The School Play

1970 – Around the World and Close to Home

A 7.9 magnitude earthquake and resulting landslide kills over 66,000 in Ancash, Peru. Four Kent State University students are slain by National Guard troops while protesting the invasion of Cambodia. The Beatles, the world’s best-selling band of all-time, break up after 10 years and 15 No. 1 hits. The NFL goes primetime as Monday Night Football debuts on ABC. Brazil and Pele retire the Jules Rimet Trophy with a third World Cup win, 4-1, over Italy in Mexico City. In Washington, Seattle rocker and guitarist extraordinaire Jimi Hendrix headlines his hometown Experience concert at Sicks’ Stadium but dies two months later at age 27. Following massive Boeing layoffs, Seattle's unemployment reaches 10 percent, compared to nation’s 4.5 percent. Seattle begins fluoridating its water supply and makes Medic One operational. Washington’s Larry Owings stuns Iowa’s previously undefeated (117-0) Dan Gable in NCAA 142-lb. wrestling final.

The School Play

Interscholastic soccer got off to a running start in Puget Sound, then was held back before eventually maturing at the secondary level. High school play sprouted during the 1969-70 academic calendar, becoming one of Seattle’s official sports after more than a half century of stunted growth.

Among the factors that finally brought decades of efforts to fruition were a state youth association growing with abandon, a central venue that could accommodate multiple matches per day and creative, decisive leadership when an opportunity presented itself.

For all artificial turf’s drawbacks, its installation triggered the final foray which resulted in varsity soccer being implemented by the state’s largest school district, in 1969. Unlike before, full of fits and starts, the game only grew from that point. Boys’ programs were developed and by the mid-Seventies girls were joining those teams, prompting girls’ varsity teams to sprout into existence.

School play can be traced back as far as 1910 when 19 grammar schools in Seattle were aligned in three divisions. By 1920, interscholastic soccer was identified as a feeder league. Youngsters would progress from the weekday Public Schools Athletic League to the Saturday division and, in time, onto the state senior league’s second division.

Alf Pelton, benefactor, physical education director and co-founder of Seattle’s PSAL, extolled its virtues, emphasizing it was a game open to children of all sizes and abilities and without the risk of physical injury associated with gridiron football. The league more than doubled in size to 59 teams by 1923. At that juncture, high school play seemed the logical next step.

While an informal league for freshmen and sophomores took shape, it was the Seattle Soccer League which, by 1933, became the de facto league for teens. It allowed for rural community teams from outside Seattle to test themselves against the city’s school-associated teams. To heighten interest in the league, state senior officials successfully lobbied Scottish tea magnate Sir Thomas Lipton to donate a beautiful silver trophy. Beginning in 1928, the Sir Thomas Lipton trophy was to be presented to the top youth team from throughout the Seattle area.

Despite the effects of the Depression, school soccer was on an upward trajectory, at least until World War II. The grammar school and high school leagues melted away, effectively leaving a clean slate for the postwar world. Into the void stepped the Parochial School Soccer League, fostered by Catholic War Veterans. Prior to the state youth association forming in 1966, Catholic Youth Organization play supported the greatest number of teams for school-age boys.

During the Fifties and Sixties, virtually every parish between Everett and Tacoma fielded a team in the Bantam and Midget divisions. Still, the opportunity for kids to represent their high school, public or private, was missing. That changed when Seattle Public Schools sought a solution to the seasonal rains that regularly relegated Memorial Stadium to a quagmire.

In 1968, Harvey Lanman, Athletic Director for the Metro League and Seattle Public Schools, approved the installation of the newly-developed AstroTurf at Memorial, making it the first prep facility in the nation to do so. Not only would football be played on a more predictable landscape, the door was now open to other sports, and soccer was beginning a boom period.

Lanman then found a creative solution to funding a proposed high school soccer program throughout Seattle Public Schools. When Memorial stadium hosted the world’s first professional soccer match to be played on AstroTurf in the summer of 1969, Lanman arranged for a significant chunk of the West Ham-Kilmarnock gate receipts and parking proceeds to fund the start-up costs for varsity play the following fall.

