Registered Attendees
Jeff Maierhofer -
1980-1983 -
jeffrey.maierhofer@wachoviasec.com
PSU SOCCER MEMORY: ......I will never forget, as a "frightened Freshman" getting off the bus for the first game, and Walter pulls me aside, with his "Stogie" in full force, saying " I'm gonna start ya, and keep you in there until you mess it up ". No pressure, right Walt? Well, during my first run down the wing, I tripped on my own feet, and fell flat on my face. no pressure, right Walt?
Matt Woolley -
1989-1992 -
mwoolley@comcast.net
PSU SOCCER MEMORY: Watched a spring game in Holuba Hall, Spring of 93, with Stevie Thomas, Steve Sergi and Mike Imm, and we stood with Coach Bahr. One of the midfielders got the ball wide, took a few too many touches and got whacked. The kid gets up and yells something to the ref. Coach looks at the kid, shrugs his shoulders and says "pass the ball kid, you won't get kicked".
Greg Kenney -
1981-1984 -
gregkenney@optonline.net
PSU SOCCER MEMORY: Freshmen Year, Coach Bahr helping me with my distribution from the goal. "Gregger, when I hear you call keeper I am very confident you are going to end with the ball. After you get it I have no idea what is going to happen. Here is what I want you to do. First look long, then look wide, then roll the ball to Danny Canter and run back to the goal.
Chris DePeppe
- 1984-1988 -
cdepeppe@fullforcepromotions.com
My memorable moment came at UConn after beating them 1-0. 75 minutes played inside our 18. Greg Kenney saved shots with his ass and his ear and Zartie saved two off the line. Joe Morrone was beside himself all game. They pummeled us but we held on to win. At the banquet UConn holds after games, we are sitting side by side with UConn players and Joe Morrone makes his speech and thanks us for coming, saying that "it's always great to have Walter back and his teams are always strong, etc. but we obviously thought we deserved better today but..." blah, blah, blah...still obviously pissed about losing. Coach gets up to the podium with a cigar and cocktail, thanks Joe and the players and all, comments about the quality of their team and their crowd and then leaves them with this.
"Unfortunately, Joe, you just
got outcoached today".
We were howling and the UConn guys were trying not to laugh. Half of them would have transferred on the spot I think.
Ted Gillen
- 1986-1989 -
tedgillen@hotmail.com
PSU SOCCER MEMORY: My recruiting visit and my initial conversation with Coach Bahr are what made me, and many others, choose to come to Penn State. After being led around campus by a bleary eyed, fifth year by the name of Gerry Moyer, myself and my hs coach sat in front of Coach Bahr in his office in Rec Hall. Coach said to me "Teddy, we hear good things about ya and we'd like you to come to Penn State. We dont have any money for ya but if ya do well we'll take of ya....but make no mistake, whether or not you choose to come here, the life of Teddy Gillen will go on and Penn State will still be here.....and Im pretty sure Penn State will be fine with ya..... or without ya."................Coach always told us that there were 11 individual battles on the field, and that we played for ourselves, first and foremost. In this respect Coach, you're only partially correct....there WERE 11 individual battles on the field, but it was YOU who we played for. For this I am eternally grateful.
Scott Gardiner -
1979-1982 -
sgardiner@bcreative.com
PSU SOCCER MEMORY: I can still see Coach Bahr in a moment of frustration, taking his hat off with his left hand, and then placing his right hand on his forehead and stroking his hair back and saying GEEEEEEZZZZ!
Jim Stamatis -
1976-1979 -
jimstamatis@aol.com
PSU SOCCER MEMORY: My outstanding memory of Coach Bahr is from the first time I met him. Like all of the Penn State soccer players, I had been recruited by a number of top colleges. Most of the coaches promised me everything from a starting spot to collegiate awards and honors. At the end of my official visit to Penn State, I sat down to talk with Coach Bahr. He told me that he had seen me play and he thought that I could play at the collegiate level but that I would have to come in, work hard and earn my playing time for every game like everyone else. That conversation and Coach Bahr's "tell it like it is honesty" was one of the biggest reasons I chose Penn State. That story served as a great life lesson for me and I've told that story many times over the years to my sons, friends, players that I've coached, and my employees at work. Coach Bahr may not remember this story as he probably told this to every recruit that came into his office but it left an impression on me and probably many of you as well.
Casey Bahr - Naval
Academy
'64 - '66 -
Bahrdc@comcast.net
Chris Bahr -
1971-1974 -
cbahr@provest.com
PSU SOCCER MEMORY: If I said anything I would be forced to live with it forever. Everyone else gets to say something then go home. Not me.
Matt Bahr -
1974-1977 -
mdbahr@nidhog.com
PSU SOCCER MEMORY:
My
dad has a saying for everything ... a couple that come to mind ... "It takes
years to build a good reputation and only a moment to destroy it" ... "You can't
fly with the owls at night and expect to soar with the eagles in the morning"
... "the world's not interested in the storms you encounter, just whether you
bring the ship in"
Dan Canter
- 1978-1981 -
canter5@aol.com
PSU SOCCER MEMORY: Just the outstanding judgment of talent Walt possesses- I always considered myself an attacking midfielder and after my first week of practice Walt pulled me aside and said "I will play you in the midfield your first year but you belong playing sweeper if you want to go anywhere." It surprised me at the time but he was absolutely correct and it also saved me from a lot more running playing midfield!! I always have admired Walt's style of coaching and I try to apply it to my management style at work to this day. But there is only one Walter Bahr!
