traveled the world representing his country on the field, including play in the 1981 Youth World Cup in Australia. He continued his career at Southern Connecticut State University before becoming a professional soccer player in 1981. A torn MCL in 1981 and ankle surgery in 1982 effectively ended Tom's competitive career and cut short a bright future in professional soccer. Highlights: US Youth Under-20 National Team member (1979, 1980 & 1981); Played in CONCACAF Youth World Cup in Australia (1981); Signed with Philadelphia Fever in MISL (1981) and Charlotte Gold of United Soccer League (1982); Reached NCAA Division II Final Four with Southern Connecticut State College and named to New England Honorable Mention Team (1980); Member of Region 1 Olympic Development Program Team and played in U.S. Sports Festival in Colorado Springs, Colorado (1977, 1978, 1979); Played for RHAM High School (1976-1979) and won state championship in 1977; All State & All New England (1977 & 1978), Parade Magazine and Dr. Pepper All American (1979); Member of Connecticut State Team (1977, 1978); Played for Mansfield SC, Glastonbury SC, and Manchester SC youth teams. Personal: Tom currently lives in Portland, Connecticut and runs Gardiner's Market in South Glastonbury. 860-342-5606 (h); 960-633-4625 (w); 860-617-0316 (c)

Arthur S. Hennig (Avon, CT) Summary: Art is being recognized 30 years of commitment and service to soccer in the Connecticut. He has been a dedicated coach, referee, and administrator during this time. Art co-founded Avon Soccer Club in 1977 and has served as its president since 1979. He has served on the state and regional Olympic Develop Program staff and has been a Vice President of the Connecticut Junior Soccer Association since 1998. Art has involved himself in various soccer projects and events during his tenure, including Senior Soccer Bowls, 1995 International Special Olympics, International Games, Region 1 and CJSA Conventions. Highlights: CJSA 1st Vice President (1998-2008); President of Avon Soccer (1979 - present); Co-founded Avon Soccer (1977); CT Olympic Development Program Administrator and Region I ODP staff (1988 - 1991); USSF Referee (1985-1988); NorthCentral District Representative (1998); CJSA Coach of the Year Award (1983); Coached Avon Stingers (1978-1990). In 2006 he was named Avon Citizen of The Year. Personal: Art currently resides in Avon, Connecticut. 860-673-9381 (H)

Mickey Kydes (Riverside, CT) Summary: Mickey Kydes was a quick, skillful player for Norwalk High School from 1978 - 1981 who became a two-time All-American at Long Island University. He was a member of the U.S. National Team for the 1987 Pan American Games and won a gold medal at the Olympic Festival the same year. He was a first round draft pick in the 1986 Major Indoor Soccer League draft and the 1986 American Professional Soccer League draft. Mickey played for various professional teams including New York/New Jersey Metrostars of MLS (1996). Highlights: Played for New York/New Jersey Metrostars of Major League Soccer (1996); Two-time USISL All Star as member of Connecticut Wolves and New York Fever (1992-1995); U.S. National Team member for 1987 Pan American Games; Olympic Festival goal medalist for South Team (1987); Played for Dallas Sidekicks and won MISL title (1986-1987); First round draft pick in both 1986 MISL (Dallas) and APSL (Canton Invaders) drafts; Led powerful NCAA Division I Long Island University team (1982-1985) and was twice named to All American teams (1983 & 1985); Attended Norwalk High School (1978-1981) and earned All State recognition (1980 & 1981) and was a 3-time All FCIAC honoree; Member of Connecticut U16 and U17 ODP teams (1979 & 1980); Won U14 CJSA State Cup with Norwalk Ahepa (1977). Personal: Mickey resides in Riverside, CT 06878 and is the director of Beachside Soccer Club; 203-698-0900 (c); 203-852-6969

Kevin Maher (Previously Guilford, CT. Currently Lewis Center, Ohio) Summary: Kevin Maher was a standout player for Guilford High School and Yale University before embarking on a professional indoor soccer career. He won 3 consecutive state championship with Guilford from 1976 to 1978 and was named All-American in 1978. Maher was a two-time All-America at Yale University and is their second leading goal scorer and points leader all-time (33 goals, 44 assists). In addition, he played for the United Stated Under 23 National Team in 1983 and 1984, including the 1983 Pan American Games in Caracus, Venezuela. Maher joined the Pittsburgh Spirit of the Major Indoor Soccer League and earned Rookie of the Year honors in the 1983-1984 season. Highlights: Member of United States Under-23 National Team (1983-1984) and played in 1983 Pan American Games in Caracus, Venezuela; Gold medal winner for Eastern Regional Team at National Sports Festival (1981 & 1982); Played 4 seasons in Major Indoor Soccer League with Pittsburgh Spirit and New York Express; Earned MISL Rookie of the Year Award with Pittsburgh (1983-1984 season); 4-year varsity starter at Yale University (1979-1982); Yale's 2nd all-time leader in goals scored and total points (assists and goals); Two-time NSCAA All-America (2nd team-1981, 1st team-1982); Finished 4th in 1982 MAC Hermann Trophy (top collegiate soccer player) voting; Played 4 years at Guilford High School (1975-1978) and won 3 consecutive Class L state championships (1976-1978); Named Parade Magazine All-America and High School Coaches All-America in 1978. Personal: Kevin currently resides in Lewis Center, Ohio. 740-548-9740 (h)

