In Corvallis, children and young adults aren't the only ones that enjoy playing soccer. For decades older adults in their 40s, 50s and even 60s have enjoyed playing soccer in regular pick-up games at Oregon State University. We generally owe that tradition to the soccer loving faculty and staff at OSU. For whatever reason the Oceanography department has an especially high concentration of soccer fanatics.
Hewlett Packard deserves some credit as well. A team founded by older HP employees calling themselves the Couch Potatoes played in Salem’s over-40 league before the Corvallis Sports Park opened. At the HP lunch break game, players under the age of forty are the minority.
The older players around town are an inspiration to us all. A couple of great examples are Dave “The Iron Man” Cudo who was a former Couch Potato and still plays goal keeper in the unforgiving Premier League at CSP and Fernando del Olmo still fools players forty years his junior out of their shorts.
“We are an educated and active city no matter what the age.” says Jason Wallis, owner and operator of Fitness Over 50.
We are an educated and active city no matter what the age.” says Jason Wallis, owner and operator of Fitness Over 50 in Corvallis. He points out that soccer can provide a fantastic anaerobic workout for older adults. He should know. In addition to earning a Master’s Degree in Exercise Physiology from OSU and a business that specializes in fitness for mature adults, Jason also plays indoor soccer in the Over-40 League at CSP with the Dutch Bros team.
“There is also an endurance base that will be built over time in soccer especially with fewer substitution opportunities,” Jason adds. “Finally, balance and agility are necessary and built during sports like indoor soccer as well as reaction time. Let’s also not forget the social aspect of playing on a soccer team and the camaraderie that comes with playing as a group.”
Jason recommends that older soccer players be mindful of their intensity level and movements during play. The desire to be productive on the field can lead older players to do themselves more harm than good. Women in particular need to be conscientious of their movements because they are more prone to knee injuries than men. These types of injuries often the result of a twisting or turning motion rather than impact.
“If an older adult did want to play it would be imperative that he/she chose a level that was suitable/comfortable for their ability level and desired outcome/competitive nature,” Jason advises. “Proper shoes, eyewear, braces, and other equipment are important as well as an awareness of staying away from injury causing situations like 50/50 balls, action against the walls, collisions with goalies, etc. Somehow finding a way to play after a proper warm-up would also be ideal for older adults.”
Jason also notes the importance of more traditional stretching, cardio and strength building fitness activities for older adults. Complimentary activities such that produce a more constant elevated heart rate would improve endurance. Resistance training using weight-stack machines, dumbbell and barbells, rubber tubing, or calisthenics is also very important for the aging body. This type of training will yield benefits that solely playing soccer cannot.
Mature minded soccer has caught on. The Philomath Soccer Moms, one of my all-time favorite teams at CSP was a group of brave women playing soccer for the time. That team isn’t around anymore but the Mummies still represent soccer moms in the women’s league. CSP’s popular Over-40 League offer men an age specific alternative league. The coed leagues allow older adults to play with family and friends of all ages.
“Many older adults still feel young at heart and understand the need to continue to be active/moving. At the same time, they want an environment that is appealing and comfortable for their mindset and physical abilities,” says Jason. “Add in the fun of staying in shape with like-minded and –bodied cohorts and it is imperative that our community provide settings for the mature adults of our town.”
When should a person hang up their soccer shoes for good? “When our bodies tell us we can no longer keep up, have fun, and/or remain uninjured,” Jason answers. Sounds good to me. I don’t think anyone gets old until they stop seeking challenges and having fun. What do you think?
The mythological Firebird symbolizes resurrection, immortality and rebirth. The Willamette Valley Firebirds, a semi-pro soccer team that was based right here in Corvallis were more like the Pontiac muscle car, built for reckless speed. In 1999, the Firebirds had all of the horsepower it needed but lacked the overall performance to finish the race. Here is the untold story of an incredible team and an agonizing ending reminiscent of this year's New England Patriots.