Lou Karbiener -
1979-1982 -
louis.r.karbiener@lmco.com
PSU SOCCER MEMORY:
My memory is of the way Coach got
the most out of his players. One specific example was of a kid who was very
lacking in speed, severely short of discipline, never used his right foot other
than to stand on, could not jump over the daily newspaper, was afraid to head
the ball, thought tackling had to do with fishing and managed an awe inspiring
1.75 GPA his first semester. Coach Bahr told this player, "the best people and
players figure out how to play to their strengths and hide their weaknesses". I
like to use this story with my
teams in sports and in my working life because everyone has weaknesses to
overcome and that kid became an All-American and a Dean's list student.
Duncan MacEwan
- 1978-1981 -
brummiemac@aol.com
PSU SOCCER MEMORY: Having been around this game for many years, both before and after my time at Penn State, I have come across many so called coaches, managers, players etc and there is nobody I respect more, both in or out of the game, than Walt. We met for the first time March 12th 1978 and he hasn’t got rid of me yet, but I have nothing but admiration for the man, there was, is, and always will be only one Coach Bahr.
Niall Harrison -
1983-1986 -
niall.harrison@fai.ie
PSU SOCCER MEMORY: The everlasting impression he has left on me as a person and now in my profession as a soccer coach with our national association. Under the guidance of Coach Bahr, I learned many valuable lessons which have shaped my life and my soccer coaching. Great coach...great person...Thanks Coach.
Michael Ditchfield -
1978-1981 -
mditchfield@earthlink.net
PSU SOCCER MEMORY: "It was the night before we flew down to Tampa
for the Final Four and Walt had asked me to pick up 10 gallons of Hot Chocolate
from the HUB for the bus ride to Pittsburgh. Walter's weakened Volvo suspension
and a speed bump outside of Rec Hall contributed to all 10 gallons spilling out
over the back seat. After wiping it all up with towels from the Equipment room
and convincing them that I did not have an excited bowel problem, I spent the
rest of the night mixing 10 cans of Hershey Cocoa powder with another 10 gallons
of milk from the Creamery....After all that, Walt left the bloody canister in
the parking lot at Rec Hall, much to the delight of every cat in State
College....Walt to this day still thinks the aroma of chocolate in his car was
from a car scent pouch that I gave him as a gift. He is probably still trying to
find out where that smell is coming from..."
Ciro Baldino -
1971-1974 -
cbaldino@patmedia.net
PSU SOCCER MEMORY:
One of the best college soccer coaches I had
the privilege to play for
Tom Taylor -
1973-1976 -
tmtaylor@ptd.net
PSU SOCCER MEMORY: Mr. Bahr showed me how the beautiful game of soccer is played and how it is coached. Many of his coaching techniques and philosophies were carried over to me in my coaching career. Mr Bahr's poise and demeanor as a coach should be emulated by all other coaches. He taught us soccer and how to be men. I'll never forget his response when he heard a player use foul language: "If it makes you a better soccer player when you curse, then do it. But in the meantime don't!" Mr. Bahr had all kinds of sayings and "Pearls of Widsom" that we will never forget.
John Marsden -
1972-1975 -
jmarsden10@yahoo.com
PSU SOCCER MEMORY:
I had Herb Schmidt my 1st two years
here and we had a more offensive-style attack and played with 2 wings.
Then Walt came for my last 2 seasons and had a slightly different approach to a
defensive scheme. During one of the early games of his tenure the outside
back on my side went on a long overlapping run and received a ball that he
crossed into the middle for a header goal. Coach called me over and said that
was my fault and I said "how was that my fault?" he said that was your man and
if you can't cover him, I'll find someone that will. needless to say I quickly
learned about the defensive responsibilities of a forward.
Ken McDonald -
1975-1978 -
mcdonaldk@frapanthers.com
Dan Gallagher -
1975-1978 -
dgallagher@lane-enterprises.com
PSU SOCCER MEMORY:
After Tony
Giaimo & I finished our finals (spring of our junior year) we were cleaning out
our apartment. Tony found a large pack of condoms he got with some “special
offer." After blowing up a few we decided to fill one with water. Need I say
that you can get A LOT of water in one of them. It took the two of us to carry
it. Since we lived on the 7th floor we decided to throw it out the window.
Talk about DUMB!!!
The "water balloon fell on
the windshield of the tow truck parked in the neighboring gas station. Water was
everywhere. We laughed and went back to our apartment. Ten minutes later a
Pennsylvania state trooper came knocking. Turns out the "water balloon"
shattered the windshield and flooded the cab of the truck. We were instructed to
make the owner whole or spend a few nights in the local jail. It being the end
of the year neither of us had any money so we went to Walt. We drove out
to his house and had a somewhat tamer version of our need for money but Walt
lent us the cash and just shook his head saying he was better off not knowing
why we need the money.
I guess you do get smarter as
you go along!
Tony Giaimo -
1975-1978 -
tgiaimo@yahoo.com
PSU SOCCER MEMORY: Dan Gallagher as already mentioned my most memorable story about "Walt". I can still see the look on coach's face. It was one of a father who knew his kids had done wrong but he also knew it was part of growing up. I walked in that house expecting the worst, being yelled at or being told to deal with it or at worst being KICKED off the team and my parents would find out about the "package".
