Albie Loeffler, the legendary founder of the Staples High School soccer program, passed away this morning at his home in Oxford, North Carolina, a day before what would have been his 94th birthday.
Mr. Loeffler — few ever associated with the program called him Albie — was not only the best coach, but one of the best teachers in the history of the school. He could get a message across with a look and a few choice words.
I was fortunate enough to be in his locker room my sophomore year — the one season I played in the program — during the celebration of his 250th career win — he finished with a then-national record 314 — and I can remember it like it happened yesterday.
It has been 31 years since Mr. Loeffler retired. I don’t even know how to describe him for younger people, but for those of you old enough, think Tom Landry’s sideline presence, combined with someone who epitomized class, dignity and honor. He taught his teams how to win, how to win and lose with class, and how to be better people.
To learn more about this truly special person, here is a link on the Staples soccer website, written by current coach Dan Woog, a former player, team historian and someone who has done a great job perpetuating Mr. Loeffler’s legacy.
Mr. Loeffler was truly a commanding presence in Connecticut high school soccer. I’ll always remember how nice he was to a bunch of Stamford High soccer players, back in the late winter/early spring of 1972, when we applied to enter a team in what must have be a statewide U-19 league. Without a sponsor, coach or other “adult” affiliations, our commitment was questioned by some on the league board. Not Mr. Loeffler, who remembered that our SHS team had beaten Staples 2-1, the previous fall in what could still be the highlight of a soccer career that included Div. I in college and various adult leagues on which I continue to play at age 55. Ken Dixon Shelton, CT
Comment by Ken — September 9th, 2009 @ 12:23 pm