Annual Alumni Day Extravaganza

The annual Alumni Day event was a resounding success! This year, the Alumni Association switched it up a bit and scheduled the alumni games over Labor Day weekend to allow for a larger turn out. This was a genius move as the 2010 Alumni Day boasted one of the best turn outs in recent years. Alumni from all over the Tampa Bay area and beyond gathered for a day of re-connecting, fellowship, and intense game play! In addition to the traditional soccer games at the Glen Oaks Soccer Complex and the volleyball games in the gym, the CCC Alumni Association provided a Labor Day picnic at the soccer field. "Have grill, will travel" was put into action as Dan Wareing and Ben Puckett worked in the Florida heat to grill hot dogs, serve homemade cookies, and help make the day extra special.

This year, the 2010-2011 Lady Cougars came home with the win against the alumni team. Even though the final score was 4-0, the alumni team was pleased with the outcome, as they proved that they still had the stuff. "We had a great core group from the earliest days of the program," said Keith Hutchison, coach of the alumni team. Even though they were there to play soccer, the alumni team took time to fellowship. "Much of the conversation on the bench was geared toward 'expanding' families rather than about soccer tactics or techniques. They were hoping that one of the local crew would deliver before the weekend was up, but no such luck this time around." Better luck next year?

From the start, the men's soccer game promised to be a tough match. The alumni team was led by a number of former All-Americans and All-Region players. The alumni team played well, holding the Cougars to a scoreless first half before losing 3-0 to the current Cougar team. James Whitaker, men's soccer coach and CCC Athletic Director said following the match , "It's always great to see so many of our former players come back for the alumni match. It's great to be able to fellowship with them and hear about what God has been doing in their lives since they left CCC."

The night ended with an extra-long five-game set that put the alumni against the Lady Cougars volleyball players. Before the game began, the Lady Cougars and the alumni team presented Coach Denny with a commemorative ball to mark her 800th career win. The games that followed were intense. "This was one of the best groups of alumni to come back," said Coach Denny. "After the alumni won two sets over the college team, we mixed the teams and played each other to five sets." Friends and family gathered to watch as the alumni got back into the groove and showed that they were still champions.

For photos of the day, please visit the Clearwater Christian College facebook page or the Photo Gallery.