Thinking back, Mr. Bahr always called
us "MEN". from that day on I knew he meant it.
Dave Lloyd -
1975-1978 -
dlloyd8744@aol.com
PSU SOCCER MEMORY:
Coach,
I can still hear the echo of your gentle voice yelling at me during practice -
"LOU, LOU"
"Playing for you at Penn State was one of the best things to ever happen to me!"
Thanks
Jerry Moyer -
1981-1985 -
jermoyer@aol.com
PSU SOCCER MEMORY: I apologize in advance, but want to share a few memories. 1: My brother Doug was already on the PSU team and I wanted to go to PSU. I was being recruited by many schools and was "wined and dined" by several. On my visit to PSU, I spent the weekend with Doug and his "crew" and had a great time. The next morning I met with Coach Bahr and he basically said ...to the best I can remember...."We don't have any money for you right now...but if you earn it there may be some after the season. Did you have a good weekend? I hope you'll be joining us." That was it...no fanfare...nothing special at all....but I knew that this was the man I wanted to play for. I made the decision to attend PSU and it was one of the best decisions I ever made. #2: Troy Snyder was away with the national team and returned to PSU for his first practice. We started with 5v2 on the grids behind Jeffrey and we all, Coach included, were happy to finally have Troy back. Just minutes into the 5x2, a player...we'll just say #22 ( and no jokes about my getting that number after coming back from an injury)....so again...#22 trying to impress coach was working extra hard in the 5v2. It was a sloppy, rainy day and #22 did a slide tackle towards Troy and practically sent him into the bleachers. Coach yelled..and I don't want to quote..but it went something like this...."#22, what are you doing? Troy are you ok? You know what...#22 take the day off..Troy are you ok?" Last and number #3: Not sure what year but we had a two brothers on the team (I think the names were something like Kaz and Sev. Anyway...at a Thursday night practice on Jeffrey doing our normal "dry runs", we finished the 11 v 1 phase and coach added the light pressure defensive team. I remember him yelling into the bleachers where the other players were sitting and saying "Sev, throw on a pinny and get in at right midfield" to which this reply came...."Coach, I'm Kaz". This was quickly answered by coach with "Well, you'r! e either Sev and you're in at right midfield or you're Kaz and sitting in the bleachers".
Marko Bulatovic -
1981-1984 -
markob@att.net
Kevin Scott -
1977-1980 -
scottkevin@bellsouth.net
PSU SOCCER MEMORY:
My
most enduring PSU soccer memory is beating Indiana to reach the 1979 Final Four.
Coach got us there by keeping it simple, demanding a strong work ethic,
emphasizing teamwork, maintaining perspective and having a sense of humor. When
learning leadership, what else does a young man need?
Tamir Young
- 1992-1995 -
tyoung@cravath.com
PSU SOCCER MEMORY:
Having played
in the PCB era (Post-Coach Bahr), my memories are more social than
soccer-related (such as how I'd always stop by Coach Bahr's football tailgate
with Ted Gillen, Matt Woolley et al. and Coach would always convince me to try
Davies' deviled eggs -- not the greatest hangover morsels.) However, my
most vivid memory/observation -- from my very first game as a freshman
continuing until today -- is how every PSU player stepping onto Jeffrey Field
for pre-game warm-up always looks across the field to the opposite bleachers
(far upper-right corner) to see if Coach Bahr is there. There's an
unstated sense of comfort, pride, respect and energy that comes with seeing him
up there in his jacket and cap that embodies Penn State soccer... and the fact
that all players still look for him there speaks volumes to his character and
legacy.
Michael Imm -
1989-1992 -
mikeimm@allstate.com
PSU SOCCER MEMORY:
Coach Bahr has left a lasting impression on many people, obviously on players he
has coached but also those he has coached against. My first recollection of
ANYTHING to do with Penn State was my high school coach's (a Jacksonville University
All-American in the late 1970's) ONLY, and I say ONLY college advice..."I want
you to call Walter Bahr at Penn State University..." Thanks Coach.
Ray Ballantine - 1980-1984 - rballantine@hefren.com
Kevin Jennings -
1982-1985 -
kjennings1@comcast.net
PSU SOCCER MEMORY:
One of my memories of coach is how when we would all be shooting at goal before
practice, coach would come over and knock a few balls to us. When he would
strike a good one he would pull out his stogie and say 'Kevin, that's the best
ball you're going to get all season...."
Rick Tompkins
-
1973 -
Rict6@aol.com
PSU SOCCER MEMORY:
My first name is really Rick not Tommy! Thanks for making me a
better person and player
Eric Friberg -
1987-1991 -
efriberg@spectrawood.com
PSU SOCCER MEMORY:
It was my freshman year and we started the season on a very long losing streak.
After a tough loss at Jeffrey, we were getting off the Fullington Bus that
shuttled us back to Rec. Coach was standing outside the door of the bus and
consulting with every player. I proceeded down the bus stairs and with my head
dropped in disappointment and my pride wounded for not upholding the Traditions
of Jeffrey. Coach pulls me aside and anointed me with his many words of wisdom.