The team's origins in Corvallis began when Tony Vandermeer, a teacher and soccer coach at Corvallis High School moved the Firebirds franchise from Portland in 1996. The team had a modest first season in the United System of Independent Soccer Leagues and existed mainly as a local club team for the following two seasons. In 1999 Vandermeer would build a special team that combined truly talented young players and experienced veterans for the '99 USL Premier Development League.
The roster for the '99 was very impressive. Joey Leonetti and Peter Kavanaugh were members of great University of Portland teams alongside Kasey Keller (and OSU assistant coach Linus Rhode). Leonetti had two caps for the United States. Greg Howes is currently a two-time Major Indoor Soccer League MVP. Some of the players were not as recognizable but extremely talented. Danny Angelo, Jason Crevar and Scott Tedder were local players recently graduated from high school that were able to make an impact at this level. Freddy Kummernes was a diminutive Norwegian playing at OSU who dominated the middle of the field. Veteran players Eric Wooten, Eric Merten and OSU standout keeper Brian Hill cemented the defense.
Worth noting is JP Capadano, the best soccer player ever to wear cleats in Corvallis (yes, he was that good) that you would never have heard of. Capadano was recruited to play at OSU but was released from the team for horticulture related disciplinary issues. With his head on straight he could have played at any level. After watching Capadano play, a German scout from Werder Bremen commented that he could sign him to professional contract in Europe based on his ability but that he would never make it due to his attitude. As it turned out that comment may have foreshadowed things to come for the Firebirds.
This amazing group rolled through the regular season, handily winning the Northwest Division with a record of 14-2. This earned the Firebirds the top seed in the Western Conference. The Firebirds gave notice to the entire league by traveling to Southern California becoming the first team from the Northwest Division to win the Western Conference championship over the powerful California teams. To outsiders the team seemed unstoppable leading into the national championships as the number one seed held in Spokane.
The team's success up to that point had been in spite of itself however. Vandermeer was stretched as both general manager and head coach. Blake Leamy was listed as the assistant coach but did not figure prominently. The team had essentially been on autopilot. The commitment to regular training had been decent during the season but short of championship caliber. As if intoxicated by their own success, the players began to unravel. In the week prior to nationals only a handful of players showed to train. Some of the younger players remained in California the entire week to indulge in local delights and explore amateur film making opportunities.
Due to injuries and other commitments the Firebirds were forced to travel to Spokane without some of the regular starters. Despite the adversities the Firebirds took a first half lead against Spokane when Kummernes found the target-man Leoneti who handled the pass with his chest for Howes to volley into the net. The Firebirds began to tire in the second half and Vandermeer did not have suitable options on the bench to hold the 1-0 lead. Spokane took the lead in the 75th minute. The final blow for the team came when Vandermeer chose to substitute the side's scoring talisman Greg Howes after a rough challenge. Howes loudly berated Vandermeer on the sideline as the final moments of the game passed. The Willamette Valley Firebirds' and Corvallis' chance for soccer fame on a national level had slipped away.
A member of the eventual championship team from Chicago asked Eric Merten what had happened to the Firebirds. Merten responded that the Firebirds had a bunch of great players, but were not a team. The player from Chicago noted that his team was the exact opposite, lacking any stars, but that the coach had demanded discipline, respect and hard work from everyone, and they played for each other. The pay off was the trophy.
The Firebirds never recovered from that heart breaking season. The following year the team was a shell of its former self finishing 3-15 in the PDL. After the 2000 season the team became defunct. In essence the franchise moved back to PGE Park to compete in the newly formed A-League as the Portland Timbers.
Here they are. You might even recognize a few faces. Do you remember the Firebirds? Share your memories with us.
'99 Willamette Valley Firebirds
Aaron Mamula, Greg Howes, Casey Fries, Peter Kavanaugh, Joey Leonetti, Danny Angelo, Joe Sanders, Cristian Curiel, Eric Merten, JP Capodano, Freddy Kummernes, Eric Cronkrite, Scott Tomlins, Jason Crevar, Scott Tedder, Bryn Richie, Eric Wooten, Byron Alvarez, Brad Stratton, Bryan Winters, Ian Fuller, Colin McMillan (GK), Ben Meckel (GK), Brian Hill (GK) Paul Merten (GK), Tony Vandermeer (Head Coach/GM), Blake Leamy (Asst. Coach).