At the opening games of that 1969-70 season, community soccer proponents celebrated. Finally, at long last, families and friends could watch the game being played by the youth of their surrounding community, wearing the traditional colors of their high school.

ADULT AMATEUR
Northwest Champion
Leif Eriksen Vikings 4:3 Germania Portland
State Men's Champion
Leif Eriksen Vikings 2:1 Heidelberg
State Knockout Cup
Heidelberg 4:2 Sons of Norway Vikings (delayed Jan. 4, 1971)
COLLEGIATE
Men's Collegiate Champions
Western Washington (WWSC)
WASHINGTON YOUTH SOCCER
President
Jack Mickelberry
Member Associations
3
Players
10,840 (10,840 boys)
Largest Attendance
2,000, Leif Eriksen Vikings v Denver Kickers, Pop Keeney Stadium, Bothell 2/15/1970

1970: The School Play

The development of interscholastic play is fraught with fits and starts but finally reaches the high school level.

Magyars Best Vikings in Five-a-Side
April 12, 1970

Seattle Magyars, second-best to Leif Erikson over the league season, manage to get the best of the Vikings in the Five-a-Side final at West Seattle. Brian Figgins scores the game's only goal in sudden-death overtime. The Magyars ousted Vancouver's Molson, 3-1, in one semifinal while the Norsemen were force to rally to beat Germania, 3-2. B.C. teams account for half of the 32 entries.

Washington Leads U.S. in Registered Players
December 28, 1970

The state is experiencing booming growth in youth soccer, reports Washington State Junior Soccer Association president Tom Webb. During the fall, the number of registered players surpassed 10,000 boys on 690 teams. That figure does not include 70 teams in Seattle CYO leagues or high school programs. It is the largest figures in the country according to USSF secretary Joe Barriskill.

Western Clinches Third Straight Title
November 22, 1970

Glenn Hindin finds the left corner in the 80th minute, giving Western Washington a 3-2 win over British Columbia Institute of Technology in arctic-type weather at Battersby Field. Dave Asher's Vikings (6-1-3) clinch a third straight Western Washington Soccer Conference championship. BCIT twice lead only to have Bobby Hansen and Hindin bring Western back to level.

Leif Erikson Vikings Win Another Cup Tie
March 1, 1970

Leif Erikson Vikings become just the second Washington club to reach the West Regional finals of the National Challenge Cup by dispatching San Francisco Scots, 3-1, on the road at Balboa Park. It's a comprehensive performance, with Geoff McKeown, Reider Olsen and player/coach Bob Hough tallying goals. Johnny Moore's penalty in the final minute averts a shutout for the Scots. Seattle Hungarians made the West finals in 1966.

SeaTacs Hold Strong vs. Touring Newcastle
May 24, 1970

SeaTac SC goalkeeper Martin Balss plays the match of his life, credited with 49 saves in holding touring Newcastle United to a 2-1 exhibition win before 4,000 at Memorial Stadium. Balss, a print press operator for the Seattle Post-Intelligencer, saves a penalty attempt by star Bryan Robson. Keith Dyson's opener is canceled out by SeaTacs' Peter Carr seconds before halftime. A deflected shot by Dave Craig proves the difference. The Magpies are coming off a seventh-place finish in the English First Division. Originally, promoter and SeaTac co-owner Johnny Haas had hoped to secure Hertha Berlin as the Newcastle opponent, but the Germans opted not to tour the West Coast.

Seattle Pacific Chooses McCrath for Coach
April 15, 1970

Seattle Pacific names Cliff McCrath, 32, as head coach and dean of students, effective July 1. McCrath comes from Spring Arbor in Michigan, where he guided the Cougars to the NAIA semifinals in his third season. He previously coached at Gordon (Mass.) and Wheaton (Ill.), was an All-America player at the latter.