"Eric, why are you walking with your head down? The only people I have known
who've walked with their heads down lived during the depression. They were
always looking for quarters and pennies." Coach really knew how to put things in
perspective. Needless to say, we had finished the season on a 10 game winning
streak, beat Rutgers in the A-10 Final but missed the NCAA Tournament. Cheers to
Coach.
Scott Maierhofer -
1979-1982 -
shm@gmbltd.com
David Dabora - 1982-1985
-
ddabora@boston-partners.com
PSU SOCCER MEMORY: Coach Bahr commenting after Joe Morrone of UConn
stated that Penn State and UConn have mostly U.S. players. "Joe, it is not
true, Penn State has a few players from New Jersey."
Thomas Greve -
1984-1985 -
greve_thomas@yahoo.no
PSU SOCCER MEMORY:
The comment made by him at the reception
after the Uconn game at their home turf in 85 (I believe), after we won 2-1
without deserving it (our goalie Greg Kenny played an oustanding match) and he
said in a speech to the Uconn coatch: "I outcoached you today".
Needless to say, all the Penn State playes started laughing...
Danny Kelly -
1987-1990 -
dk21blast@aol.com
PSU SOCCER MEMORY:
Unfortunately
I played only one season under Coach Bahr, but one of the many things I
appreciated about him was how he never minced his words. It was Monday
practice following a 1-0 loss to UConn Saturday night, and coach let me know how
I played. "Kelly, you were terrible. It was as if you had never seen
a soccer ball before." And then I think he smiled. And someone else
let out a chuckle, and then 18 guys and coach are laughing about how poorly I
played. Good times, great coach.
Greg Dennis -
1979-1982 -
peachblossoms@goeaston.net
PSU SOCCER MEMORY: During my years playing for Coach Bahr I found him to be a man of few words. I always knew he was there and I always knew that when he did speak to me I wanted to/needed to listen.
I hear him still.
Coach Bahr is the voice in the back of my head when I step on the pitch with my
boys, whether coaching or kicking around.
And I know that anytime I step on a Soccer pitch - I stand up a little
straighter - Thank you Coach.
Tim Unger -
1972-1975 -
tim.unger@tropian.com;
tim.unger@gmail.com
PSU SOCCER MEMORY: Early in the '74 season, Walt put me in at the center midfield role, CB was told to rest up front and look for yet another net-breaker. I was pumped. Within the first 60 seconds of play Dr. Garber surgically split two defenders and sent a smooth, top-spin square pass my way. I deftly feinted left and went the other direction leaving my defensive mark in his tracks. I looked forward and there was nothing between me and the goal except the vivid green glistening turf of Jeffrey Field. The ball was positioned beautifully. In full stride and with full extension I hammered a perfectly struck knuckle ball. Everything went into slow motion frame-by-frame. I could hear Dantzig screaming. Their keeper was rooted and frozen in his stance unable to move. The crowd was deafening. The only problem was the damn ball sailed ten feet over the bar, over the fence and finally over the road into the cow pasture. I said I was pumped. As the half ended and I walked to the sideline Walt calmly said to me with his famous dead-pan expression and about three inches from my nose, "Timmy, next time try and get inside the 4O yard line before you shoot the ball." I'm just glad Walt didn't make me retrieve the ball. By the way, I did "grow up to be just like Walt," at least as far as the hair-line goes. Had to call it off as far as the stogie though. Looking forward to reading more entertaining anecdotes and to seeing everyone next April at Walt's event.
Steve Blumenthal -
1979-1982 -
steve@cmgfunds.net
PSU SOCCER MEMORY: Blumberg, Rosenberg, Rosenstein... It wasn't long before I learned he was talking to me. I think I got more playing time as Blumberg and less as Rosenstein. Even today Doug Moyer calls me Blumberg. It brings back great memories of a wonderful experience. Walter was always teaching more than just soccer. I remember... thank you so very much Walter...
Greg Meares -
1983-1985 -
gmeares@i-q-s.com
PSU SOCCER MEMORY:
1. Coach expected greater things from me than I
did of myself. I finally figured that out, but I never told him.
2. I don't know if I remember this correctly but this is how I processed it
back then and it stuck with me; I was battling injuries and Coach, in his
special way, told me to basically toughen up. He mentioned that he played with
a broken leg once. I think that may have been shortly after he likened Torben
to a candle. Ok, like I said, not sure if that was true or not but that is how
I remember it.
David Eltringham - 1979-1981 - deltrin@aol.com
PSU SOCCER MEMORY:
Transferred in my sophomore
year after playing at West Virginia as a freshman. I wish Coach Bahr would have
told me that Jeff "Durgan" Maiehoffer and 17 of his All-American friends were
coming in the year I was eligible to play. Not that it really mattered! Anyway,
when I tried to clarify that oversight during practice one day,
Coach said: David you
do allot of things good, nothing great, your a good practice player but will
never start at PSU. Started to walk away and he said by the way we are trying
to recruit a couple of kids from your area do you mind helping us out? Despite
being a little shocked with Coach's frankness my answer was what you'd expect:
Sure Coach. Learned more about the game as a bench sitting member of the "Scrub
Unit" than I would have ever learned elsewhere. Thanks Coach I was blessed to
be part of the team and will always love PSU Soccer.