Goals Leader: Greg Howes (19)
Assists Leader: Scott Tedder, JP Cappodano (11)
Total Points Leader: Greg Howes (42)
Most Minutes : Eric Merten (2090 of 2280 mins)
Match Results
Firebirds 6, Cascade (Salem) Surge 0
Firebirds 5, Abbotsford 86ers 2
Firebirds 3, Yakima Reds 0
Firebirds 2, Seattle Sounders Selects 1
Firebirds 1, Abbotsford 86ers 0
Firebirds 1, Spokane Shadow 0
Firebirds 3, Yakima Reds 2
Firebirds 3, Cascade Surge 2 (OT)
Firebirds 2, Seattle Sounders Selects 0
Abbotsford 86ers 3, Firebirds 2 (OT)
Firebirds 3, Cascade Surge 0
Spokane Shadow 4, Firebirds 1
Firebirds 6, Seattle Sounders Selects 1
Firebirds 3, Spokane Shadow 1
Firebirds 9, Yakima Reds 3
Firebirds 4, Cascade Surge 1
Western Conference Playoffs
Semi: Firebirds 1, Central Coast Roadrunners 0
Final: Firebirds 5, Abbotsford 86ers 1
PDL National Championships
Semi: Spokane Shadow 2, Firebirds 1
Consolation Match: New York Freedom 5, Firebirds 2
As expected, the building was packed for Championship Night at the Corvallis Sports Park. Check out this video I created for you to enjoy. I tried to give you a taste of the action from Friday night. All of the clips in the video come from that night.
Congratulations to the winning teams. Oh, and the only prediction I missed was the coed championship. Shame on me for betting against my own wife.
Friday night at the Corvallis Sports Park will feature four great championship games. Here are my predictions for each match up.
Purple People Eaters versus Feta
Women's Competitive Division @ 6:35 PM
The Purple People Eaters feature former Lady Beavers, Jetta Sadusky, Monica Storm, Alison Vislay, Tiara Hong and Esme Arredondo. Their only two losses on the season were a result of failing to show up. Feta is an athletic and combative team that will make the game interesting. But I am assuming that the People Eaters will manage to show and take care of business.
Prediction: Purple People Eaters (8-5)
Crown Royals versus Rabbits
Coed Competitive Division @ 7:30 PM
This will be a great game. Both teams finished the season with just one tie coming against one another. The Rabbits score goals in bunches but the Crown Royals are very stingy defenders allowing less than two goals per game. That's pretty crazy for indoor soccer. These teams have played many heated games before and this one will be no different. The heated atmosphere will give Crown Royals the edge in a close game.
Prediction: Crown Royals (4-3)
Newport versus Optimator
Men's Competitive Division @ 8:25 PM
Newport defeated Optimator somewhat handily tonight in a preview of this championship match. Optimator may have been missing their best defender but his return will not be enough. Unlike the Patriots, Newport will cap off an undefeated season with a championship win. They are an attractive team to watch displaying plenty of individual creativity and teamwork. Now that I am done complimenting the Newport team I will say, "shame on you for not playing in the Premier Division."
Prediction: Newport (7-4)
Who Killed Bruno versus Wrecked-Em
Men's Premier Division @ 9:20 PM
I am really looking forward to this match. Bruno has been the dominant team at CSP for several years now but Wrecked-Em features former Beavers and twin brothers Mason and Nick Webb and a score of talented young players. Bruno has faced and defeated teams full of former Beavers in the past. But not in the recent past. A steady diet of unchallenging opposition has a tendency to soften players. Wrecked-Em defeated a less than full-strength Bruno team during the season. I expect Bruno to show up ready to play this time around but I think perhaps Wrecked-Em hasn't shown their best yet. I underestimated them in my first impression. Physical and mental exhaustion will take its toll late in the game for Bruno. I expect an exciting finish.
Prediction: Wrecked-Em (9-8)
There it is. I'm sure you have some predictions of your own. Share them with us here.
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