WHS Alums Enjoy Fourth Annual Post-Thanksgiving Soccer Match

Westfield High School soccer players ranging from the class of 1982 to recent graduates enjoyed some friendly competition Friday morning at Kehler Stadium for the fourth annual post-Thanksgiving soccer match.

"We had a great turnout, probably 45 former players," said Chris Partelow, class of '94, who has organized the game with the help of George Kapner, WHS's boys soccer coach. "We had guys from the first WHS state championship to players representing the last."

Kapner coached the older alums while currents boys varsity assistant coach Chris Carson lead the young alums. Peter Franks, the president of the Westfield Soccer Association, refereed the game.

"We separated the teams by age," Partelow explained. "The younger team was those who graduated after 2000 vs. the older team '82-'99. It was a highly contested battle that ended up in a 4-0 win by the youngsters. The score did not reflect the game, as we held them at bay until 20 minutes to go in the game, then the younger legs prevailed."

A large contingent of family and friends turned out to cheer on the teams.

"Although the 1992 grads, who were celebrating their 20-year reunion did not get to celebrate victory, we all enjoyed each others company," Partelow said. "Lots of memories and stories were shared, and old friends got to relieve their youth."