More than 20 alumni of Arcadia University’s Men’s Soccer program—many now with families in tow—returned to Glenside recently, ready to lace up their cleats and challenge the current players in a contest. Not even the persistent rain could keep the game’s excitement from spilling over into the post-game events, which included a celebration of Knights past and present.

It was announced that the program’s most prolific team, the 2002 NCAA Elite 8 squad, will be inducted into Arcadia University’s Athletic Hall of Fame in a ceremony to be held on Friday, Oct. 12. The 2002 team finished with a 21-4 overall record and was ranked No. 7 team in the country after capturing its second straight Pennsylvania Athletic Conference Championship.

“Regardless of graduation year, we are all part of a proud history and tradition here in Glenside,” said Tom Carlin ’99, ’06M, the head coach of the 2002 team and current head coach at Villanova University, speaking about the importance of a strong alumni base. Carlin, who was a four-year player at Arcadia before he was hired to coach the Knights, generously contributed $3,000 to the program, including all of the proceeds from two single-day winter developmental camps that Arcadia held in conjunction with Villanova.

This year’s alumni contest featured six 10-minute 8-v-8 round-robin-style games, pitting alumni—including numerous all-conference and all-region players—against the current Arcadia squad. A lunch and ceremony honoring the 2002 team followed. There was also a happy hour social.

“This was a great event,” says Head Coach Rob Nydick. “The turnout proves that we can increase alumni involvement in future years. It’s a great way to showcase our campus to our former players and their families. The history and tradition of Arcadia Soccer is a major source of pride for our program and for the University. There are many exciting things going on at Arcadia and within our athletic department. This year’s event was an awesome way to really celebrate the past and focus on the future with the entire Arcadia soccer family. I also want to thank Tom Carlin for his generous donation to the program. Tom holds Arcadia University and the men’s soccer program very close to his heart and his commitment to the program is extremely appreciated!”

Keeping the tradition going, the team plans to host a fall family day in addition to another spring alumni game in 2013.

Alumni participants included:

Alumni of the men’s soccer program are encouraged to keep their contact information up-to-date by completing the online- questionnaire.