IVYLAND – Ray Coleman has never looked for personal recognition, but the long-time executive secretary of the Suburban One League found himself on the receiving end of some much-deserved recognition at the annual banquet of the Suburban Philadelphia Soccer Officials Association on Thursday night at Spring Mill Manor.
A scholarship in Coleman’s honor has been established by the association. The Ray Coleman Award will be given annually to a male and female scholar-athlete, recognizing their dedication, achievement, love of the game and involvement in community service.
North Penn’s Gabrielle Pakhtigian and Central Bucks West’s Matt Danilo were the first recipients of the award last spring, and on Thursday night, Coleman was recognized by Tony DiMatteo, president of the Suburban Philadelphia Soccer Officials Association.
“He’s dedicated his life to the kids of this area,” DiMatteo said. “He was one of the first officials in the area. He was the athletic director at Abington for years, and he served on the District One soccer committee. He has served as secretary of the Suburban One League for 61 years.
“We wanted to name the award after someone who was dedicated to officiating and administration, and we couldn’t think of a better person to name this award after than Ray Coleman.”
Coleman served as District One PIAA soccer chairperson for close to 10 years. After retiring from Abington in 1986, he remained on the District One Steering Committee and assigned officials for the playoffs.
Still, he admits he was shocked when he heard the news that the scholarship would be named in his honor.“I don’t think I have ever been anything special,” he said. “If I ever achieved anything, it’s because of the people I have been associated with.
“Most of my coaches were role models, and they did an outstanding job. I can honestly say I wouldn’t trade my life for anything. I love it. I was so fortunate that I was able to go to Abington. I never understood how I became the athletic director. I was 25 years old, and most of the coaches were old enough to be my father. It was the most wonderful gift I could have ever received.”
Coleman is beginning his 24th year as executive secretary of the Suburban One League.
Also recognized by the officials association was former Souderton girls’ soccer coach Terry Underkoffler, who has relocated to Maryland since retiring last spring. Underkoffler was on the sidelines for over 30 years, working with the ODP program as well as numerous high school programs.
“I have been really lucky,” Underkoffler said. “I tell the players – you won’t remember your exact wins and losses, you won’t remember all the games you played in, but you are going to remember the people you played with who touched your life.
“I remember the coaches, the players and the referees as well. It was a special time.”
Tim Shaw paid tribute to Frank Pisch, who passed away this past year. Pisch was the assigner for the Suburban Philadelphia Soccer Officials Association for the past 18 years and a referee in the chapter for the past 20 years. He also served as the District One Rules Interpreter.
“More than an assigner and referee, Frank was a man of great character and dedication to all that he cared about,” Shaw said. “He loved his family, his work and the game of soccer.
“I considered myself very fortunate to have the experience of knowing Frank and not just working with him. There are so many words that come to my mind when I think of Frank – caring, dedicated, kind, professional. He was very subtle in his ways. When I remember Frank, I’ll always remember the way he balanced all of us together. He was just a good guy.”
Sue Wilson was the recipient of the Dave Spencer/Frank Pisch Excellence in Officiating Award.
Sportsmanship awards were presented to the Bensalem boys’ varsity, Pennridge boys’ junior varsity, Norristown girls’ varsity and Milford Middle School (Quakertown).
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