Michael Pitruzzello, Sr. (Cromwell, CT) Summary: Mike has been a dedicated soccer coach and administrator who has immersed himself in the game over the past three decades. Since 1980, he coached the Cromwell High School boys soccer team to 342 wins, 2 Class S state championships, and 7 league titles. He was the National High School Athletic Association Boys Soccer Coach of the Year in 1999 and Connecticut Soccer Coaches Association Coach of the Year in 1995. Mike also was recognized as the National Soccer Coaches Region 1 Soccer Coach of the Year (2002) and became a national finalisT. As an administrator, he was the president of the Connecticut Soccer Coaches Association (1993-2004). Highlights: Recorded 342 wins, 120 losses, and 48 ties in twenty-seven seasons as Varsity Boys Soccer Coach at Cromwell High School (1980 - 2006); Won two Class S State Championships (1992 & 1998) and reached another state final (2006), Won 7 Charter Oak Conference titles; President of CT Soccer Coaches Association (1993-2004); Cromwell Athletic Club Hall of Fame Inductee; (2001); Hugh S. Greer Distinguished Service Award (Central Soccer Board) (2006); CT High School Coaches Assoc. Hall of Fame Inductee (2003); NSCAA Region I Soccer Coach of the Year & National Finalist (2002); National High School Athletic Coaches Association Coach of the Year - Boys Soccer (1999); CT High School Coaches Assoc. Coach of the Year in Boys Soccer (1996); CT Soccer Coaches Association Coach of the Year in Boys Soccer (1995); Director of the Chill Travel Soccer Program, Cromwell, CT Personal: Mike lives in Cromwell and is presently the Athletic Director for Middletown High School. (860) 635-5451 Home, (860) 704-4558 Work

Marion Joseph Stoj, M. D. (Manchester, CT) Summary: Marion Stoj (pronounced "Stoy") has been a familiar face on the soccer fields in Connecticut since 1966. Marion captained Wesleyan University to an ECAC title in 1973 and earned leadership, academic, and athletic awards from 1970 to 1973. He led the team in scoring in 1971 and 1973 and was also named to All-New England and All-America teams both years. Marion was invited to tryout for the U.S. Olympic soccer team in 1972 and was drafter by the L.A. Aztecs of NASL in 1974. Marion has been played in numerous senior leagues and soccer clubs in the state and continues to play Over 40 soccer today. Highlights: Drafted by the Los Angeles Aztecs of North American Soccer League (1974); Invited to tryout for U.S. Olympic Soccer Team (1972); Played for Connecticut Wildcats (1974) and Connecticut Yankees (1976 & 1977) of American Soccer League; Outstanding player at Wesleyan University (1970-1973), captained team in 1973 and led team in scoring 1971 and 1973; All-American and All-New England recognition (1971 & 1973); New England Intercollegiate Soccer League (NEISL) All Star (1970, 1971, 1973); ECAC Championship (1973); Eastern U.S. All Star team member for 1974 Senior Soccer Bowl; Raymond J. Walsh Memorial Soccer Award for leadership and ability (1973); Skull And Serpent Honorary Society for outstanding academics and athletics (1974); Outstanding Player and Friend of Soccer in Connecticut from CT State Soccer Association (1997); Played for numerous Connecticut soccer clubs since 1966, including New Britain Falcons, Hartford Polish, Manchester, World Class, and Pulaski. Personal: Marion currently lives in Manchester, Connecticut and works as a medical doctor. 860-649-5090 (h); 860-646-7704 (w)

Roberto J. Taylor (Wallingford, CT) Summary: Roberto played for the Guatemala Junior National Team in 1966 and club teams Tipografia Nacional and Cementos Novello (1967-1969) before relocating to New Haven, Connecticut in 1970. He attended South Central Community College (1971-1972) before transferring to the University of New Haven in 1972. Taylor was an outstanding midfielder who scored 25 goals and added 8 assists during his 26 games for New Haven, earning All-New England recognition both years. Roberto joined the Connecticut Yankees of the American Soccer League and became the 1975 Rookie of the Year and a league All Star. Taylor played for the Hartford Bicentennials of the North American Soccer League in 1976. Unfortunately, injuries from an automobile accident in 1977 limited Roberto's ability to continue playing competitive soccer. Highlights: Player with Hartford Bicentennials (NASL, 1976); Drafted third by Connecticut Yankees (ASL, 1975) and captained the team; Named ASL Rookie of the Year and league All Star (1975) and earned team MVP Award, Finished 2nd in ASL scoring with 14 goals and 4 assists in 20 games from midfield position; Attended University of New Haven (1973 & 1974) and named to All New England team both years; Scored 25 goals and added 8 assists in 26 collegiate games; Named UNH Athlete of the Year (1974) and was inducted into the University of New Haven Hall of Fame (1984); Mark T. Sheehan High School Boys Soccer Coach (1987-1996); CJSA Boys Coach of the Year (1993); currently serves as a youth soccer coach with South Central Premier Personal: Roberto lives in Wallingford, Connecticut and is a Nationwide Insurance Agent with offices in Naugatuck and New Haven. 203-265-6265 (h); 203-927-4186 (c)