Jay Ruby -
1983-1986 -
jruby@rubyusa.com
PSU SOCCER MEMORY:
Spring of Freshman year,
we are crammed into the Penn State vans traveling to a weekend tournament, 4
guys to a hotel room, except Steve Potter and I, we get to room with Coach, he's
got the stoagie goin' good and about every 15 minutes he says, "It seems a
little cold in here boys," and turns the heat up, meanwhile Steve and I are
sweatin' up a storm...I will be forever grateful for Coach taking a chance on a
skinny kid from Michigan and pulling me onto Main Campus...and for Coach's words
I have quoted to everyone I know, "You never stay the same, you're either
getting worse, or you're getting better." Thanks to Coach Bahr, we've all
gotten better.
David Arata -
1984-1988 -
darata@rmahq.org
PSU SOCCER MEMORY: Coach Bahr made me a better person, period. His vehicle was the soccer field, but so many of Coach Bahr's points about the game and the team, have now come true in the real world as well. I think coaching is all about making the men that play for you better people. Coach Bahr did that tenfold, and for that, I will always be grateful. I can still hear him scream "Jiminy Cricket" in my sleep.
Bill McDonald
- 1979-1982 -
bm7of12@houston.rr.com
PSU SOCCER MEMORY: Painting the boots black!
Yellow hoodies! New Peter Green, Ltd. uniforms before the Final Four (what
happened to the Long Sleve Umbros?) CRAWDADDY's somewhere near Tampa. The grid
behind the visitors bleachers was a special place. Every practice was different!
Stamatis shots that landed somewhere near McLanahans. Kid from Bucks County gets
to play with Nigel Munyati (Zimbabwe), Balfe Morrison and Kevin "Skibo" Scott
(Jamaica), Duncan MacEwan (Scotland).
One Walt Bahr instance.... Wasn't feeling well all week. Getting off the bus
from Rec Hall to Jeffey, Walt asked "how are you feeling, Billy?" I said "coach
I am sick." Walt fixed his cap, buttoned his navy blue windbreaker, turned away
and I heard " sometimes you play your best game when you are sick."
I'm in my eighteenth year of coaching H.S. soccer and a major reason for that is
Walt Bahr.
Bert Eckelmeyer - 1985-1989
-
AEckelmeyer@verizon.net
PSU SOCCER MEMORY: During my sophomore year, I was having trouble judging crosses so Coach Bahr suggested that I go see an Ophthalmologist. As it turns out, I had 20/20 vision... it was my confidence that was blurred! In all seriousness, there are few people, if any, that I admire and respect more than Walter Bahr.
Torben Ageson - 1982-1985
-
torbenagesen@yahoo.com
PSU SOCCER MEMORY: Coach commented on my propensity of being injured, and rather succinctly stated, "Torben, your like a candle, one blow and your out !".
Steve Sergi
- 1989-1992 -
ssergi@staffbusiness.com
PSU SOCCER MEMORY: 1990, I'm waiting in coaches office lobby area to meet with Coach Gorman, and in walks Coach Bahr visiting Elaine and some other coaches. He was retired, I was a very average player on an average PSU team, so I assumed he had no idea who I was. Of course we all knew who he was... but as only Coach Bahr could do, he walked right over to me, elbowed me in the ribs and said, "hey Pittsburgh Steve, you're 6 feet tall and ya play like you're 5 feet tall. Game doesn't work that way!" And then he was off. But it was a lasting memory and sage soccer advice.
Andy Woolley
- 1986-1987 -
dipsoccer@comcast.net
PSU SOCCER MEMORY:
As an immature, cocky
incoming transfer from Indiana matching up with Coach Bahr was certainly what
was needed. Although his lessons didn't take root until years later, they
remain a guide as we raise our children to focus on what is really important.
I will always remember these words and use them with my teams, "Andy, there are
two or three players on every team that need to have the ball as often as
possible...you are not one of them."
George Megaloudis -
1982-1986 -
noufri@aol.com
PSU SOCCER MEMORY: As a midfielder, He expected me to play defense
Jean-Claude (JC) Brunache
- 1974-1977 -
jcbrunache2000@yahoo.com
PSU SOCCER MEMORY: As a legend in my own small freshman mind I was taken back at the lack of playing minutes in the first couple of games. After a lot of rehearsals in the mirror, I worked up the courage to asked Coach Bahr for guidance. I walked in and he pointed to the chair. He removed his hat and stroked his head and asked, "What's on your mind?"
With all the courage I could muster, I asked, "What do I need to do to get more playing time?"
You can tell he's been asked this question before and he was ready with a response, "John, David Reice is a senior and he's better than you. He can help the team win today and you'll help us win tomorrow. His bluntness was concise and comforting. Only Coach can say get lost and you thank him for it and actually mean it."
Jim Sheppard -
1976-1977 -
jsheppard@palisades.com
PSU SOCCER MEMORY:
Coach telling us the "tuft" of hair was really a "soccer player thing",
something all "good" soccer players get.
Sitting with Coach in the balcony of
Rec. Hall watching a national women's basketball tournament. Coach never just
watches, he studies. He got into a thing about rhythm and sports, similarities
between basketball and soccer, differences between males and females. He was
all over the map, and he pulled it all together, applied it to soccer, and made
it sound simple and obvious. Progressive and ahead of his time. "Apply what
you know to what you don't". Simple, right?