Tagios, Heidelberg Snap Vikings' Streak
October 26, 1970

Constantine Tagios hits late game-winner for Heidelberg in 2-1 upset of Leif Erikson Vikings, snapping the Norsemen's 24-match league unbeaten streak at Interbay. Looking like player of old, Mike Kuczi smashes 25-yard scorcher to put Brewers up. Reider Olsen equalizes, then speedy, small Greek winger works combination with Coco DeVettori and Roger Goldingay to produce Heidelberg's second and narrow the standings gap to one point.

Swiss Power Defeats Northwest Selection
July 17, 1970

Swiss perennial contender FC Zurich impresses an audience of 1,500 at West Seattle by edging a Northwest Selection. Orchestrated by former Swiss player of the year Jacob Kuhn, the visitors win, 3-2, over a team comprised of SeaTac FC and Vancouver Cougars of the WCSL. Zurich, three-time national champions during the 1960s, is coming off a third-place finish.

Wilds's 15 Saves Helps Beat Huskies
November 3, 1970

Bob Wilds makes a record 15 saves, and Morgan Turner’s early goal lays the foundation of a 3-1 Seattle University win at Washington. Harry Arnold and George Irwin also tally for the Chieftains at Husky Stadium. It pulls Seattle U even with Western Washington atop the Western Washington Soccer Conference.

Small Crowd for SeaTac Home Opener
June 7, 1970

It's an inauspicious home opener for SeaTac SC at West Seattle Stadium. Just 400 attend the 4-3 loss to Victoria Royals. Les Fabri scores two goals for the hosts, who expected better things after a close game against Newcastle two weeks earlier. It's the second of seven straight WCSL losses to start SeaTac's first season.

Seattle P-I Publishes State League All-Time Selection
May 3, 1970

Longtime historian and publicist Pep Peery unveils the Seattle Post-Intelligencer's Washington State All-Time All-Star Team, with selections spanning the previous five decades. First and second teams are created, along with honorable mentions. The selection committee features Peery, Bill Chenowith, Tom Corbett, Eddie Craggs, Jack Goldingay, George Goers Sr., Emmett Brennan and Frank Webb. Webb was also voted the state' top all-time referee. He had officiated England first division matches before coming to the Northwest.

SeaTac Falls in League Debut
May 31, 1970

SeaTac SC makes its Western Canada Soccer League debut with a 3-2 loss at Vancouver Spartans. Player/coach Bobby Hough scores from the spot and Coco DeVettori adds the other goal. A couple of teens account for Vancouver's goals. Bruce Wilson, 18, scores twice and Bob Lenarduzzi, 16, scores a penalty.

Seattle Metro AD Lanman Retires
November 7, 1970

Harvey Lanman, 58, announces his retirement as Seattle Public Schools/Metro League athletic director after 10 years. Under Lanman's direction varsity athletics has grown from five to 15 activities, including soccer. He negotiated for parking revenue from Memorial Stadium to go toward facility improvements and helped arrange the 1969 West Ham-Kilmarnock game that financed the introduction of soccer to the schools and oversaw installation of the Astroturf.

Heidelberg Ousts Vikings in Challenge Cup
November 15, 1970

Coco DeVettori's goal and Bob Brandolini's shutout give Seattle Heidelberg a 1-0 victory over Sons of Norway Vikings in the state's National Challenge Cup final. Both teams play stout defense until DeVettori takes a Mike Kuczi pass and shoots past Gary DeVries before 400 at Interbay. The Brewers advance to face a California entry in January.

Ducz Withdraws from Hungarians
January 3, 1970

Balint Ducz announces he will no longer serve as manager and sponsor of Seattle Hungarians. Under Ducz's 11-year stewardship, the Hungarians won seven state championships, six Northwest championships and became the first Washington club to contend for the National Challenge Cup. Former league commissioner Andrew Goodman takes the reins and rebrands the teams as Seattle Magyars. The league recognizes it as a new entry rather than a continuation.

Vikings Secure Second-Half Crown
April 5, 1970

Bob Hough scores early and Geoff McKeown strikes late for Leif Erikson Vikings as they secure the state league's second-half title with a 2-1 win against Heidelberg at Lower Woodland. McKeown's winner with five minutes left lands the Puget Sound Navigation trophy. It's the Vikings' first overall league crown since 1963.

