Springfield MO Soccer

Folks, the weather this weekend may not have Duane frolicking about as in this photo from State Cup in 2006 but if you’ve spent anytime at all at Lake Country Soccer, you’re familiar enough with this gentleman to recognize him regardless of the weather. And now the recognition is Statewide, as Duane was recognized at the Missouri Youth Soccer Association Annual General meeting in late February as the Volunteer of the Year for our Southern District.

Duane has been in Springfield for over 18 years, working for Missouri State University as a Professor of CIS in the College of Business Administration. His daughter, now 24, played soccer and was the reason he first came out. His son Dallas, a member of the Springfield SC U13 Red team, is one of the biggest soccer junkies I know. But it’s his own love for the game that keeps him as involved as he is. A highlight for him was being in France in 1998, and watching the Champs-Élysées completely fill with folks within 15 minutes of France winning the World Cup that year. After participating in more than a few Bulls title celebrations in Chicago, I can only imagine what it might have been like. We are fortunate that he chooses to channel that passion back into the game via his volunteer efforts.

He will work this weekend’s GSASC Tournament as a Field Marshall and he was knee deep in schedules and booklets with Sandy and Katie Friday afternoon when I stopped by. It’s a role he plays at all of the tournaments, for 15 years now, including the two recent State Cups and the two Region II Tournaments that have been hosted in Springfield. He also assists with the ODP Regional Camps that have been started in the region and he continues his efforts as a Coach for Pershing Middle School, where Dallas is a sixth grader. Shake his hand and say thank you to him, and all the volunteers this weekend, while you enjoy the fruits of their labors at Lake Country Soccer.