The quotes I find myself using: Coach, "the
cream always rises to the top", and Mrs. Bahr, "be like a duck, cool and calm
above the water, and paddle like hell underneath".
Thanks for everything Coach, it's
really impossible to put into words what you put inside our hearts.
Greg Oldfield - 1998-2001 - odpsu21@aol.com
Mohsen Tarassoly - 1974-1975 - tarassoly@comcast.net
Tom Kehan
-
1969-1973 -
thomas.kehan@siemens.com
PSU SOCCER MEMORY: He Married Miss Shroon Lake.
Leo Bodossian -
1975-1977 -
hartbodo@aol.com
PSU SOCCER MEMORY:
When I was first recruited by coach Bahr - I remember
him telling me about how many Armenian people he knew and how they were all very
smart successful business people.
At age 18 - I was the
smartest kid in the world and knew everything, so I decided to quit PSU soccer
team/PSU university (forgo a four year scholarship) go and try to make the
professional ranks on my own. All I wanted to do was play professional soccer.
So, in Coach Bahr's office, I was so smart and stubborn and paid no attention to
coach Bahr's advice, "so you are dropping out" and I said no coach "I am
quitting" and coach Bahr said "you are dropping out" and again I said "no I am
quitting" and coach Bahr then said "you are the dumbest Armenian I every met".
I just want to say coach
Bahr "YOU WERE RIGHT" and it is finally great to get this off my chest "YOU WERE
RIGHT". It is not that I did not appreciate the value of the scholarship and it
is not that I missed the opportunity to have a PSU education - it is a fact that
what I regret the most is not having the opportunity to spend two more years
with coach Bahr.
"IF EVER I HAVE THE CHANCE
TO DO IT AGAIN - I WOULD DO THE SAME THING"
Most people get old and
wiser - I have just gotten older.
Tim Dantzig
-
1973-1975 -
hdantziglaw@tradenet.net
PSU SOCCER MEMORY:
He taught me that soccer had a
certain rhythm, change of pace, discipline, and, if played properly, was an art
form. He never said art form but that is what he taught and I am grateful
for his teachings and the experiences of being on his team. I'm also
grateful for his cigars which I now enjoy!! I remember his gracious
carting me to and from my apartment in his VW Bug and our mutual complaints
about Willie "The Phillie" Montanez and the eternal hopes and best wishes for
the Phillies.
Dave Schmidt
-
1974-1976 -
david.schmidt@dupontelastomers.com
PSU SOCCER MEMORY:
One day at practice we were
doing some one touch shooting drills. From about 40 yards out a player would
dribble down the one wing almost to the touch line, cross the ball all the way
across the goal mouth to just outside the 18 yard box and an oncoming player
would, in stride, strike the ball first time on goal - past the diving keeper.
Yea sure. Going through the drill one time I just crushed the ball , I mean a
rocket to the upper right corner of the goal - I mean a "Chris Bahr" kind of
shot. The kind of shot that as a second string defensive "sweeper" you dream
about hitting and hope no one ever hits on you. As I jogged behind the goal to
collect balls and get back in line I hear Walter asking - Who just hit that
shot? Who just hit that shot?" A few guys pointed to me and I confirmed. He
said "No way!", "Uh huh." I replied. So he stops the drill makes me line up and
do it again - this time with everyone watching. Of course you know the result
this time - right. He said something like "I thought so." I was a little
embarrassed the second time, but it didn't matter. I beamed for at least the
next couple days knowing - I did hit a "beauty" and he saw it. There is one
thing about Walter that I know - he knows talent. Sometimes it's tough on a kid
that has had success in high school, get to college, and realize he just doesn't
quite "have it" to play all the time. Walter was always looking to see if you
had it in you. He'd give you a chance to show what you've got. That's fair
enough - and more than many would do.
John Pascarella
- 1984-1988 -
jlispas@aol.com
Angela Carlson
- Trainer -
carang76@yahoo.com
PSU SOCCER MEMORY:
Too many to cite just
one...although I do remember him always telling me that I was old and to be
careful and not get hurt.
Mike Giampapa
- 1974-1975 -
wecoachg@aol.com
Troy Snyder - 1984-1986 - heatherandtroy@comcast.net
Malik Kermouche -
197?-198? -
mkermouche@aol.com
Dilwyn Knott
- 1980-1984 -
knottdj@erdmananthony.com
PSU SOCCER MEMORY:
I arrived at Penn State with no
speed, a weak shot and marginal skills, thinking that these were marketable
attributes. Of course they weren't, but Coach Bahr saw something worth
nurturing. When I left 4 years later, I was still slow, still couldn't
shoot, and had progressed to mediocre skills. But he had given me a unique
opportunity to study the game I love, and most importantly to study life from
one of the wisest men on the planet. He was always fond of saying "If all
I teach you here is soccer, then I'm stealing your money". Well, he didn't
take my money. I got every penny's worth and more. When asked to evaluate
my talent on the soccer field, Coach Bahr commented "Delwyn's got a great sense
of humor!" Thanks, Coach!