Goldingay Presented Lifetime Award
February 2, 1970

Jack Goldingay is presented the prestigious Charles E. Sullivan Award by the Puget Sound Sportswriters and Sportscasters Association for his contributions to athletics. Goldingay is recognized as the founding father of youth soccer on the Eastside as well as the Canadian Exchange program. The Birmingham, England native always looked out for the "little guy" and engaging "the odd man out."

St. Bernadette Holds, But Oldershaw Goes to B.C.
December 6, 1970

After being blitzed in the first leg, Seattle CYO champion St. Bernadette's manages a 0-0 draw with the North Shore All-Stars at Lower Woodland. It's far from enough as the B.C. boys claim the Oldershaw trophy on aggregate, 8-0.

Vikings Romp, Win First-Half Trophy
November 29, 1970

Player/coach Bob Hough contributes a brace for Leif Erikson, and the Vikings romp over Rainier SC, 5-1, to take possession of the Roosevelt Trophy for winning the state league's first half at West Seattle. The Vikings (8-1-1) finish two points ahead of Heidelberg (6-1-3).

Sunset Sundowners Raise Lipton Cup
April 27, 1970

Goals from Ken Kanikeberg and Bruce Walyor are the difference in Sunset Sundowners' 2-0 win over Volkswagen Freeway Wingers in the state cup U17 final at Memorial Stadium. The Bellevue boys take the Lipton Cup before 2,500. All told, 4,500 attend the two days of finals, sponsored by the Seattle P-I. Ward Forrest of U15 champion Olsen's United is voted overall tournament outstanding player, and Jim Rayburn of U16 runner-up Bavarian Tigers is tabbed as top goalkeeper. The Wickman Pie trophy, having been found, refurbished and accessed a value of $6000, is presented to the U14 victors, Ravenna Motors Wheelers.

German Coach Conducts Federal Way Clinic
November 24, 1970

West Germany's Dettmar Cramer opens a series of youth clinics at Federal Way's Kilo Junior High School. Cramer, sponsored by FIFA and U.S. Soccer, is the former national team assistant coach. Cost for the six daily clinics is $5.

Vikings' Late Volley Vanquishes Portlanders
May 10, 1970

A screaming volley by defender Per Karlson and last-minute save by Per Ostobo lifts Leif Erikson Vikings to the Northwest championship, 4-3, over Portland's Germania at West Seattle. The Vikings get goals from Gordon Moser, Bob Hough and Harold Myrold for a 3-nil lead. Germania rally behind Ed Schott's brace to bring it level. It's the club's sixth Northwest title but first since 1963.

Aizstrauts Resigns at Seattle Pacific
April 10, 1970

After two barren seasons at Seattle Pacific, Arnie Aizstrauts resigns as head coach, citing increased demands in his role of Seattle Parks supervisor. The Falcons' first two varsity seasons netted just one victory in 16 intercollegiate outings.

Russian, German Sailors Battle at Lower Woodland
December 19, 1970

Sailors from Russian and West German ships moored in Seattle play to a 2-2 tie before their cheering crew mates at Lower Woodland. The local immigration office, shipping agents, a tour bus company and Seattle Parks partner to bring about the match between the supply ship Kulmerland and the Vladimir Mayakovsky. The Kulmerland weighs anchor two hours after the match's completion. Port officials note that seamen from about 60 different nations visit each year.

Washington Youth Numbers Surge
January 31, 1970

Washington State Junior Soccer Association participation continues to surge. WSJSA vice-president Karl Grosch reports says the number of registered teams increased from 610 to 900 since 1969-70, with the total players rising by 50 percent, 10,645 to 15,790. Later in the year, it's noted that Arlington, population 2,400, features five boys teams and one for girls.

