The four former coaches included Wes Shepherd who, with his wife and Striker son Tommy, traveled from their Florida home.  Wes led the team to the Cosmo U14 championship in 1989/90.  Claus Cardinal came in from Watchung, N.J., accompanied by his wife Renata, Striker son Felix, who now lives in Brooklyn, and daughter Lisa, who had been a Junior Striker.  Claus and attendee Arthur Grey are former presidents of RIYSA.  Also, Peter Newman and wife Karen, and Bob Liss with wife Rochelle and Striker son Mike.  Mike Liss was most responsible for the organization and communication for the reunion.  He earned the thanks of all.

A parent who provided plenty of technical input during league play, Ron Cieciuch, came from New Jersey with his son Tommy and joined Striker sons Adam and Eric.

Among the current Island residents enjoying the day were Matt Lutts, Craig Ellis, Andy Sinclair, Frank and Patrick Doumas, Mewbacka Johannes, and Joshua Stevens.

In addition to eating, drinking, and playing, time was set aside to take a moment to remember the Strikers’ #1 fan, Steckie Stevens.

This was the first get-together in nearly 15 years, and many joined in a vigorous, hard-fought game.  The level of play was a testimony to the skills nurtured on Roosevelt Island.  Many of these players started with the Kinderkickers.  This was particularly impressive since the proper soccer fields were unavailable and Octagon Park provided a small, uneven field where boundaries and markers had to be improvised.

Strikers even have groupies.  Blake Elinson, Briana Herman, Vanessa Morais, and Alexis Neophytides were there for moral support.  One newcomer to the Island remarked how the bonds among the players seemed as strong as they would be if they were still a team, cementing the notion that there is a special quality to having grown up on Roosevelt Island.

Participants’ enjoyment was so complete that they have scheduled a repeat event.  Tentative date is Sunday, June 12, 2005.