Few high school sports programs in Connecticut have the sense of tradition and history of the Staples boys soccer team. It is not out of line to say the Wreckers are the state scholastic version of the New York Yankees — minus the controversial ownership.
Since the opening season in 1958, Staples has won 27 league and 12 state titles. It would be hard to find another team that has had that kind of extended excellence, and earned the respect of opponents state-wide.
Staples dedicated its field to Albie Loeffler, its venerable coach — who will be inducted into the Fairfield County Sports Commission’s Hall of Fame Monday night — in 1998. There was a 50th anniversary celebration three years ago.
“Every January I meet with several former players from a broad range of classes,” said Dan Woog, the Wreckers’ current coach, a former player and the team historian. “We sit and talk about the program, what are we doing well, what can we do differently.”
The idea was hatched to hold an Alumni Day, to bring the past and present together. The first one will be held this Saturday, prior to the team’s 4 p.m. game with Fairfield Warde. There will be food on the Loeffler Field Terrace at 3:15, and an informal gathering at the Black Duck restaurant after the game.
Woog said he has already heard from 30-35 of the program’s alumni — including George Scott, a Greenwich resident from the first team in 1958 — and is hoping for a turnout of between 50 and 60 players.
“We wanted to have a nice day,” Woog said. “Make everyone feel welcome. Come see other alums, see a good game and get together and have a good time after. Something a little special.”
As an aside, if you want to see far and away the best high school team website I have ever seen — and that might be limiting the scope — click here to see the Staples soccer website that Woog oversees with great care. It is a true treasure trove.