SeaTac Approved for Canadian League
February 8, 1970

The U.S. Soccer Federation grants approval for Johnny Haas to enter his SeaTac SC in the four-team Western Canada Soccer League. Haas and Andrew Goodman will co-sponsor a team featuring top state league players for 18-game season during the spring and summer months. Seven home matches are to be played at West Seattle, two others at Baker Stadium at the University of Puget Sound. The other three WCSL teams are Victoria Royals, Vancouver Spartans and Vancouver Cougars.

Undefeated Shorecrest Wins First Metro Title
February 28, 1970

Undefeated Shorecrest wins the first Metro League championship, defeating Cleveland, 1-0, before 1,500 chilled fans at Memorial Stadium. Marty Ciez finds the corner with his 20-yard free kick with six minutes left in regulation. Ken Horne gets his fifth shutout in seven games for the Highlanders (6-0-1). Shoreline defeats West Seattle, 2-1, for third place.

Vikings Advance in National Challenge Cup
February 15, 1970

While attacking star Geoff McKeown is technically kept off the scoresheet, he assists on both Leif Erikson Vikings goals in first round National Challenge Cup win over Denver Kickers, 2-1, at Bothell's soggy Pop Keeney Field. Closely guarded throughout, in the first half McKeown finds Harold Myrold for the opener and Reidar Olsen for what proves to be the winner before 2,000 fans. Goalkeeper Gary DeVries stymies Denver apart from Gary Elbaum's score in the first half's dying seconds.

LA's Croatia Go Leg Up on Vikings
March 8, 1970

Helmut Weiss riddles Leif Erikson Vikings for a hat trick in Croatia's 3-2 National Challenge Cup regional first leg in Los Angeles. The German-born Weiss scores three times at Rancho Cienega Stadium. Geoff McKeown scores for the Viks, who also get an own goal.

Another Weiss Hat Trick Eliminates Vikings
March 14, 1970

Helmut Weiss finishes the series with all six Croatia goals, and Leif Erikson Vikings go out of the National Challenge Cup, 6-4, on aggregate, in the West Region finals. Weiss puts Croatia up a goal midway through the first half, then scores twice within a few minutes of the second period. A Bobby Hough header ties it by halftime, and his corner kick is volleyed home by Reider Olsen late to pull the Viks a goal back in the 3-2 loss before 1,500 at Memorial Stadium. Croatia goes on to finish national runner-up.

Puget Sound Upsets Huskies
October 13, 1970

Puget Sound deals Washington its first shutout in over a year and snaps the Huskies' five-game home win streak, 4-0, at Husky Stadium. The match is taped and later replayed on KSTW TV. Wes Jordan, Clint Scott (a 40-yard free kick), Bali Stefani and Chris Kock score for the Loggers.

Seattle Metro League Play Begins
January 17, 1970

The Seattle area's Metro High School League begins its first official round of games at Memorial Stadium. Roosevelt beats Ballard, 4-2, in the inaugural match, but the Beavers' Jeff Martins and Hayward Evans score the first goals, before Tim Harvey's second-half brace for the Roughriders. Shoreline and Shorecrest tie, 1-1. Franklin-Cleveland (1-3) and Rainier Beach-West Seattle (0-2). There will be two doubleheaders each Saturday for six weeks. The eight teams will grow to 14 in 1971.

Only Win for SeaTac Comes by Forfeit
August 23, 1970

SeaTac SC manages its first win in the final game of the season, yet there is little satisfaction. They are awarded a forfeit when Vancouver Cougars arrive 1 hour 40 minutes late at Tacoma's Baker Stadium. All 500 fans are given refunds and players attempt to entertain them with a football field-goal kicking exhibition. After the Cougars arrive, they win a non-counting exhibition, 4-1. SeaTac finishes a distant fourth in the WCSL at 1-13-1.