Lyle Yorks (Previously from Mansfield, CT. Currently Falls River, CT) Summary: Lyle Yorks was one of the most decorated youth soccer players in Connecticut history. As a 4-year starter at E.O. Smith High School in Storrs, Connecticut, Lyle helped lead the Panthers to 2 Class LL titles and was twice named to Parade Magazine and NSCAA All-America teams. Yorks was named the Gatorade National Player of the Year in 1987. Lyle played for the United States Under-16 and Under-20 Youth National Teams and professionally with DC United (MLS, 1998), New York Fever (1995), Naestved FC (1993-1994) and Milwaukee Wave (1992). He was a four-year starter for the University of Virginia and captured two NCAA titles (1989 & 1991). Yorks captained the 1991 championship team and earned All-ACC honors that year. Highlights: Member of U.S. Under-20 Youth National Team and competed in Youth World Cup (Saudi Arabia, 1989); Member of U.S. Under-16 Youth National Team and competed in Youth World Cup (China, 1985); Played professionally with DC United (Major League Soccer, 1998), New York Fever (USISL, 1995), Naestved Danish Superliga (1993-1994), and Milwaukee Wave (NPSL, 1992); Four year starter at University of Virginia (1988-1991), won two NCAA Division I titles (1989 & 1991), and earned All ACC honors (1991); Attended E.O. Smith High School (1984-1987), won 2 Class LL championships (1985 & 1987), and was twice named NSCAA and Parade Magazine High School All American (1986 & 1987); Earned Gatorade National Player of the Year Award (1987) Personal: Lyle resides in Falls Church, Virginia and is a sports agent and managing director for Proactive Sports Management USA. 202-361-8406 (c); 202-303-3614 (w)

Previous classes of inductees are: Class of 1999: Alistair Bell Efrain Chicurian Robert Dikranian Sunil Gulati Carmelo Indomenico Frank Kantz Alan King Bertil Larson Albie Loeffler Charles McCully Joseph J. Morrone David Socha Jerry Trecker Class of 2000: Paul Bourdeau James Brown Pedro DeBrito Anthony DiCicco Patricia Hennig Keith Johnson Paul Magro Valerio Moretti Joseph M. Morrone Warren Swanson Daniel Woog Class of 2001: Richard Danielson Alexander Guild Frantz Innocent Bohdan Kolinsky John McVicar Donald Minton Tom Nevers David Pacheco Robert Swanson John Squires Class of 2002: George C. Brown Felice M. Duffy Daniel Gaspar James Gabarra John Kowalski Dr. Joseph Machnik John McKeon Janusz Michallik George D. Ritchie Daniel Sullivan William Wallach Class of 2003: Brian Bliss Rick Derella Dave Farrell James Kuhlman Bruno Lukas Tara Buckley Ray Reid Leonidas Tsantiris Class of 2004: Kenneth T. Brown Dr. Raymond Cieplick R. Paul Hunter Timothy Hunter Paulus E. Ingram Myron Krasij Robert W. Landers Irv Schmid Edward E. Zimmitti Class of 2005: Moira Buckley Elvis Comrie Al Diniz William Fortin Terry Jackson Charles Kadupski Al McWhirter Curt Onalfo John Sahnas  Class of 2006: John Debrito Andrea Duffy Ralph King William Lessig Salvatore "Butch" Logano Alex Lucas Henry McCully John O'Keefe Edward Tremble  Class of 2007: John Blomstrann Carlos Carlos Paul Duffy Thomas Nevers Victor Santos Ans Swanson David Vaudreiul

TICKET AND SPONSOR INFORMATION The Connecticut Soccer Hall of Fame Induction Dinner will take place on Saturday, January 26, 2008 at the Farmington Marriott. The social hour begins at 5:30 PM. followed by the dinner at 6:30 PM. For sponsorships, program ads, reserved tables and individual tickets, please make checks payable to the CSSA and send to: Connecticut Soccer Hall of Fame, c/o Connecticut State Soccer Association, 11 Executive Drive, Farmington, CT 06032 or telephone ( 860 ) 676-1161 for more information. Gold Sponsor $1000.00 Includes: Reserved table and 10 tickets for Induction Dinner, full page advertisement in program, program listing as a Gold Sponsor. Silver Sponsor $500.00 Includes: 4 tickets for Induction Dinner, half page advertisement in program, program listing as a Silver Sponsor. Bronze Sponsor $250.00 Includes: Two tickets for Induction Dinner, quarter page advertisement, program listing as a Bronze Sponsor. Patron $100.00 Includes: One ticket, program listing as Patron. Reserved Tables $400.00 Tables with seating of 10 people. Single Ticket $40.00 Per person. Program Ads Full Page $350.00 Half Page $175.00 Quarter Page $90.00 Program Listing $25.00