Dave Zartman
- 1983-1987 -
dzartman@sheffieldfurniture.com
PSU SOCCER MEMORY:
Troy Snyder and I were rooming on a road
trip. We had just got to our room and Troy was having a little trouble getting
his sweat pants off. He was on his back w/ with his legs up over his head and
his bare butt straight up in the air. Just then coach opens our door, only to
see Snyder in all his glory. Coach just shook his head in disbelief, "Snyder
what are you doing?" and closed the door. He looked at Troy & I very strangely
for the rest of the year!
Janet Buthe - jmbuthe@comcast.net
Meg Yoder - 1974-1975 - yoderm@pfizer.com
Bill Collins - 1979-1981 - yorkunited@adelphia.net
PSU SOCCER MEMORY:
I've always admired several character
traits that Coach consistently demonstrated to us, and now try to use them as I
coach young men...integrity, honesty, candor, focused discipline and great work
ethic.
His phrase, "You're never staying the same...you're either getting better or
falling behind."
A phrase during practices usually spoken to Danny Canter, Greg Dennis, or Kevin
Scott...."PROFESSIONAL!"
It has always been a privilege and an honor to know and have played for Coach
Walter Bahr!!
Bob Langton - 1978-1980 - mblangton@msn.com
PSU SOCCER MEMORY: When I was a senior in high school Coach invited me to practice with the team at Rec Hall. Before he put me in he told me I had to play the same way I’ve always played but that I had to do everything quicker. After about five minutes I thought I was going to lose my lunch and my head was going to explode. Not only did I have to do everything quicker but I had to think about what I was doing. I realized at that point that I had to do a lot more thinking than I had done in the past. I learned more from Coach (and Ditchfield) in my first year at Penn State then I had in all the previous years I played.
Nigel Sparks
- 1989-1993 -
nsparks1@tampabay.rr.com
PSU SOCCER MEMORY:
I remember him telling some dribble happy
freshman crying over a tackle (no names) in one of my first practices when I was
a freshman....."Pass the ball son and you wont get kicked." From that moment I
knew he was the man!
Steve Thomas
- 1989-1993 -
steve.thomas@aamyers.com
PSU SOCCER MEMORY:
Unlike most of the people on this list, I
wasn't lucky enough to play for Coach Bahr. I was able to play with a lot of
guys who were fortunate enough to play for Coach so I heard plenty of stories
and memories. One thing sticks in my mind the most when I was at Penn State
playing. At every home game, Coach Bahr was watching from the top corner of the
far side bleachers and all I wanted to do was play hard for him and all his
great players that made Penn State soccer what it is today.
Jeff Heimer - 1974-1977 -
jlh856@yahoo.com
Austin Penacale -
1975-1977 -
APenecale@comcast.net
PSU SOCCER MEMORY:
Coach Bahr was the biggest influence in my decision to stay in
school and get my degree, and I thank him for that.
Matt Rhodes -
1975-1978 -
fmrhodes@cox.net
PSU SOCCER MEMORY:
Mr. Bahr exemplified the Penn State philosophy of running an
athletic program that was part of a learning environment. I remember him as a
teacher and an example of how to conduct yourself as much as a coach of the game
of soccer.
We were playing in the 1977 (I believe) NCAA tournament against Philadelphia
Textile. The game was at Philadelphia Textile in downtown Philadelphia played
at a field that was not an enclosed stadium but more the feel of a "neighborhood
field" ... in not so great a neighborhood. It was a contentious and physical
game from the start. During the second half there was a 50/50 ball that Matt
Bahr went for against a Textile player. Both players kicked at the ball but
the collision was accompanied by a sickening "snap". Matt came out clean but
the Textile player went down grabbing at his lower leg as his white calf sock
went quickly crimson red. Obvious to everyone at the game, he had just suffered
a compound fracture of the lower leg.
After a time to get the player tended to and off the field, play resumed but now the atmosphere and play took on an air of danger. The game ended with a win for Textile but there was no sense of celebration anywhere on the field. In the locker room after showers, Mr. Bahr gathered the team and told them to stay together and walk straight to the bus and get on. We walked out of the locker room and there, at the edge of the parking lot, was a group from the neighborhood, including the brother of the player who went down. I don’t remember any police or security to speak of and so Mr. Bahr made sure his instruction were being followed and got the team moving onto the bus. But Mr. Bahr knew someone had to confront the boys from the neighborhood before they got close to the team. Off he goes, right toward the group as it starts moving toward the bus. I remember thinking, "that crazy old man's about to get himself killed". (Please forgive the "crazy" and "old" comments; my concepts of both have evolved significantly since then). I'm not sure what was said but Mr. Bahr did keep the situation from going any farther. You can be sure that from then on I had a very different understanding when Mr. Bahr told us to be fearless.
I'll share a second memory that's a little about Mr. Bahr but more about Eddie Barreiro. We were toward the end of a fall practice at Jeffrey on one of those perfect cool Pennsylvania late afternoons just before the sun goes down. Practice was ending as it often did with a scrimmage; mostly starters playing mostly second string. Eddie and I were playing together on second string (go figure). Eddie's playing stopper and at one point he controls the ball at about the "D" with forwards closing in. At this point, Eddie gets to thinking he’s Georgie Best and he “deeks” one forward, and a second, and begins to pass off square about 30 yards out, goal center. Whistle blows, play stops and Mr. Bahr calls out in that characteristic voice “… E-e-e-d-i-e, what in the world do you think you’re doing!?”. Eddie looks up with a hurt expression on his face and retorts, “I don’t know coach but I thought it looked REALLY good …”. Mr. Bahr may be fearless but at that point, he was certainly speechless. After a long pause, probably as Mr. Bahr considered Eddie’s future with the game, Mr. Bahr whistles play to continue. And that practice continued, and we had a little more time playing the beautiful game on that most beautiful and memorable field.