Please tell us soccer fans why the World Cup matches were not on TV. Soccer is becoming one the most popular sports in the United States among the youngsters. Washington state is second only to Missouri in the number of junior soccer teams. You can bet the boys and their parents were highly disappointed.
Kent's Ken Arrington in a letter to the Seattle Post-Intelligencer
The only way to achieve major status for soccer is by broadening the scope of play so that thousands of kids will learn the game by playing. Forget building the best team and concentrate on having as many boys as possible play in fairly arranged competition.
Washington Junior Soccer publicist Tommy Grieve
I’d rather play on ice, slush and snow. At least you know where the ball is going.
Newcastle captain Bobby Moncur on playing on Memorial Stadium's Astroturf
Not everybody in Seattle has been going coconuts over the World Cup in the past couple weeks. But those who are interested rank the event somewhere between World War II and the first landing on the moon.
Seattle P-I columnist John Owen
That player could do well in English First Division soccer. He stopped some of (Bryan) Robson’s hardest drives, and we weren’t laying back either.
Newcastle manager Joe Harvey on SeaTac keeper Martin Balss after he made dozens of saves in 2-1 exhibition loss
Our group is committed to the proposition that the most popular spectator sport in the world can and will become a major activity in this area. We realize it might take several years and are prepared to sweat it out.
SeaTac SC co-owner Johnny Haas after the team struggles both on the field and at the gate in its first season
Soccer is a world game whose absence in America on a major scale is a phenomenon other countries aren’t able to understand. They can’t conceive of a nation of 200,000,000 without big-time soccer. They look upon us as an underdeveloped country requiring cultural assistance...One day, late in the 20th century, soccer may catch on in the U.S. It will happen when the generation of that time decides that football is a game of sadistic brutes. Soccer will replace it, and we will take our position with the family of nations pursuing this peaceful sport.
Syndicated columnist Melvin Durslag on worldwide focus on World Cup while American game limps along
The play is dull and the action tame, without a riot at a soccer game when there are no fights, alas, alack the fans demand their money back.
Seattle P-I columnist Royal Brougham's take on soccer
All-Time (1890-1969) Washington State Players
Player (Pos) ClubDecade
Jack Banks (G) Black Diamond1930s
Len Perry (D) Maple Leafs1920s
Jimmy Daly (D) Todds Dry Dock1920s
Zoltan Mako (M) Seattle Hungarians1960s
Austin Gunderson (M) Vikings1950s
Bobby Hough (M) Vikings1960s
Les Fabri (F) Seattle Hungarians1960s
Mike Kuczi (F) Seattle Hungarians1960s
Jim Bennett (F) Maple Leafs1920s
Geoff McKeown (F) Vikings1960s
Barney Kempton (F) Maple Leafs1920s
Garry DeVries (G) Vikings1960s
Jimmie McMillan (D) WIckman'sPies1940s
Mario Torre (D) WIckman'sPies1940s
Tommy Barwick (M) Maple Leafs1920s
Charlie McNeil (M) Matheny & Bacon1950s
Allen Sawyer (M) Matheny & Bacon1950s
Howie Baldwin (F) Wickman's Pies1940s
Saki Conti (F) Todds Dry Dock1920s
Ted Gieseke (F) German Club1930s
George Goers Jr. (F) Buchan Bakers1950s
Reider Olsen (F) Vikings1960s
Collegiate Men's Records
Puget Sound 3-5-2
Seattle University 4-2-4
Seattle Pacific 0-7-3
Washington 5-3-2
Western Washington 6-1-3 (club)
Whitman n/a (club)
SeaTac SC WCSL Results - 1970
2 at Vancouver Spartans3
3 Victoria Royals (WS)4
2 Vancouver Spartans (TAC)6
0 at Victoria Royals2
1 at Vancouver Spartans8
1 Victoria Royals (WS)2
2 Vancouver Spartans (WS)3
2 at Vancouver Cougars2
1 Victoria Royals (TAC)2
1 at Vancouver Cougars3
0 at Victoria Royals4
1 Vancouver Spartans (WS)5
0 at Vancouver Cougars1
1 Vancouver Cougars (TAC)0 (F)
Washington State Youth Champions
Age Boys
U11 Newport Sharks (EYSA)
U12 Newport Huskies (EYSA)
U13 Barney & Al's Shamrocks (EYSA)
U14 Ravenna Motors Wheelers (SSCJSA)
U16 Olsen's United (EYSA)
U17 Sundowners (EYSA)
On this Day in History