Forty alumni turned out at Pettine Sports Complex Saturday night for what will be an annual Central Bucks West Boys’ Soccer Alumni Game. The article below is sponsored by Central Bucks West Boys’ Soccer. (Photos provided courtesy of CB West boys’ soccer.) To view photos of the event, please click on the following link: https://photos.google.com/share/AF1QipOrRMUGERTeuvdv-AlRwNbgHwV0dr28pR_1maxfzz9sJvzEYXU_fZjAt50n364Nag?key=VGgxemFuT2RwLTVfaTk3LVB5RWkzaXFLUC1LWlpn
Stefan Szygiel – himself a graduate of Central Bucks West – understands what it means to be a ‘West Kid,’ and it’s hardly a surprise that the West boys’ soccer coach has made that sense of pride and loyalty that goes with the territory when you’re a ‘West Kid’ a point of emphasis for his players.
When Szygiel began planning an alumni soccer game, the ‘West Kids’ responded with exactly the kind of enthusiasm he would have expected. Forty alumni showed up at Pettine Sports Complex to take part in a spirited game that saw Matt Smith (Class of ‘97) score the final goal of the game, converting a penalty kick against his son – All-Region GK Dylan Smith (Class of ‘19).
Mike Moyer (’93) and Jeremy Philo (’94) served as captains and chose the teams. The duo scored 20-plus goals each during the same season, the last time two West players accomplished that feat in the same season.
“It was a lot of fun,” Szygiel said. “Turnout-wise it was great. The biggest thing I took away from the whole event was – what we’re doing, the past two years in particular, has definitely coincided with us winning a bit more, and that’s fine.
“That, to me, is not the ultimate definition of a high school athletic program. It’s supposed to be a culture that is a lifelong thing and connection, and that’s what I think everyone felt. Fresh off the first District Title in school history we see it as another stop along the journey to hopefully someday winning a State Title. We’re doing everything to be on that path, but it’s more about creating a lifelong culture which I think we’re doing.”
West girls’ coach Mike Moyer - the only West boys’ soccer player in the school’s Hall of Fame and all-time leader in goals with 70 – was the middle of three generations represented in Saturday’s game. His father, Rick Moyer, took the opening tap, and his son Bailey, a key member of last fall’s SOL Continental and District 1 4A championship squad, was a referee.
CB West Boys Soccer Head Coach History
Stan MacFarlane: 1960 – 1993
Chris Freudig: 1994 – 1995
Don Brady: 1996 – 2003
Brian Kammersgaard: 2004 – 2006
Steve Detweiler: 2007 – 2012
Stefan Szygiel: 2013 – Current
Only six Head Coaches in six decades speaks to the strength of the Doylestown and CB West Community. It’s a place where players want to play and coaches want to coach. Freudig, Detweiler and Szygiel are all former CB West Boys Soccer Alumni who returned to the program as Head Coaches.
“When I returned to the program in 2013 I was amazed at the work Steve Detweiler had done in his six years at the helm,” Szygiel said. “The program was super organized behind the scenes, which allowed me to focus on continuing to build the ‘West Kid’ culture.”
“Playing for Coach Meo and Coach Detweiler made me want to return even more to the program to carry on what they instilled in me as a former player.”
Szgyiel recognized and thanked the 2019 Alumni Game Sponsors:
-Villa Capri Sports Bar & Pizzeria
-Paul B. Moyer and Sons, Inc.
-Total Cryo
-Academy Sports Performance
-Roman and Sons Windows & Doors
They said:
"Back when I played in 1959, we didn't have any jerseys. We all just wore regular T-shirts. The fields were also a huge difference. I didn't even play anywhere close to this level or type of turf in college. These guys are so lucky to have a coaching staff that can arrange this type of event and carry on the tradition of CB West Boys Soccer."
-Joe Bingler, Class of 1961
"Playing with this caliber of young and middle age players was fantastic. And the former ‘Cow Pasture’(now known as the Pettine Sports Complex) was beyond belief. Taking the opening tap to my son (Mike Moyer, Class of 1993) and watching him blast it into the back of the net in the first five seconds took me back to our backyard over 33 years ago. Thank you to the coaches and players and I hope to be in better shape for next year!"
-Rick Moyer, Class of 1969
"Thank you for a wonderful event. I had a great time and even played a little (enough to say I did). It was great to connect with so many proud fellow CB West Boys Soccer Alums, and even though I'm one of the old guys, the rest of the guys made me feel right at home."
-Dan Mullin, Class of 1974
"From a father/son perspective, I hope that Michael has learned that he has made lifelong friends and memories while playing soccer at West. Working together with a group of guys and accomplishing what they did is something they should all be very proud of. I know his parents are! I am always in his corner and now we are on the same team-West Alumni!"
-John Redfield, Class of 1983
“As a past player and coach of CB West Boys Soccer, it is extremely easy for me to speak about the deep connections with the boys program. But what is not obvious would be the ever-growing social connection that looms strong. Coach Stefan has continued to develop not only a top notch District 1 program on the field, but also remains committed to creating a tight social environment that is both warm and inviting for past players, parents and even community members. Villa Capri has become the traditional ‘social clubhouse’ for both local and international soccer events and viewing parties, graciously hosted by Matt Mannino and his ‘team.’ I am proud to continue to be a part of this great program and look forward to many more years of outstanding soccer events both on and off the field. Go Bucks.“
-J.R. Meo, Class of 1989
"To grow up watching CB West Boys Soccer as a young player, to then go on and play four years for the program and now to get to watch my son go through the program is the reason it's so important to have these Alumni Games. To have my dad tapping the ball off to start the game with my son as the referee is something I will never forget. Three generations of Moyers all on the field at the same time is what this day is all about."
-Mike Moyer, Class of 1993
"A great night on so many levels; a chance for the old guys to reconnect and be recognized by the new generations of players and fans that never saw them play. A chance for the newer alumni to ‘join the club’ and truly realize what their hard work and commitment has brought them. Also, a great night for Doylestown and why West Alumni have such strong and lasting pride; at CB West, you play for a school and a town."
-Jeremy Philo, Class of 1994
"This was an amazing event, especially since it was the first formal CB West Boys Soccer Alumni Game in a long time. Being a former CB West player and Head Coach, it is truly inspiring to see that the passion for the sport continue to grow at West. This type of event epitomizes the sense of community that high school sports should have."
-Steve Detweiler, Class of 1997 and CB West Boys Soccer Head Coach from 2007-2012
“It was truly an honor to share the field with so many “West Kids” across six decades. CB West Boys Soccer is 
defined by its culture and hopefully it leaves a lifelong impression for the boys. If we continue to build it with that in mind, the results will come along the way. We want West Kids coming back after they graduate, feeling like they never missed a beat and that we continue to carry on what they’ve left behind over the past 60 years. It was also amazing to see so many families, fans and supporters attend the game at the new Pettine Sports Complex and watch Grandfathers, Fathers, and Sons share the field. That sense of belonging and togetherness is why families either stay or return to the Doylestown Community and CB West.”
-Stefan Szygiel, Class of 2003 and Head Coach 2013-Current
“It was an incredible time with six decades of ‘West Kids’ represented. The game was an awesome experience and will certainly be remembered by all who participated and attended. The group ended the night at Villa Capri enhancing stories, memorabilia, and of course watching soccer as the Union came back from two goals down to win 3-2. Although everyone had a high school experience that was unique to them, this night proves that we truly did it all together one generation after another.”
-Dylan Smith, Class of 2019 and All-Region GK
(Photo ID, from left, Joe Bingler ‘61, Rick Moyer ‘69, Dan Mullin ‘74)
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