Mark Scott - 1974-1975 -
mark.scott@wavmax.com
Scott Matlack - 1972-1974 -
scott.matlack@philips.com
Kerry Marsden - 1975
-1977 -
krmarsden@urbanengineers.com
Dan Murphy -
1979-1982 -
dmurphy@fcgov.com
PSU SOCCER MEMORY:
The squares behind Jeffery, winning the
nutmeg competition in practice/game, the gator party at the Beta House after
Indiana game, the Indiana pre-game speech by Walt, the Final Four, the Home away
from Home surrounded by ladies & living with the Boys, a graduation beer with
Walt and Billy Mac in the back parking lot of the apartment, singing Penn State
Boyz we are....Time flies! Telling my 3 kids about my Penn State times....Never
Forget!
Emil Kopilovich -
1971-1974 -
emil.kopilovich@paccoast.com
Steve Frantz
- 1986-1989 -
sfrantz@carolina.rr.com
PSU SOCCER MEMORY:
I always remember the way Coach Bahr handled himself at practice,
games and in public. He always had a presence which I admired.
Also the first week of practice coach couldn't remember my last name during a
group meeting. Next thing you know he calls me Fritz, and that became my name
all through my time at PSU.
John Gatti
- 1972-1974 -
jbgatti@yahoo.com
or
jgatti@barnesfoundation.org
PSU SOCCER MEMORY:
I remember him as a
great, outstanding coach and all-around guy. I look forward to seeing him
and all of my team mates again.
Alan Galow -
1979-1983 -
alan_galow@Merck.com
Marv Blumenthal - XKE69@Adelphia.net
Dave Reice
- 1971-1975
PSU SOCCER MEMORY:
I remember being down in the basement of the Hub playing pin-ball and the game
bus left without me. I found a way to get there just the same. Randee's wife
Monica might have even driven me. Walt wasn't real happy.
Rich Reice
- 1974-1977 -
richinsoccer@aol.com
PSU SOCCER MEMORY:
"Richie,
if I had a gun, I'd shoot you!" I would like to thank Coach Bahr and all
his support in my 12 years of higher education- it took me awhile, but I finally
passed!
Steve Morrell
-
1986-1990 -
smorell@shellvacationsllc.com
Eduardo Nunez
- 1973-1974 -
soupstar@msn.com
PSU SOCCER MEMORY:
I must have made a great impression on
Coach Bahr even though I only played for him for one year because he called my
brother Ric, "Eddie" for the next three years. Thanks to Coach Bahr for teaching
me the importance of hard work.
Bobby Christina
-
1983-1985 -
christr@gcsnc.com
Brent Jacquette
-
1999-2003 -
bjacquette@hotmail.com
Nancy Medico - 1973-1976 - pablue@aol.com
Bret Forbrich - 1999-2002 - brettwforbrich@aol.com
Thom Morgan - 1977-1979 - nagrommoth@yahoo.com
David Neves
- 1999-2001 -
davidneves7@yahoo.com
Matt Chase
- 1977-1979 -
chasem@ptd.net
PSU SOCCER MEMORY:
When anyone with a
particularly hard shot would blast one in the general vicinity of the goal (with
such specific coordinates as "South") but missed horribly high, coach would
shout "McCLANAHAN'S!!!" Of course this never happened to me. Once,
Jimmy's shot was reportedly found PAST McClanahan's, in the parking lot of Magic
Market, the over-priced convenience store we called "Tragic Mark-up."
Randy Garber
- 1973-1974 -
rowdie8@aol.com
PSU SOCCER MEMORY:
I returned to PSU after playing with the
Rowdies, and coached alongside Walt.
I was never recruited to play soccer at PSU, my wife, Monica went on a full ride
given to her by Herb Schmidt...I was just part of the sign-on package. Herb and
Tootie have provided me with guidance and inspiration throughout my life. I owe
them a huge thanks, and they will always be a very important part of my life.
I would never shower next to Ciro Baldino.
I was always protected by John Marsden's 'untouchables.'
Tick and Tootie got me through school.
Thanks to Tim Unger for taking my loved one's under his wing.
Go Lions!
Jim Adams
- 1974-1975 -
hloomis@geisinger.edu
Dominic Emanuele - 1973-1976 - daeortho@verizon.net
Angelo Nickas
- 1978-1981 -
alnickas@optonline.com
Michael Coll
- 1993-1996 -
mtc120@psu.edu
Ed Barreiro -
1975-1978 -
ed.barreiro@earthlink.net
Bob Ehrlich -
1975-1978 -
hklusa@aol.com
PSU SOCCER MEMORY: Coach Bahr used to make me play both sides of midfield during games, even though I wasn't that good with my left foot. Turns out that it was always the side he was coaching from. He said he did it because he wanted to be able to coach me up close during games. I'm still not sure how take it...
With many thanks to:
Questions, comments, ideas or suggestions?
Please feel free to e-mail to hklusa@aol.com