A Cranbrook Tradition Since 1948: Alumni Take on Varsity Soccer August 14

The tradition dates to 1948, the first year longtime faculty member and coach Ben Snyder recorded an Alumni/Varsity game in his handwritten “Soccer Notebook.” Snyder, who served Cranbrook from 1948 to 1990, carefully tracked scores and team history and continued following Cranbrook soccer long after his retirement.

Over the years, the game has become about much more than the final score. It brings together players from different generations and has frequently placed family members alongside—or across the field from—one another. For example in 2010, the alumni team included father and son Bill Holmes ’79 and Andrew Holmes ’10, while Henry Whiting ’81 faced his son John Whiting '14 on the varsity team. Ken Kernen ’85 took the field with son Kenny Kernan '16 playing for varsity, and alumni brothers Jayant Trewn ’09 and Amrit Trewn ’10 played together. Other years have featured fathers defending sons, brothers playing with and against brothers,  and players from many different class years joining the alumni side.

Few players embody the game’s staying power better than Allan Mullins ’73. A fixture in the alumni net for decades, A fixture between the posts for the alumni for decades, Mullins still stands his ground against varsity attackers three, four, and even five decades his junior.  Paul Gamble ’82 has also been a tireless player and supporter, returning year after year to help keep the tradition strong, along with many other regular players and supporters of the traditional game.

Former faculty member and soccer coach Charlie Shaw and his son Peter are regulars as well, helping coach, encourage, and cheer on the alumni side. Their continued involvement reflects the friendships between players, families, and coaches that have sustained the game across generations. 

This year’s game offers another opportunity to add to that history.

A barbecue will follow the game. Families are welcome, so come hungry!

Alumni are invited to play or come cheer for the alumni team. Email alumni@cranbrook.edu for more information or to reserve a spot on the roster.

Please share the invitation with former teammates and other alumni who may be interested. If you are not receiving alumni invitations, email alumni@cranbrook.edu to update your contact information.